Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
Special equipment needed:
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer
- Piping bag with a round tip
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined.
4. Gradually add the hot water to the batter, mixing until smooth.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans.
8. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth.
9. In another mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
10. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined.
11. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the mascarpone filling evenly over the top.
12. Place the second cake layer on top of the filling.
13. Pipe any remaining filling onto the top of the cake for decoration.
14. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
This recipe serves 12 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 482
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 398mg
Potassium: 196mg
Carbohydrates: 59g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 42g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of buttermilk, you can use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice added to it.
- Instead of mascarpone cheese, you can use cream cheese.
- Instead of heavy cream, you can use whipped topping.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cake batter for added texture.
- Use different flavors of extract, such as almond or peppermint, in the filling.
- Add a layer of fresh berries or fruit preserves between the cake layers.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent it from melting.
- Use a serrated knife to level the cake layers before adding the filling.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the filling to set.
Storage instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.
Presentation ideas:
- Dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder or powdered sugar.
- Top the cake with fresh berries or chocolate shavings.
- Pipe additional filling around the edges of the cake for decoration.
Garnishes:
- Fresh berries
- Chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream
Pairings:
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Red wine
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Vanilla ice cream
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake layers are uneven, use a serrated knife to level them before adding the filling.
- If the filling is too runny, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before using it.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to properly store the cake in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
- Use pasteurized eggs to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Food history:
Mascarpone cheese is a soft, creamy cheese that originated in Italy. It is often used in desserts, such as tiramisu and cheesecake.
Flavor profiles:
This cake has a rich chocolate flavor with a creamy, tangy filling.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this cake as a dessert for a special occasion or holiday meal.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Rich, Decadent, Chocolatey, Sweet, Creamy