I am very excited! This week, I cooked my very first cake from scratch! Behold my first cake!
Doesn’t that look delicious? Let me tell you, if you love dark chocolate, this is the recipe for you! It uses two types of chocolate, courtesy of Scharffen Berger – 70% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate and 62% Cacao Semisweet Chocolate.
As part of my first time baking experience, I got to melt down the chocolate by putting it in a bowl over simmering water. This process is absolute torture because the aroma of the Scharffen Berger chocolate wafts up to your nose while it is melting and you keep wanting to dip your finger into the chocolate just to have a taste. Sure, one little bit won’t hurt, but when I started doing my third, fourth, fifth “taste” I knew I had to step away from the stove. Here’s what the Scharffen Berger 70% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate looked like after it was melted.
After about 50 minutes in the oven and another 20 minutes of waiting for the glaze to cool before I spread it onto the cake, I finally got to taste the cake. I was amazed at the rich flavor of the dark chocolate that permeated each and every bite, yet the cake wasn’t too heavy and the flavor wasn’t overwhelming. I think I slightly over-baked it by a couple of minutes and I don’t think I waited long enough before putting the glaze on the cake, but it was still wonderful! It’s only been three days and there is only a corner of the heart left. Since I’m snowed in today, I fully expect the cake to be gone by the end of the day. Enough typing…here’s the recipe for you to create your very own Scharffen Berger Chocolate Heart Cake. You can win all of the tools you need to bake this cake by entering the WCatDD Scharffen Berger Heart Cake Giveaway! (Giveaway info is after the recipe.)
Chocolate Heart-Shaped Cake with Chocolate Glaze
Ingredients:
9.7 ounces SCHARFFEN BERGER 70% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate
18 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 eggs, separated
1 – 2 tablespoons brandy
1/3 cup sugar
½ cup flour
¼ teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
Glaze Ingredients:
6 ounces SCHARFFEN BERGER 62% Cacao Semisweet Chocolate
7 fluid ounces cream
Directions:
1. Grease and line a heart-shaped cake pan or 8-inch round pan with parchment paper.
2. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
3. Break the chocolate into pieces and melt, with butter, in a bowl over simmering water. Stir occasionally until melted. Remove from the heat to cool slightly.
4. Whip the egg yolks, brandy and sugar in an electric mixer until thickened and creamy. Fold in the cooled chocolate mixture. Sift the flour and baking soda over the top of egg yolk mixture until all the flour is combined.
5. In a clean bowl with a clean beater, whisk the egg whites and salt until they form soft peaks. Gently fold into the chocolate mixture until completely combined, being careful to blend until incorporated and no white streaks remain, but not long enough to deflate.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Bake until the cake is just firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the baking pan.
7. To make the glaze, melt the chocolate with the heavy cream in the top of a double boiler over simmering heat. Stir until smooth and melted. Let it cool to room temperature and a soft, spreadable consistency.
8. Turn the cake out of the pan. Cut the heart shape. Lightly spread the glaze over the cake
Recipe courtesy of the Scharrfen Berger – www.scharffenberger.com.
What’s Cooking at DD Scharffen Berger Chocolate Heart Cake Giveaway!
The Prize:
Three winners will receive the Scharffen Berger 9.7oz 70% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate baking bar, 6oz. 62% Cacao Semisweet Chocolate, and a heart shaped baking tin.
To Enter:
Make sure you follow the directions carefully. All giveaway entries should use the ENTRY FORM. You only need to fill out the ENTRY FORM once, unless you decide to additional earn extra entries at a later time. You can earn up to 14 entries into the WCatDD Scharffen Berger Chocolate Heart Cake Giveaway by doing one, some or all of the following:
Ways to Earn Entries:
Make sure you use this ENTRY FORM for your extra entries to count!
- THIS ENTRY IS REQUIRED FOR ALL OTHER ENTRIES TO BE VALID (+1): Visit www.scharffenberger.com and tell me one thing you learned about their chocolate.
- Post this giveaway on your blog (+3)
- Tweet about this giveaway using the “retweet” link at the top of this post or by tweeting “Baking a delicious chocolate heart cake from the heart with the @WCatDD Scharffen Berger Heart Cake Giveaway! http://bit.ly/bLxjez” (+1)
- Subscribe to WCatDD (+1)
- Follow WCatDD on Twitter (+1)
- Fan our WCatDD Facebook Page (+1)
- Follow us on Google Friend Connect (+1)
- Follow us using Network Blogs (+1)
- Add the WCatDD button to Your Site (+2)
- ONE TIME BONUS: Vote for us for the Web’s Top Giveaway Blogs (+2). After voting, don’t forget to comment on this post as well for your chance to win $100 if we win!
The Rules:
Three winners will be selected at random for this prize.
Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST, February 5, 2010.
Visit our Giveaway Rules page for general giveaway rules that also apply to this giveaway.
Disclaimer: This post consists of my (and/or fellow tester) opinions only. Your experiences may be different. No compensation was given for this review/giveaway. I did receive free Scharffen Berger Chocolate and a baking tin from the manufacturer or their representing PR agency to use and test for the purposes of this review. This did not affect the outcome of this review.
I learned that before it was cultivated their chocolate grew wild in central and south America!
I learned that before it was cultivated their chocolate grew wild in central and south America!
I'm an email subscriber!
I tweeted!
I follow you on twitter!
I'm an email subscriber!
I tweeted!
I follow you on twitter!
I'm a facebook fan!
I follow you via google friend connect!
I'm a facebook fan!
I follow you via google friend connect!
I follow you via networked blogs!
I follow you via networked blogs!
This Chocoholic would be thrilled to enjoy the sweet taste of Scharffen Berger chocolate!Thank you. 🙂
This Chocoholic would be thrilled to enjoy the sweet taste of Scharffen Berger chocolate!
Thank you. 🙂
I learned that SCHARFFEN BERGER's goal is to create the richest, most flavorful chocolate by sourcing the best cacao in the world and using artisan chocolate-making methods. (I think they've suceeded.)
I learned that SCHARFFEN BERGER's goal is to create the richest, most flavorful chocolate by sourcing the best cacao in the world and using artisan chocolate-making methods. (I think they've suceeded.)
I learned that Scharffen Berger Chocolate are the first ‘bean-to-bar' chocolate manufacturer established in the United States in the past 50
I learned that Scharffen Berger Chocolate are the first ‘bean-to-bar' chocolate manufacturer established in the United States in the past 50
That cake looks great! I'd love to try Scharffen Berger Chocolate it definitely sounds like the stuff for the purist (not the stuff for the tourist).
That cake looks great! I'd love to try Scharffen Berger Chocolate it definitely sounds like the stuff for the purist (not the stuff for the tourist).
I learned that they ferment their cacao to bring out its great flavor. Growing up in the Philippines, I love cacao. Used to eat the seeds when I was young so I kinda know a bit about it.
I learned that they ferment their cacao to bring out its great flavor. Growing up in the Philippines, I love cacao. Used to eat the seeds when I was young so I kinda know a bit about it.
I learned that the final step in their process is tempering and molding the chocolate.
I learned that the final step in their process is tempering and molding the chocolate.
I learned that Scharffen Berger Chocolate is located in South San Francisco and uses imported European equipment!
I learned that Scharffen Berger Chocolate is located in South San Francisco and uses imported European equipment!
All of the chocolate is certified kosher!
All of the chocolate is certified kosher!
They are the first ‘bean-to-bar' chocolate manufacturer established in the United States in the past 50 years
They are the first ‘bean-to-bar' chocolate manufacturer established in the United States in the past 50 years
Wow, I learned a lot-including that they use artisan chocolate making methods. That is really neat, and impressive, too. By the way, your cake looks amazing!!!! Thank goodness its only an image or I would have scarfed it down in about 2 minutes. YUM!
Wow, I learned a lot-including that they use artisan chocolate making methods. That is really neat, and impressive, too. By the way, your cake looks amazing!!!! Thank goodness its only an image or I would have scarfed it down in about 2 minutes. YUM!
I learned that John Scharfenberger was originally an accomplished wine maker. Two great things that go together!
I learned that John Scharfenberger was originally an accomplished wine maker. Two great things that go together!
I now know that you can shop online for their chocolate and that they have a variety box of tasting squares so you can sample them.
skipthelaundry@zoominternet.net
I now know that you can shop online for their chocolate and that they have a variety box of tasting squares so you can sample them.skipthelaundry@zoominternet.net
I'm subscribed by emailskipthelaundry@zoominternet.net
I follow on twitterskipthelaundry
I'm a fan on facebookAmber Jackson Porter
I'm subscribed by email
skipthelaundry@zoominternet.net
I follow on twitter
skipthelaundry
I'm a fan on facebook
Amber Jackson Porter
I follow by google connectskipthelaundry
I follow by google connect
skipthelaundry
I learned that the chocolate growth is much more successful on small farms of 8-15 acres.
I learned that the chocolate growth is much more successful on small farms of 8-15 acres.
I subscribe with Google Reader.
I subscribe with Google Reader.
I google friend connected
I google friend connected
I learnt they started in a kitchen in 1997evan@foodmakesfunfuel.com
I learnt they started in a kitchen in 1997
evan@foodmakesfunfuel.com
I blogged about it http://foodmakesfunfuel.com/2010/02/04/sweet-oats/
I blogged about it http://foodmakesfunfuel.com/2010/02/04/sweet-oats/
I blogged about it http://foodmakesfunfuel.com/2010/02/04/sweet-oats/
Evan@foodmakesfunfuel.com
Would love to try this chocolate and make the Cake 🙂
I learned that they started making chocolate in 1997, and it takes over a year for the caraco beans to be ready.sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com
I learned that they started making chocolate in 1997, and it takes over a year for the caraco beans to be ready.
sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com
I blogged about it http://foodmakesfunfuel.com/2010/02/04/sweet-oats/
I blogged about it http://foodmakesfunfuel.com/2010/02/04/sweet-oats/
I blogged about it http://foodmakesfunfuel.com/2010/02/04/sweet-oats/Evan@foodmakesfunfuel.com
Would love to try this chocolate and make the Cake 🙂
I learned that Scharffen Berger chocolate has ground vanilla in it!
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/anylit/status/8668336580
I'm following you on Twitter (@anylit)
I learned that Scharffen Berger chocolate has ground vanilla in it!
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/anylit/status/8668336580
I'm following you on Twitter (@anylit)
They ferment the cacao.
They ferment the cacao.
I learned that Before it was cultivated, cacao grew wild in Central and South America. email in blogger profile.
I learned that Before it was cultivated, cacao grew wild in Central and South America.
email in blogger profile.
I Learned that Scharffen Berger Chololate is made in South San Francisco
I Learned that Scharffen Berger Chololate is made in South San Francisco
I learned that the FDA defines both semisweet and bittersweet chocolate as having a minimum 35% chocolate liquor content. Who knew?
I learned that the FDA defines both semisweet and bittersweet chocolate as having a minimum 35% chocolate liquor content. Who knew?
I follow you on twitter @WendiP
I follow you on twitter @WendiP
I learned that they create the richest, most flavorful chocolate by sourcing the best cacao in the world and using artisan chocolate-making methods
I learned that they create the richest, most flavorful chocolate by sourcing the best cacao in the world and using artisan chocolate-making methods
I am a subscriber
I am a subscriber
Following you on twitter (Swtlilchick)
Fan on Facebook (Charlene Kuser)
Following you on twitter (Swtlilchick)
Fan on Facebook (Charlene Kuser)
Following on google friend connect (Charlene)
Following on google friend connect (Charlene)
Following you on networked blogs (Charlene Kuser)
Following you on networked blogs (Charlene Kuser)
Voted for you for the Web’s Top Giveaway Blogs#1
Voted for you for the Web’s Top Giveaway Blogs#2
Voted for you for the Web’s Top Giveaway Blogs
#1
Voted for you for the Web’s Top Giveaway Blogs
#2
I learned that Scharffen Berger Chocolate are the first ‘bean-to-bar' chocolate manufacturer established in the United States in the past 50 years.
I learned that Scharffen Berger Chocolate are the first ‘bean-to-bar' chocolate manufacturer established in the United States in the past 50 years.