Thursday, July 3, 2008

Idiot cake


I know what your thinking. . . idiot cake? Yes this is an idiot cake, but the best I've ever tasted! It is so simple, that only an idiot can mess it up! Its only four ingredients, so believe me, if there was any way to fail, I would have found it.
So, usually I don't make cake, because I'm pretty crappy at it. But last weekend, by brother wanted chocolate cake, and I caught him almost making a box mix! I shudder at the mere thought of it! Its like my brother doesn't even know me at all! So I stopped him, and searched for a chocolate cake recipe. The thing is, I don't like chocolate cakes that are spongy, and flavorless, some are even bitter tasting. The only way I can cough down a piece is when it is covered in thick chocolate frosting. But then again, I will eat *anything* covered in chocolate frosting.

Making this cake was a so simple, and the results were stunning. It didn't have a cake consistency either. It was velvety, not dry or cakey. Its like a mix between decadent brownies and fudge, but its not dense. It had the most rich amazing chocolate flavor too. The higher quality chocolate you use will yield a better taste, because the chocolate is the main flavor. I garnished the slices of cake with some whipped cream flavored with cappuccino liquor.

I also wanted to show you guys this picture of a mushroom that I took : ) I was so proud of it because-look, how cute is that mushroom?
Then I also took a picture of this really pretty flower, look how vibrant it is! So, I'm leaving tomorrow to go on a trip to Maine, with my favorite cousin Gwen!! My best friend Liz is going to post about our latest culinary adventure some time next week!


Chocolate idiot cake




10 ounces (290 gr) ScharffenBerger bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

7 ounces (200 gr) butter, salted or unsalted, cut into pieces

5 large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup (200 gr) sugar


Preheat the oven to 350F (175 C).


1. Butter a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan* and dust it with cocoa powder, tapping out any excess. If you suspect your springform pan isn't 100% water-tight, wrap the outside with aluminum foil, making sure it goes all the way up to the outer rim.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler (or microwave), stirring occasionally, until smooth. Remove from heat.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar, then whisk in the melted chocolate mixture until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and cover the top of the pan snugly with a sheet of foil. Put the springform pan into a larger baking pan, such as a roasting pan, and add enough hot water to the baking pan to come about halfway up to the outside of the cake pan.
Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
You'll know the cake is done when it feels just set, like quivering chocolate pudding. If you gently touch the center, your finger should come away clean.
5. Lift the cake pan from the water bath and remove the foil. Let cake cool completely on a cooling rack.

Can last 3-4 days in the fridge.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

this has been on my "must bake" list for way too long now ... yours looks delicious!

Peter M said...

First off, the 'shroom looks so edible but it's probably a killer.

Secondly, I would be the dummy in dummy cake...any success i've had was pure luck.

Thirdly, have a safe and chill July 4th weekend and if you can, toss a slab of cake to this dummy, please!

Anonymous said...

Wekk you're back and now you are leaving again!

Cool cake but I bet there are some idiots who could screw it up..he-he.

The flower and mushroom are awesome looking. Good shots!

Kitt said...

Yum! I think I could manage that cake. It's got my name on it.

That is the cutest mushroom ever.

Nina Timm said...

A cake with no flour looking this great???? I am amazed, girl!

Fitness Foodie said...

Nice cake! Looks delicious. I ate so much chocolate this week though, going to have to wait a few months to make anything that decadent.

giz said...

Even I could do this - imagine that!! So easy and looks like you slaved all day.

RecipeGirl said...

What a fun cake! Love the name of course. Your camera is taking amazing pics!

Have a fun trip to Maine. Look forward to hearing all about it!

Anonymous said...

Now I crave for some chocolate cake. Only 4 ingredients?! Sounds really easy.

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

Now this is a cake we could make anytime, anyplace with only 4 ingredients. Love your mushroom as well...it really is cute:D

Hello, I'm Sally. said...

Those are fantastic photos! Great color and composition.

Ooooo, I love me some flourless chocolate cake, how it just melts in your mouth. I need a reason to make a cake.

Have a great trip!

Elle said...

Great photos! And the cake looks incredible. Going to have to make this one, too.

Have fun in Maine!

Anonymous said...

I love the name of this cake! And your photos are gorgeous. :)


Ari (Baking and Books)

test it comm said...

A chocolate cake with only 4 ingredients! It looks and sounds really good!

Anonymous said...

I'm like you when it comes to chocolate frosting...I usually eat that and leave behind the cake. Wow, this cake looks like something even I can make.
Awesome mushroom photo too!

The Peanut Butter Boy said...

love the cake, it really couldn't be easier. Probably even cheaper and tastier than the similar frozen version at Trader Joe's. Although they make a mean and cheap one...

MissGinsu said...

An excellent no-fuss recipe for summer. Perfect.

Have a lovely trip! Maine sounds delightful. I wonder if the blueberries are still in season?

aforkfulofspaghetti said...

I might have to try that. I'm no fan of baking, so idiot-proof works for me!

fishman said...

nice cake jess i guess i should make one now

Lori Lynn said...

Hi Jessy - the idiot cake sounds right up my non-baking alley!
Love your mushroom and flower photos.
Have a great trip!

daphne said...

i love cakes like that! hehee. easy and looks delicious + professional LOL

Anonymous said...

Like Peter said, careful of the mushroom! It just might kill ya or give you a serious drug trip!

You are so funny and so glad that your cake turned out great! Now all I need is an Idiot Croissant recipe. I fail every time I make these!

The Caked Crusader said...

"can last 3-4 days in the fridge"....yeah right! Not when I'm around!