Classic 'Mary' Cake from Mom's Cookbook 📖❤️

Ingredients

Cake Batter

  • Eggs - 6 pieces
  • Sugar - 250 grams (8.8 ounces or about 1.1 pounds)
  • Vegetable oil - 100 milliliters (3.4 fluid ounces)
  • Baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Cocoa powder - 6 tablespoons
  • Honey - 3 tablespoons
  • Flour - 600 grams (21 ounces or about 1.3 pounds) (additional for dusting)

Cream

  • Butter - 250 grams (8.8 ounces or about 1.1 pounds)
  • Condensed milk (boiled) - 1 can
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cocoa powder - 2 tablespoons
  • Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons

Filling

  • Cake trimmings
  • Brandy or Coffee - 70 milliliters (2.4 fluid ounces)
  • Any jam (apricot recommended, or condensed milk) - as needed

Glaze

  • Cocoa powder - 3 tablespoons
  • Sugar - 3 tablespoons
  • Water - 5 tablespoons
  • Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer

    A stand mixer will make combining the ingredients a breeze. If you don't have one, a hand mixer will work too, but it will take a bit more elbow grease!

  • Double Boiler

    Using a double boiler helps prevent your ingredients from burning. If you don’t have one, just place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water.

  • Baking Sheets

    Ensure your baking sheets are non-stick or lined with parchment paper to avoid the layers sticking.

Instructions

Step 1

Making the Batter

In a mixer bowl, beat the eggs with sugar, vegetable oil, honey, and cocoa powder. Add the baking soda last, mix, and place over a double boiler.
Once heated, add 250 grams of flour to the warm mixture, mix (this will 'cook' the flour), cover with plastic wrap and let it cool.
After 40 minutes, sift in the remaining flour to create a slightly sticky dough, pack it in a bag, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2

Baking the Layers

Dust the surface with flour, place the dough, and divide into 3 parts, each weighing approximately 380 grams.
Roll out each piece and bake at 356 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 5-7 minutes.
Trim the edges of each baked layer (to be used in the filling).

Step 3

Preparing Cream and Filling

Beat room temperature butter, add boiled condensed milk and vanilla, beat until smooth. Mix 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder with the vegetable oil and blend into the cream.
Chop the cake trimmings, mix with 3 tablespoons of brandy or coffee, and enough jam to create a moist filling (not too dry or wet).

Step 4

Making the Glaze

Mix cocoa powder and sugar, add water and heat until just before boiling (do not boil!), then incorporate 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and cool slightly.

Step 5

Assembling the Cake

Layer the cake as follows: cake layer, cream, filling, then repeat ending with a cake layer. Finish with the chocolate glaze on top.

Servings

If you're looking to serve this cake in a way that leaves a lasting impression, here are a few ideas to try:

🍰 Serve Chilled: Chill the cake in the fridge for a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite a chocolatey paradise.

πŸ‡ Add Fresh Berries: Top each slice with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. The tartness will complement the richness of the cake, offering a balanced flavor profile.

β˜• Pair with Coffee: Serve your cake slices with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The robust flavor of the coffee enhances the chocolate, creating a delightful pairing.

Enjoy this cake at your next party, holiday gathering, or just as a treat to make an ordinary day special. πŸŽ‰

Variations

Want to enjoy this delicious chocolate cake but need a gluten-free or vegan version? No problem!

  • πŸ‘‰ Gluten-Free: Swap the regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
  • 🌱 Vegan: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg). Substitute the butter with a vegan butter and use coconut condensed milk instead of regular condensed milk.

These substitutes ensure you can enjoy this delightful cake no matter your dietary preferences or restrictions! 🌟

Faq

  • How do I know when my cake layers are done?

    You'll know the layers are done when they start to brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

  • Can I make this cake without a stand mixer?

    Yes, you can use a hand mixer; just be prepared to spend a little more time and effort mixing the batter and cream.

  • How far in advance can I make this cake?

    You can make this cake up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and glazed right before serving.

  • Can I freeze the cake layers?

    Yes, you can freeze the baked cake layers for up to a month. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before assembling the cake.

  • How do I avoid air bubbles in my batter?

    To avoid air bubbles, mix at a low speed and tap your mixing bowl on the counter a few times before transferring the batter to the baking sheets.

  • Can I use a different type of frosting?

    Absolutely! A cream cheese or whipped cream frosting would work wonderfully with this chocolate cake.

Nutrition facts

Classic 'Mary' Cake from Mom's Cookbook 📖❤️
Recipe Yield:12 servings
Calories:Approximately 450-500 calories per serving
Calories (Min - Max):450 - 500
Total Fat:24g
Saturated Fat:12g
Protein:6g
Total Carbohydrate:55g
Total Sugars:35g