Chocolate Chiffon Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Indulge in the airy lightness of chiffon paired with the rich intensity of chocolate frosting. This recipe guides you through creating a chocolate chiffon cake that’s as delightful to eat as it is to present.

Ingredients:

Cake:

• 80g fine cake flour
• 20g unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 55g granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 50g light vegetable oil
• 100g whole milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 large egg whites
• 60g granulated sugar (for the meringue)
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Chocolate Frosting:

• 300g cold water
• 40g cornstarch
• 350g evaporated milk
• 200g granulated sugar
• 50g unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder
• 150g unsalted butter, room temperature

Directions:

1. Cake Preparation:
   • Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Sift together cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder into a bowl. Add 55g sugar and salt, whisking to combine.
   • In a separate bowl, mix egg yolks, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Combine this with the dry ingredients, stirring until just blended.
2. Make the Meringue:
   • Beat the egg whites with lemon juice until foamy. Gradually add 60g sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the meringue into the batter in thirds, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
3. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into an ungreased chiffon cake pan. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Invert the pan and cool completely.
4. Frosting:
   • Mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Combine this slurry with evaporated milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and agar-agar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
   • Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually incorporate the cooled chocolate mixture until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
5. Assemble the Cake:
   • Once the cake is cool, use a serrated knife to level the top if needed. Apply a generous layer of chocolate frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Use a spatula or knife to create swirls or patterns.
6. Serving:
   • Let the cake set in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing. Serve chilled for a refreshing contrast, or at room temperature for a softer texture.

Enjoy this exquisite chocolate chiffon cake with its smooth and velvety chocolate frosting, perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of elegance and a lot of chocolate.