Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (94g) cake flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp (scant) salt
- 12 large (420g) egg whites, room temperature
- 3 Tbsp water
- 1 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 oz dark chocolate, grated
Chocolate Whipped Cream Topping
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (25g) Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Raspberries or strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Move the oven rack one level down from the center and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Do not grease the non-stick 16-cup angel food cake pan with legs.
- Process Sugar: Pour sugar into a food processor and blitz for about 2 minutes until it becomes very fine.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Transfer half of the processed sugar (3/4 cup) to a mixing bowl. Add cake flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk together and set aside.
- Beat Egg Whites: Place egg whites into a large stand mixer bowl fitted with a whisk attachment, or use an extra large mixing bowl and hand mixer if needed.
- Add Water and Cream of Tartar: Pour water into the egg whites, add cream of tartar, and start mixing on medium-low speed until frothy. Gradually add remaining sugar (3/4 cup), about 1 tablespoon at a time, increasing the mixer speed slowly.
- Form Stiff Peaks: Beat the egg white and sugar mixture on high speed until soft peaks form. Add vanilla extract and continue beating until stiff peaks develop. This takes around 4+ minutes with a stand mixer or 10+ minutes by hand.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift 1/4 cup of the flour mixture over the egg whites at a time, gently folding after each addition until just blended to avoid deflating the batter.
- Fold in Grated Chocolate: Gently fold the grated dark chocolate into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Fill Cake Pan: Carefully pour or spoon the batter into the ungreased angel food cake pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool Cake Upside Down: Remove the cake immediately from the oven and invert the pan, letting the cake cool upside down for 1 hour. Then, run a thin narrow knife around the edges to release the cake from the pan.
- Prepare Chocolate Whipped Cream: In a medium bowl, whip heavy cream with an electric mixer until slightly thickened. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Decorate Cake: Spread or pipe the whipped chocolate cream over the cooled cake or dollop on individual slices. Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberries if desired.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for maximum volume when whipped.
- Do not grease the angel food cake pan to allow the batter to cling as it rises.
- Folding dry ingredients gently preserves the airiness of the batter.
- Cooling the cake upside down prevents it from collapsing and maintains its height and fluffiness.
- Grated dark chocolate adds texture and an extra layer of chocolate flavor inside the cake.
- The topping can be made in advance but is best served fresh.
- Use fresh berries for the best garnish flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat