Best Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipes

ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 160C/fan 140C/gas 3. Butter and line a 20cm round cake tin (7.5cm deep).
• Put 200g chopped dark chocolate in a medium pan with 200g butter.
• Mix 1 tbsp instant coffee granules into 125ml cold water and pour into the pan.
• Warm through over a low heat just until everything is melted - don't overheat. Or melt in the microwave for about 5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Mix 85g self-raising flour, 85g plain flour, ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda, 200g light muscovado sugar, 200g golden caster sugar and 25g cocoa powder, and squash out any lumps.
• Beat 3 medium eggs with 75ml buttermilk.
• Pour the melted chocolate mixture and the egg mixture into the flour mixture and stir everything to a smooth, quite runny consistency.
• Pour this into the tin and bake for 1hr 25 - 1hr 30 mins. If you push a skewer into the centre it should come out clean and the top should feel firm (don't worry if it cracks a bit).
• Leave to cool in the tin (don't worry if it dips slightly), then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cut the cold cake horizontally into three.
• To make the ganache, put 200g chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Pour 300ml double cream into a pan, add 2 tbsp golden caster sugar and heat until it is about to boil.
• Take off the heat and pour it over the chocolate. Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Cool until it is a little thicker but still pourable.
• Sandwich the layers together with just a little of the ganache. Pour the rest over the cake letting it fall down the sides and smooth over any gaps with a palette knife.
• Decorate with 50g grated chocolate or 100g chocolate curls. The cake keeps moist and gooey for 3-4 days.

ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Place rack in middle of the oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 8-by-2-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper. Butter the parchment, and dust with cocoa powder; tap out excess. Sift cocoa; whisk in boiling coffee and milk. Let cool. Sift together cake flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• Using a rubber spatula, mix the butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add sugar and vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Pour in the cooled cocoa mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
• Add the sifted dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, stirring until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pans (about 4 cups in each pan). Bake for 20 minutes, rotate the pans, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the center.
• Remove the cakes from the oven, and allow to cool in pans for 15 minutes on a cooling rack. Carefully run a small offset spatula around the edge of the cakes to loosen them from the pan. Remove cakes from pans, and invert onto a wire rack. Let cool completely, about 1 hour.
• To assemble, using a serrated knife, level the top surface of each cake layer. Place four strips of parchment paper around the perimeter of the cake stand. Spread with 3/4 cup of frosting. Top with the remaining layer, bottom side up. Using a swirling motion, cover the outside of cake with the remaining frosting. Remove parchment-paper strips.

ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Grease and flour 3- 9 inch cake pans.
• Mix cocoa and boiling water, stir until smooth, set aside to cool.
• Sift dry ingredients together, set aside.
• In a large bowl beat butter sugar, eggs and vanilla together.
• Alternately beat in the dry ingredients and the chocolate mixture.
• Beat just until blended, do not overmix.
• Pour batter into the three greased pans and bake for about 30 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.
• Remove cakes from oven and allow them to set for 3-5 minutes.
• Remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
• Prepare filling by beating together cream, confectioner's sugar and vanilla until stiff.
• Set aside.
• Prepare frosting by melting the butter and chocolates together over low heat.
• Stir in the cream and mix until smooth.
• Remove the pan from the heat and place it in a large bowl filled with ice.
• Using an electric hand held mixer or a whisk (trust me, the electric mixer will be much easier), beat in the confectioner's sugar until the frosting holds a stiff shape.
• Chill.
• Before you put the cake together, make sure that everything has completely cooled.
• Divide the filling in two and spread it between the layers.
• Frost sides and top with the chocolate icing.
• Don't worry if some of the filling oozes out the sides while you are frosting them, just mix it into the frosting.

ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CHIP FUDGE CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350. Butter and parchment line two 8x2 baking pans.
• Measure all ingredients (except chocolates) inth a large mixing bowl. Mix once or twice by hand to incorporate ingredients.
• Blend for 30 seconds on LOW speed, scraping bowl constantly.
• Melt chocolate bars in the microwave by heating for 30 second intervals.
• Add melted chocolate to mixing bowl. Beat for 3 minutes on HIGH speed.
• Mix in chocolate chips by hand.
• Spoon into the pans and level them off.
• Bake layers for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

THE ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE FUDGE THREE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• For cake: Combine water and chocolate in small saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate melts.
• Remove from heat and let cool.
• Beat 2/3 cup shortening until creamy; gradually add 1 3/4 cups sugar, beating well and scrapping down edges of bowl.
• Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Sift 2 1/2 cups flour, soda, and 1/2 tsp salt; add to cake batter, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
• Add cooled chocolate mixture and 1 tsp vanilla; mix just until blended.
• Pour batter into three greased and floured 9-inch layer pans.
• Bake at 350* for 17-20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool in pans on wire wracks for 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wracks.
• For filling: Place 1/4 cup flour in small saucepan; gradually stir in milk.
• Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thick.
• Remove from heat and let cool completely.
• Beat butter and 1/2 cup shortening until creamy; gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating well.
• Add 1 Tbsp vanilla, 1/4 tsp salt, and milk mixture; beat until smooth.
• Spread filling between cake layers.
• For frosting: Combine 3 cups sugar, 3/4 cup milk, 3/4 cup butter, 3 ounces chocolate in a medium saucepan.
• Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate melts.
• Cook over medium heat until mixture boils; boil 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
• Beat at high speed of electric mixer until frosting is of spreading consistency.
• Immediately spread on cake.
• Garnish with chocolate shavings.

THE ULTIMATE FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to temperature to 350 degrees F.
• Butter the bottom and sides of a deep 9 inch round springform pan.
• Line the bottom of the pan with a round of parchment paper and butter the paper.
• In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, process the chocolates, sugar, and coffee 15-20 seconds until finely ground.
• With the motor of the food processor running, pour the boiling water through the feed tube.
• Process 10-15 seconds, until the chocolate is completely melted.
• Scrape down sides of bowl with spatula.
• Add butter and eggs and vanilla and then process about 5 seconds until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Scrape chocolate batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
• Bake 55-60 minutes until edges are puffy and center is just set.
• Cool on wire rack for 30 minutes.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
• Make raspberry sauce with frozen raspberries and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Cook until sugar is dissolved and berries are just soft. {Don't boil}
• Strain mixture and stir in raspberry liqueur.
• Remove cake from pan by running a thin knife blade around cake to loosen from pan.
• Invert cake onto a plate and peal off paper.
• Refrigerate cake while preparing whipped cream.
• Whip cream with sugar and vanilla to stiff peaks.
• To serve drizzle some raspberry coulis on each plate; cut thin slice of cake and place on plate.
• Garnish slices of cake with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh raspberries.

THE ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• For the Cake:.
• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Wrap the outside of an 8-inch spring form pan with a double layer of tin foil to prevent seepage.
• Butter the inside of the pan and cut a circle out of parchment paper the size of the bottom of the pan. Place it in and butter it too.
• Combine the chocolate and butter in a double boiler over simmering water (don't let it touch the bottom of the pot, it will scorch the chocolate). Stir until the chocolate and butter are smooth and lump free. You can also microwave the mixture on 100% or high. Make sure you stop and stir the mixture every 15 seconds; remove the chocolate when all the lumps are gone.
• Put the eggs in a large mixer bowl over simmering water and stir constantly until warm to the touch, about 3 minutes; remove from the heat. If using an electric mixer, beat the eggs until triple in volume and form soft peaks when the beater is lifted, 5-8 minutes. To ensure maximum volume when using a hand mixer continue to beat the eggs over simmering water until hot to the touch, about 5 minutes, then removed from heat until cool.
• Fold half the eggs into the melted chocolate until partially incorporated. Add the remaining eggs and fold until just blended but no streaks remain.
• Pour at once into your prepared spring form pan and smooth the surface with an off-set spatula. Place the spring form pan into a larger pan and carefully pour boiling water into the larger pan until the water is about 2/3 of the way up the side of the spring form pan. Don't get any water on the chocolate! This method of a water bath is often referred to as a "bain marie".
• Bake the cake for 5 minutes. Then cover the spring form pan loosely with lightly buttered tin foil and bake for 10 more minutes. Remove the cake from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 45 minutes; then cover it again and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours.
• To remove the cake from the spring form pan: Run a small spatula around the edge of the spring form until the sides of the cake come loose. Place the cake on a round plate that the cake fits nicely on and invert the plate and open the spring form pan up and remove from the cake. Remove the bottom metal part of the spring form pan and the parchment. Cover it again with tin foil and leave for another 6 hours or over night. It needs to be really chilled to set.
• If you are making the Ganache, set the cake on a metal rack and put wax paper under the cake (tuck strips). Pour the tepid glaze over the center of the cake and allow the ganache to dribble down the sides of the cake.
• Using a metal off set spatula run it around the top of the cake to ensure that the g.
• Ganache won't be too thick on the top. Patch any bare spots at this point. If any air holes occur, use a pin to break them. Remove the strips of wax paper from under the cake and let this stand undisturbed for 2-3 hours at room temperature, or 30 minutes in the fridge.
• Bon Appetit!

THE ULTIMATE WHITE CHOCOLATE MUD CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat ovem to 175°C
• Heat the butter, chocolate, water and sugar in a saucepan stirring until melted and well combined.
• Sift flours together into a bowl and stir in the chocolate mixture. Add the eggs and vanilla.
• Pour into a greased and base lined 20cm round spring-form cake tin.
• Bake in the oven for 1 hour until cooked. Test cake with a metal skewer.
• Cool cake until it is ready to be iced. While doing this make the icing and sauce.
• ICING: bring cream to the boil, and then pour over the chocolate in a small bowl, stirring until the chocolate melts.
• Cover, refrigerate, stirring occasionally for 30 minutes, or until spreadable.
• Place cake on a serving plate and spread with white chocolate icing.
• RASPBERRY SAUCE: Crush the raspberries with water in a saucepan.
• Add sugar and cornstarch.
• Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
• Reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes.
• Push through a strainer & Cool down.
• Put the sauce into a ziplock bag, snip off the bottom and squiggle on top of the iced cake.

ULTIMATE FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• 1. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Line bottom of 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease pan sides. Cover pan underneath and along sides with heavy duty aluminum foil. Set pan in a large roasting pan. Bring kettle of water to a boil. 2. Melt chocolate and butter (adding coffee or liqueur if using) in a large heatproof bowl set over pan of almost simmering water, until smooth and very warm (about 115 degrees on an instant read thermometer) , stirring once or twice. Don't use microwave...it burns the chocolate. 3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat eggs with a handheld mixer at high speed until volume doubles to approximately 1 quart, about 5 minutes. Alternately, beat in bowl of electric mixer fitted with wire whip attachment at medium speed to achieve the same result, about 5 minutes. 4. Fold 1/3 of egg into chocolate mixture using a large rubber spatula until only a few streaks of egg are visible; fold in half of remaining eggs, then last of remaining egg foam, until mixture is totally homogenous. 5. Scrape batter into prepared springform pan and smooth surface with rubber spatula. Set roasting pan on oven rack and pour enough boiling water to come about halfway up side of springform pan. Bake until cake has risen slightly, edges are just beginning to set, a thin glazed crust (like a brownie) has formed on the surface, and an instant-read thermometer, inserted halway through center of cake, registers 140 degrees, 22 to 25 minutes. 6. Remove cake from water bath and set on a wire rack; cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate overnight to mellow (can be covered and refrigerated for up to 4 days). 7. About 30 minutes before serving, remove springform pan sides, invert cake on sheet of waxed paper, peel off parchment pan liner, and turn cake right side up on serving platter. Sieve light sprinkling of confectioners' sugar or unsweetened cocoa over cake to decorate, if desired.

THE ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Scratch: Grease and flour bottoms of 2 (9") layer cake pans. Mix first 4 ingredients; set aside. In large bowl with mixer at high speed beat next 3 ingredients 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. At low speed beat in mayonnaise .Add flour mixture in 4 additions alternately with water, beginning and ending with flour. Pour into pans. Bake in 350 oven 30-35 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove; cool on racks. Frost. Makes 2 (9") layers.
• From A Mix: Grease and flour bottoms of 2 (9") layer cake pans. In large bowl with mixer at low speed beat together cake mix and cocoa. Add remaining ingredients; beat just until blended. Beat at medium speed 2 minute. Pour into pans. Bake as directed in scratch recipe at above. Frost. Makes 2 (9") layers.
• The Ultimate Chocolate Frosting: In small bowl with mixer at medium speed beat 6 tablespoons margarine to soften. Add 3/4 cup Hershey's cocoa and 3 1/2 cups of confectioners sugar alternately with 6-7 tablespoons of milk. Beat until of spreading consistency, adding an additional 1 tablespoon milk, if needed. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Makes 2 3/4 cups.

ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE PUDDING DUMP CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix your pudding with the milk. *The original recipe said to prepare the pudding with the milk according to package directions. My package said 1 3/4 cup milk for pie, and 2 cups for pudding. Her directions called for 1 1/2 cups. So...I just went with the 1 3/4 cup amount. She used regular instant pudding, not sf/ff, so her box might have called for a different amount. After mixing your pudding and milk, stir in your chocolate cake mix. Just the dry mix, do not add anything to it. The batter will be very thick. (Like very thick frosting!). It's okay, just go with it. Spread it into a greased 9x13 baking pan and scatter the chocolate chips on top. Bake for 30 minutes, until the edges start pulling away from the pan. My oven cooks hot, so I only cooked mine for about 25 minutes.

ULTIMATE GERMAN CHOCOLATE BUNDT CAKE

Steps:

• 1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Cooked Coconut-Pecan Frosting: Place a medium saucepan, over medium heat. Melt 4 ounces (1 stick) Butter. Whisk in: 3 Tablespoons Flour 1 1/2 cups Sugar
• 2. Then slowly pour in: 1 1/2 cups Milk Whisk until thickened - about 6 minutes.
• 3. Remove from heat and stir in: 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract 1 cup Coconut, shredded 1/2 cup Pecans, chopped
• 4. Mix a German Chocolate Cake according to package directions. Spray a 10 - 12 cup Bundt pan with non-stick baking spray. Pour 2/3 of the batter into the bundt pan, then scoop half of the frosting into the center of the batter, trying to keep it from touching the sides of the pan.
• 5. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and allow cake to sit for about 25 minutes before turning out onto the serving plate.
• 6. Prepare the Homemade Marshmallow Fluff: Yield: Around 3 cups In a large bowl, combine egg whites, corn syrup and salt; beat with mixer in high speed for 10 minutes or until thick. Add in confectioner's sugar; beat on low speed until blended. Continue to beat until soft peaks form. Beat in vanilla around 2 more minutes, until mixture looks like marshmallow fluff.
• 7. Frost cool cake with the remaining Coconut-Pecan Frosting. Do not frost the inner circle of the bundt cake. Leave unfrosted to insert Marshmallow fluff. Dip Marshmallow fluff in the center of the cake. Filling up the entire middle. Once center is filled, blend fluff and frosting to meet up together. Generously sprinkle walnuts [or pecans] and shredded coconuts on top of fluff. I used walnuts. Serve.

ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH COCOA FROSTING

Steps:

• For cake: preheat oven to 350. Butter and flour three 9"-diameter cake pans with 1-1/2 " sides. Sift first 5 ingredients into medium bowl. Mix water, oil and vanilla in large bowl. Whisk in dry ingredients. Divide batter among pans. Sprinkle 1/2 cup chocolate chips over batter in each pan. Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cool cakes in pans on racks 15 minutes. Cut around pan sides to loosen cakes. Turn cakes out; cool completely. For frosting: beat butter in large bowl until fluffy. Gradually beat in 3 cups sugar. Beat in 6 Tablespoons milk and vanilla. Add cocoa and remaining 2 cups sugar; beat until blended, thinning with more milk if necessary. Place 1 cake layer, chocolate-chips side up, on platter. spread 2/3 cup frosting over. Top with remaining cake layer, chocolate-chips side down. Spread frosting over sides and top of cake. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with cake dome; let stand at room temperature.)

ULTIMATE DEATH BY CHOCOLATE BROWNIE CAKE RECIPE

Steps:

• Make the Cake & the Brownie: 1. Make the chocolate cake according to the box. Pour batter evenly into two lightly greased 8″ round pans and bake at 350 degrees for 32-37 minutes. Cake is done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a plate to cool completely. 2. Make the brownie mix according to the package. Pour entire brownie batter into one (1) lightly greased 8″ round pan. Make sure the brownie pan is the same size as the cake pans that you used! Bake the brownie at 350 degrees for 25-27 minutes. Watch the brownies carefully as not to overcook them but make sure they aren't completely doughy in the center.Cool in pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a plate to cool completely. I found it was easiest to remove the brownie carefully using a wide spatula underneath. Assemble the Cake: 3. Pick the plate you want the cake to be displayed on and start with one (1) cake layer. Frost the top of the cake layer with about 1/3 of one of the frosting containers. Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips on that layer. (Note: Any chopped up candy - Reese's, M&Ms, Heath Bits etc can be substituted for the chocolate chips to add another flavor!) Carefully place the brownie layer on top of the cake layer. cake assemble Ultimate Death by Chocolate Brownie Cake 4. Frost the top of the brownie layer with about 1/3 of one of the frosting containers. Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips on that layer. Carefully place the 2nd cake layer on top of the brownie layer. Carefully frost the top of the cake with the remaining 1/3 of the frosting container. 5. Spread the entire 2nd container of frosting on the sides and top of the cake. BEFORE THE FROSTING SETS, you need to apply the chocolate chips to the outside. Take a handful of chocolate chips at a time and firmly press against the side of the cake until most of the chips stick. Some chips will fall to the plate and you will use those to fill in the holes. cake chips Ultimate Death by Chocolate Brownie Cake 6. Repeat this process around the entire cake. Take the fallen chips and the chips that you have left and fill in the holes and sprinkle on top. 7. That's it! You will be the hit of the birthday, holiday or occasion!! Enjoy! Look at the inside brownie layer!!! To Die For!!!

THE ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE LAYERED REESES PEANUT BUTTER CUP CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a stand or electric mixer add the cake mix, eggs, oil, water, sour cream, pudding mix, and chocolate chips. Beat until well combined, about 1 1/2 minutes. It will be thick. Pour evenly into 2 well greased 9 inch cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until toothpick comes out cleanly. Let cool completely. To prepare cream cheese frosting place softened cream cheese and butter in mixing bowl, beat on med-high speed until creamy smooth. Slowly beat in powdered sugar until a good spreading consistency forms. I used almost the entire bag of powdered sugar. Refrigerate for a good hour before frosting. Turn cake onto wax paper with a large serrated knife cut each cake in half width wise to form four layers. Place one layer onto a cake stand and drizzle melted peanut butter over the top. Next spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over that. Place another cake layer on top and repeat peanut butter and frosting until top layer is placed. Spread remaining frosting over entire cake then top with halved peanut butter cups. Freeze the cake until serving.

ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE DUMP CAKE

Steps:

• 1. Heat oven to 350. Spray a 9" x 13" baking pan w/ cooking spray. In lg bowl, beat cake mix, pudding mix and milk until combined.
• 2. Spread mix in pan. Sprinkle w/ chocolate chips. Bake 30 mins.

THE ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE POUND CAKE

Steps:

• 1. Cream butter. Gradually add sugar creaming until light and fluffy. Continue for about 5 minutes at medium speed.
• 2. Stir in vanilla, and add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• 3. Dissolve coffee granules in boiling water.
• 4. In a bowl, combine flour, salt, cocoa, and baking powder.
• 5. Add flour mixture a little at a time.
• 6. Add alternately with coffee and buttermilk to the dry ingredients mixing as you go. Blending on low speed until just mixed.
• 7. Grease and lightly flour a 10 inch tube pan. Spoon batter into it. Smooth it out.
• 8. Bake in 325 F oven for 1 hour 15-20 minutes (usually 1 hr and 15 min). Here's where it gets tricky. DO NOT OVERBAKE. It will look like it's not quite done on top but the cake will spring back a bit when you lightly push down on it with 2 fingers. If you overcook this it will be dry and not very moist.
• 9. When it comes out of the oven, wait about 5 minutes. Run a knife around all edges and very carefully invert onto a serving plate.
• 10. Trust me when I say all you need to make this complete is a tall glass of milk (not for me ), a good cup of coffee, or a hot cup of tea.
• 11. You can let it cool for about 10 minutes and have a slice (chunk) while it is still warm (is what I do and everyone else in my household or anyone who has tried it). Or let it cool completely and then enjoy. If ya can't wait (none of us can) just dig in as soon as you've inverted it into a plate. Actually, who am I kidding...We don't even wait for it to cool down. I would love to try some kind of frosting w/this but as long as my hubby is still alive and has anything to say about it. It's not gonna happen... lol. You know what they say, "DONT MESS WITH A GOOD THING!"
• 12. NOTE: The time before last I ran out of sugar and cocoa so this is what I did. I had enough white sugar for 1 cup. So to that, I added 2 cups of brown sugar. And, I had maybe about a 1/3 cup of cocoa ... So I added the remainder of the 3/4 cup it called for with instant chocolate fudge pudding. Both ways were scrumptious but the original is best. :)

ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine the first seven ingredients; mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Coat a 10-in. fluted tube pan with cooking spray and dust with flour; add batter., Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

THE ULTIMATE FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Adjust oven rack to lower middle position,heat oven to 325 degrees. Line bottom of 8-inch springform pan with parchment and grease pan sides. Cover pan underneath and along sides with sheet of heavy-duty foil,set in large roasting pan. Bring kettle of water to boil. Beat eggs in bowl of electric mixer fitted with wire whip attachment at medium speed (speed 6 on a KitchenAid)about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, melt chocolate and butter (adding coffee or liqueur, if using) in large heat-proof bowl set over pan of almost simmering water, until smooth and very warm (about 115 degrees on an instant-read thermometer), stirring once or twice. (For the microwave, melt chocolate and butter together at 50 percent power until smooth and warm, 4 to 6 minutes, stirring once or twice.) Fold 1/3 of egg foam into chocolate mixture using large rubber spatula until only a few streaks of egg are visible; fold in half of remaining foam, then last of remaining foam, until mixture is totally homogenous. Scrape batter into prepared springform pan and smooth surface with rubber spatula. Set roasting pan on oven rack and pour enough boiling water to come about halfway up side of springform pan. Bake until cake has risen slightly, edges are just beginning to set, a thin glazed crust (like a brownie) has formed on surface, and an instant read thermometer inserted halfway through center of cake registers 140 degrees, 22 to 25 minutes. Remove cake pan from water bath and set on wire rack; cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate overnight to mellow (can be covered and refrigerated for up to 4 days). About 30 minutes before serving, remove springform pan sides, invert cake on sheet of waxed paper, peel off parchment pan liner, and turn cake right side up on serving platter. Sieve light sprinkling of Confectioners' sugar or unsweetened cocoa powder over cake to decorate, if desired.

THE ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Set oven to 190c/375f/gas mark 5. Grease the cake tin, then cut out a circle of baking parchment and line the base of the tin with it (20cm/8in).
• Break the chocolate into a bowl. Stand it over a saucepan of simmering water and stir until all the chocolate has malted.
• Cut the butter into small pieces. Add the butter and water to the chocolate and stir until the butter has melted.
• Separate the eggs into two large bowls. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until they are thick and creamy.
• Stir the chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture. Add the ground almonds, sift in the flour and mix well
• Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. Fold them, gently into the chocolate mixture.
• Put the mixture into the tin. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Cool for around 10-20 minutes then remove the cake and put it onto a wire rack
• MAKING THE TOPPING
• Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Remove from the heat and stir in the soured cream
• Spread the chocolate topping over the top of the cooled cake with a palette knife, then decorate it with flamed almonds.