309 – Carrot Chocolate Cake Recipe / كعكة الجزر بالشوكولاتة

Ingredients :

• 4 large carrots (around 650 grams)
• 3.5 oz (100 grams) dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa)
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) white granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup (100 grams) almond powder
• 3/4 cup (100 grams) all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons (25 grams) semolina
• 1 teaspoon baking powder + pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Topping: 3.5 oz (100 grams) dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa) + 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter

Directions :

Step 1 – Preparing the ingredients:
1- First peel the carrots… this step is easy, just use a vegetable peeler.
2- Then, grate the carrots using the big wholes of the grator… this step is not as easy, but hey, you are working your arm muscles here. Good work out!!!
3- Chop the chocolate – try to use good dark chocolate 60-70% cocoa, it will make a huge difference in the taste.

Step 2 – Making the batter:
1- Place the butter and sugar in a large bowl and mix them together. Note that the butter has to be soften, so take it out from the fridge 1 hour before using it.  Mix mix mix…  Now add the eggs and continue mixing until well integrated. Use a whisk it’s easier.
2- Add the almond powder to the mixture.  You can buy it from the store or make it yourself by grounding blanched almonds.
3- Add vanilla, Mix. Baking powder with a pinch or salt, mix. Semolina, mix. And sift the flour before adding it. Mix well.
4- Finally add the grated carrots and chocolate!!! YUM!!! Mix, mix , mix until you get a soft smooth mixture.

Step 3 – Baking the cake:
1- Butter your baking pan first so that the parchment paper sticks to it, then butter the parchment paper and the edges of the pan.
2- Pour the mixture in your pan and bake in a pre-heated oven at 360 F, which is 180 C.  Bake for around 45 minutes and you will get this beautiful golden color cake. To test if it’s ready, gently press the center of the cake, it should feel firm.
3- Let the cake cool down… then flip it on a plate. Gently remove the parchment paper and voila!!!

Step 4 – Final steps:
1- Make the topping by microwaving the chocolate with butter. Microwave in shots of 30 seconds only and mix in between.  Otherwise, you will burn the chocolate.
2- Pour the beautiful chocolate sauce on top of the cake.
3- Place the cake in the fridge and let it cool down.
4- Serve and hear your friends and family say “hmmm” “wooow” “Yummyyyyy”

All you have to say is “bon appetite”