Best Ever Chocolate Sponge Cake

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Cake flour: 2 cups (250 grams)
2. Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225 grams)
3. Cocoa powder: 1/2 cup (50 grams)
4. Sugar: 1 3/4 cups (350 grams)
5. Eggs: 4 large
6. Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
7. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
8. Milk: 1/2 cup (120 milliliters)
9. Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 45 minutes
• Total: 75 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one by one, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in cocoa powder and vanilla extract.
6. Add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix gently but thoroughly.
7. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9-inch round cake pan.
8. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information: (per serving - assuming the cake is cut into 8 pieces)

• Calories: approximately 450 calories per serving (depending on exact ingredients used)
• Fat: 22 grams
• Carbohydrates: 64 grams
• Protein: 6 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and chocolatey flavor
• Sponge-like texture with a soft and moist interior
• Ideal for chocolate lovers, especially those who appreciate intricate layer cakes with rich cocoa flavorings

User Comments:

1. "The most amazing chocolate cake I've ever made! The texture was perfect." - John Doe
2. "The cocoa flavor was so rich and intense, my family loved it!" - Jane Smith
3. "I followed the recipe to the letter and the outcome was stunning." - Michael Johnson

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Ensure that the eggs are at room temperature for best results.
• Use a good-quality cocoa powder for rich flavor and texture.
• Check the cake after 40 minutes of baking to prevent overcooking; cakes can vary in baking time depending on the oven or altitude.