Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the raisins and let them simmer for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
5. Fold in the raisins and pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. While the cake is baking, make the chocolate ganache. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream together until smooth.
7. Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled cake and let it set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 375
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 260mg
Sugar: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Raisins can be substituted with dried cranberries or cherries.
- Semisweet chocolate chips can be substituted with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added texture.
- Use white chocolate ganache instead of semisweet chocolate ganache for a sweeter flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a spiced twist.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to grease the cake pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Let the cake cool completely before pouring the chocolate ganache over it to prevent the ganache from melting.
- To make the cake more moist, brush it with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water before adding the chocolate ganache.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat the cake, place it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the cake on a cake stand and dust it with powdered sugar for a simple presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish the cake with fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Pair the cake with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delicious dessert.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, try adding an extra 1/4 cup of milk to the batter.
- If the cake is too dense, try sifting the dry ingredients before adding them to the batter.
Food Safety Advice:
Be sure to wash your hands and all cooking utensils before preparing the cake to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Food History:
Chocolate-covered raisins have been a popular candy since the early 1900s. This cake recipe combines the classic flavors of chocolate and raisins in a delicious dessert.
Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor from the raisins, which is balanced by the richness of the chocolate ganache.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the cake as a dessert after a family dinner or bring it to a potluck or holiday gathering.
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