When I woke up on Wednesday morning it seemed a lot brighter than usual. I looked outside the window and saw everything covered in snow. Since snow falls only 3-4 times a year in greater Vancouver, it gives the best feeling in the world (provided if I don’t have to drive). My husband left home early that day to clear snow from the sidewalk and front of his work place. Fortunately, I had the opportunity of staying home and had few hours all to myself before picking up my daughter in the afternoon. I decided to spend some time on the internet, bake and relax in the hot tub after.
It was 10:AM when the aquarium people called that my daughter does not have to come that day as it was getting pretty ugly on the roads. My daughter volunteers at Vancouver aquarium right after school and on a normal day it takes 40-50 minutes to drive her there. Snow in greater Vancouver area is nothing as compared to up North. However, even a small amount causes traffic and other problems. Flights were delayed that day, some college campuses and schools were closed, UBC cancelled all exams scheduled for noon. Since most people are like me who do not prefer to leave home on a snow day, reschedule all their non necessary appointments.
My husband called that he was not busy and will pick up our daughter from the school. It was a big relief that I did not have to drive in snow at all. I texted my daughter about both the phone calls and with in few minutes she texted me back, ” If you have any plans for baking then do it with chocolate”. She knew that when there is heavy rain or snow and total quiet in the house, I enjoy spending time in the kitchen. While I was still collecting my thoughts, what to bake with what ever I have on hand, my daughter again texted and solved my problem.
I made this fuss free chocolate truffle cake using dark chocolate and cocoa, since that’s what I had. The cake was simply dusted with powdered sugar thinking of the glorious white stuff falling that day.
The cake was moist, fully loaded with chocolate with a yummy taste. However, if we go by the look there was one problem. I used one size bigger spring form pan than what was specified in the recipe. It affected its depth and texture giving a dense and thin cake which might have been a good option for layering and frosting but not for a single layer cake. Nevertheless, the cake itself was tasty, simple and wonderful alongside whipped cream and cherries.
CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE CAKE
source: Just like my mother used to bake
Ingredients:
- 8 oz bittersweet chocolate
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa, sifted
- 4 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup icing sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 2/3 cup heavy cream, lightly whipped
To serve
- lightly whipped cream
- cherries, fresh or preserved
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease an 8″ spring form pan and lined with parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water( don’t let the water touch the pan). When just melted, remove from the heat and stir in the cocoa. Mix well and let cool until lukewarm.
- Using an electric hand mixer, whisk the eggs, sugar, and cornstarch until pale and doubled in volume. Using a large metal spoon, fold in the cooled chocolate, then the cream.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and run a sharp knife around the edge of the pan. Let cool in the pan (the cake will sink in the middle, mine did not,may be because of the wrong size pan).
- Remove the cake from pan and dust with icing sugar. Cut into slices and serve with whipped cream and cherries.
Blackswan
Balvinder, wish I’m there to enjoy the snowy winter with u. I know it can be bitter cold, but it’s a nice change from the hot weather in a tropical country. Here’s wishing u a Merry X’mas & all the best for the coming 2013! With love from S’pore!
Balvinder
Shirley, snow is not much in Vancouver but when it does we get loads and everything stops. This time it was only for two days but is expected more. The weather here is beautiful and you will enjoy every season if you are OK with rain. Happy holidays to you!
Claudia
This is the perfect “snow day cake!” Love how rich it is – so comforting for this time of year. I don’t drive on snow days and I live in Minnesota! But I remember years of white-knuckled-driving. I should move to Vancouver! Happy Holiday Season!
Balvinder
Vancouver is a paradise and at its best in all seasons. You should consider moving or at least visit. Warmest holiday wishes to you!
Liz
There would be no complaints if I made this cake! It looks wonderful!!!
Jasline (Foodie Baker)
Hi Balvinder! The cake looks delicious. It seems you are having a really white Christmas this year! Merry Christmas to you and your family, happy holidays!
Balvinder
There are chances of having but the odds are against having white Christmas in Vancouver. Thankyou and happy holidays to you!
anne
Bal , it’s 11°C in this side of the world , yeah , not that cold compare to your side ! 😀 Your truffle cake looks fantastic ! I would like a slice or three to go with my hot milky coffee here ! lol Keep safe , keep warm and Happy Holidays !!!
Balvinder
Any My dear, Enjoy light cold weather and Christmas at your place. I am making the same cake today, so you can come and enjoy it with milky coffee 🙂
Liz
Oh that does sound lovely! i have to say I did enjoy the occasional bit of snow when I lived in London. Although similar to Vancover it did tend to bring the entire city to a standstill because they don’t really get it often enough to really be equipped for it.
Balvinder
Yes, here it is the same situation as in London, The city makes effort to remove snow but they are not properly equipped to clear every area snow. People clean their front but the side roads, alleys, parking lots and streets connecting to roads have snow which makes walking and driving difficult. Sadly or Thankfully the snow is melting and life will come again to normal.
cooking varieties
hi balvinder, very pretty and delicious looking cake and the setting is beautiful too.
tempting me to try bake this chocolate truffle cake, what more choc is my favorite/
happy holidays. enjoy the snow. bookmarked a with thanks.
Balvinder
Thank you Wan!
Angie@Angie's Recipes
A spectacular chocolate cake! Perfect for the X’mas dessert table.
Happy Holidays!
Balvinder
Thank you and happy holidays to you!
Amelia
Hi Balvinder, your chocolate truffles cake look very delectable and awesome. Love the last picture that you took outdoor. I want to enjoy the snowy weather with you and enjoy a big slice of this cake. Oh.. don’t forget a cup of hot coffee, please! LOL
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Happy holiday & warm regards.
Balvinder
Hey you! I am waiting, come we’ll both enjoy the cake in snow with milky coffee. It would be hot, I promise. because I like it hot. When I order my coffee in cafe house, I make sure they make it super hot. If they cannot make it then I tell them to heat in microwave for another 45 sec.
Happy and warm wishes from me to you and your family!
yummychunklet
How decadent! Merry Christmas!
Carolyn Jung
I love how the powdered sugar-dusted cake parallels your wintery snow-dusted day. Nothing like having the whole family home to indulge in something so wonderfully rich as this. Happy holidays!
Ambreen (Simply Sweet 'n Savory)
Oh dear! How beautiful that looks with a light dusting of icing sugar! Divine & heavenly cake! Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
Cucina49
What a lovely cake! I hope you are enjoying the snow–it’s not rare in these parts, but I’m still thrilled when I wake up and we’ve had a fresh snowfall.
Jennifer Eloff
That sounds like the perfect chocolatey cake. I wish I could eat that much chocolate without fear of migraines. You are blessed! I LOVE chocolate! ~ Jennifer
Happy New Year – may it be a wonderful year for you. 🙂 (((HUGS)))