INGREDENTS
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (+ extra for dusting)
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup caster sugar (160g)
- ¾ tsp. baking soda
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ cup canola oil (or other flavorless oil, + extra for greasing)
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
- 2 tsp. white vinegar
- 50g dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/3 cup icing sugar, sifted
- 2 Tbsp. water
METHOD
Step 1
Making the cake: Pre-heat the oven to 190º C, 375º F.
Step 2
Use an 8-inch, springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 3
Lightly brush the sides of the pan and parchment paper with a bit of oil then dust with cocoa powder, making sure to remove the excess cocoa powder.
Step 4
In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder with the warm water, making sure to remove and mix all lumps.
Step 5
Set aside.
Step 6
In a large pan, mix together the remaining dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda & salt.
Step 7
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and slowly add the cocoa-water mixture, oil & vanilla extract while mixing.
Step 8
Whisk the batter until smooth.
Step 9
Add vinegar & continue whisking.
Step 10
Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan.
Step 11
Bake for 30-40 mins or until the skewer comes out clean when inserted.
Step 12
Cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes before removing the cake from the pan.
Step 13
To remove: gently run a knife around the sides of the pan to loosen the sides of the pan.
Step 14
Carefully open the cake pan and gently place the cake on the wire rack to cool completely.
Step 15
The Chocolate Glaze: You can either melt the chocolate on a double boiler or in the microwave.
Step 16
Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly before whisking in the water & the sifted icing sugar.
Step 17
Once the chocolate glaze takes the desired spreadable consistency, carefully pour it over the center of the cooled cake and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly on the top and sides of the cake.
Step 18
Serve with fruit of choice or as is.
