Oh, the joy of chocolate cake! For so many of us, it holds a very special place in our hearts, intertwined with our most cherished memories and indulgent moments. As an Italian, my passion for sweets began at a young age, particularly with Nutella—a special treat that we earned for our hard work and achievements at school. Skip ahead to adulthood, and I’ve discovered a newfound love for another indulgent delight: stout beer! An Irish friend of mine introduced me to this amazing drink, and showed me just how rich and complex its flavors can be.
The Royal chocolate cake is no ordinary cake – it’s a sumptuous delight that combines the lusciousness of chocolate and the robust notes of stout beer. While it’s not something we often find in combination, our exploration of chocolate and beer pairing has shown that they can harmoniously enhance each other, creating something incredibly special.
The Royal chocolate cake is no ordinary cake – it’s a sumptuous delight that combines the lusciousness of chocolate and the robust notes of stout beer. While it’s not something we often find in combination, our exploration of chocolate and beer pairing has shown (how described in our Fermento blog) that they can harmoniously enhance each other, creating something incredibly special.
Thinking back to my childhood, I can vividly recall how Nutella was something truly special for us. It wasn’t just a sweet spread; it was a centerpiece of joy and comfort, a staple in our home during noteworthy moments. When available, it was not uncommon to catch a sibling spooning Nutella straight from the jar in the middle of the night, sneaking a delightful taste when no one was watching. These small, special moments made Nutella an integral part of our childhood, embedded in beautiful memories and evenings full of light-filled moments.
My tastes changed a bit later, but my love for chocolate remained. When I met a good Irish friend who is a beer lover, stout became a new favourite.
I have always been fascinated by the flavours of cocoa and coffee. It was only a matter of time before I merged these two culinary worlds – the sweet world of Nutella and the bitter depth of dark beer. The result? A heavenly chocolate cake that simply delights with its complexity.
The Magic of Chocolate Cake and Stout
What choco-holic could resist the allure of a richly flavored chocolate cake? With stout, we get not only a depth of flavor but also an incredibly moist texture that is simply divine. The carbonation in the beer gently aerates the batter, resulting in a tender and light cake.
Liberica stout, with its roasted malt notes, brings a rich, dark depth to the cake. It gives it a smoky, chocolatey flavour that harmonises perfectly with the cocoa. The coffee and malt aromas enhance the sensory experience, resulting in a chocolate cake that appeals to all the senses. This combination takes the flavour to a new level and makes the cake a real highlight for any occasion. It is the perfect opportunity to combine the flavour with a glass of this strong dark beer to enjoy a real taste experience that will delight all the senses.
The Royal Chocolate Cake with Stout Recipe
Preparation steps
Step 1
Prepare the Batter: First, crack the eggs into a large bowl. Add the sugar and mix with electric whisks for about 5 minutes until creamy.
Step 2
Incorporate Nutella: Once the eggs and sugar are well combined, add the Nutella and continue mixing until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 3
Sift Dry Ingredients: Next, sift the baking powder, all-purpose flour, and potato starch into the bowl. Incorporate these dry ingredients into the mixture using the electric whisks.
Step 4
Add Liberica Stout: Gradually add the Liberica Stout, little by little, while continuing to mix until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous batter.
Step 5
Grease and Pour: Grease an 18 cm round cake pan and pour the batter into it, making sure it’s evenly spread.
Step 6
Bake: Bake in a preheated static oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 45 minutes. Remember to do the toothpick test before removing the cake from the oven!
Step 7
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, remove from the pan and serve your indulgent Royal Chocolate Cake with Stout!
Stout
Black
5.5%
Coffee and chocolate
8 - 10°C
Large red wine glass, or brandy glass
The Perfect Beer and Cake Pairing
While this rich cake is delectable on its own, it pairs especially well with a glass of Liberica Stout. The roasted malts lend a chocolate and coffee flavor that complements the cake beautifully, amplifying every bite.”
Beer is excellent with cake, and the experience of enjoying them together is truly delightful! Imagine taking a bite of the moist, fudgy cake, allowing the rich flavors to coat your taste buds, and then following it with a sip of the inky stout. The interplay of flavors is remarkable; the stout’s deep, roasted notes elevate the chocolate, while the natural beer’s effervescence cleanses your palate, readying it for the next indulgent bite. Moreover, the complex flavor profile of stout—infused with hints of coffee, dark chocolate, and malts —works harmoniously with the rich Nutella cake. The beer adds an additional depth, accentuating the cake’s chocolate essence while harmonizing with the sweet richness of the Nutella. It’s not just a drink; it’s an essential companion that enhances the cake experience and brings an exciting twist to dessert time.
So, don’t just settle for enjoying the Royal Chocolate Cake with Stout on its own—dare to try the experience of pairing! The next time you indulge in this dessert, pour yourself a glass of Liberica Stout and take a moment to appreciate the beautiful marriage of flavors at play. It transforms an already decadent dessert into an unforgettable culinary adventure, merging the worlds of cake and craft beer in a way that promises to delight your senses! Enjoy this pairing as a fun exploration into the realm of flavor, and you might just discover a new favorite way to enjoy dessert.
Final inspiration
This royal chocolate cake with stout is so simple yet so impressive: in just 1 hour and 15 minutes, you can whip up an irresistible dessert that will delight everyone. From the batter to the perfect crust, everything is done in no time, and with a few spoonfuls of Nutella, you can enjoy an extra little treat while you open a glass of stout.
Because let’s be honest: what could be better than celebrating perfectly baked chocolate cake with a glass of creamy stout? The combination of chocolate, coffee and malt makes every encounter a feast for the senses. So grab your favourite stout, get started and enjoy the flavours that come together in this cake. Cheers!
