Chocolate Gateau

Name: Chocolate Gateau
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 250g Plain chocolate; 175g Butter; 2 tablespoons Milk; 5 Eggs; 175g Granulated Sugar; 125g Flour

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Serves 8 468 kcal per serving Prep 30 min Cook 40 min

Ingredients

250g Plain chocolate
175g Butter
2 tablespoons Milk
5 Eggs
175g Granulated Sugar
125g Flour

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F / Gas Mark 4. Grease an 8-inch round springform tin and line the base with baking parchment.
Break the chocolate into pieces and place in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water, making sure the bowl does not touch the water. Stir until melted and smooth, then remove and allow to cool slightly. Alternatively, melt the chocolate in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each.
In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. If the mixture begins to curdle, add a small spoonful of the flour.
Stir the cooled melted chocolate and milk into the mixture, then fold in the remaining flour until smooth and fully combined.
Spoon the batter into the prepared tin and level the surface. Bake for 50–55 minutes, until the centre feels firm and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Tips

Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure the batter emulsifies perfectly for a light, even crumb.
Line the bottom of your cake tins with parchment paper to ensure the delicate sponges release without breaking.
Apply a ‘crumb coat’ of frosting first and chill for 20 minutes before adding the final layer for a professional finish.

Variations

Black Forest: Add a layer of cherry jam and whipped cream between the sponges for a classic German twist.
Hazelnut: Replace 1/4 of the flour with ground hazelnuts for a rich, nutty texture.

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for 5 days. If refrigerated, let it sit out for 30 minutes before eating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve a thick slice with a side of pouring cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Garnish with fresh strawberries or chocolate curls for a stunning centerpiece.