Is there anything better than a rich, moist, slice of delicious chocolate cake? We don’t think there is, but we’re biased! At the end of this blog though, we think you might be a little biased too! Between fudge, chocolate ganache, whipped buttercream, and an assortment of chocolate toppings, it can certainly get a little overwhelming. But here at Cakes Overseas, we’re here to help. Which cake should you choose for which holiday? What about friends and family with allergies? Have no fear my chocolate cake-loving friends, we’ve got everything you need to know about chocolate cake in this neatly decorated blog!
Chocolate Cake: Then vs. Now
I’m sure you’re wondering- why do we need to know about chocolate cake from the past? The answer is simple really. In order to know how we do things now, we need to know where they started. I know it sounds a little boring, but stay with me folks, I promise you it is worth it.
In 1886 (one hundred years before I was born), the first-ever chocolate cake was made in America. A cook added chocolate to their cake batter, creating this first in a long line of chocolate cakes to come. The question is, where did he get the idea?
In 1879, a man named Rodolphe Lindt figured out a way to make chocolate silkier and smoother. The result was much easier to use in baking. Prior to this, chocolate was mainly used to enhance drinks and had no place in baking.
Today, of course, we’ve revolutionized chocolate cake to include things like ‘molten chocolate cakes’ with liquid chocolate cores that dribble all over the plate. We’ve also branched out, incorporating exotic flavors into the mold including fruit, champagne, and curry. There is almost no limit to your imagination when it comes to chocolate cake!
Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate, and everything in between.
We all have our favorites. Some people prefer classic milk chocolate, while others like the slightly more bitter flavors of dark chocolate. And while technically white chocolate has very little to do with traditional chocolate, we think it’s tasty enough to make it on the list. Whatever you prefer, it should be known that all options are possible when it comes to cake. Here are some fun facts about chocolate you might not know!
Milk Chocolate- Milk chocolate gets its lighter color because of the addition of extra milk and dairy fat. These two ingredients also contribute to its creamier texture and less bitter flavor. Popular milk chocolate sweets include:
- Chocolate Pound Cake
- Chocolate Mousse Torte
- Brownies
- Orange Chocolate Fondue with cake bites for dipping
- Salted Dark Chocolate Tart
- Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa
- Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
- Chocolate Mint Truffle Pie
- White Chocolate Cheesecake
- Raspberry White Chocolate Mousse
- White Chocolate Covered Pretzels
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
Our Top 3 Occasions for Sending Chocolate Cake
Valentines Day- We would be remiss if we didn’t mention this holiday in a blog about chocolate. Romantic holidays are the perfect opportunity to let your love shine through with gifts from the heart. Pair a delicious chocolate cake, like our Chocolate Lovers Cupcake Collection with a bouquet of gorgeous red roses, or even a beautiful new necklace. While chocolate-covered strawberries are fun, up your romantic ante with a chocolate cake instead.
Birthdays- I know this seems super obvious, but there is nothing quite like a cake to bring together the celebration of another lap around the globe. While we always recommend a decadent chocolate cake, make sure you pick something that is to the taste of the actual birthday guy or gal. Maybe they would like a Strawberry Cheesecake with a side of chocolate ice cream?
Christmas– The stunning decor, upbeat songs, and perfectly placed gifts under the tree really make for a stunning holiday season. You know what can elevate that beauty? You guessed it; A Chocolate Cake. One of my absolute favorites is our Italian Style Chocolate Coffee Cake. Not only is it absolutely delectable in taste, but it also gives me enough extra energy to wrap all my presents for my niece and nephews on Christmas Eve.
Chocolate Cake in a Mug Recipe
You’ve now sent a delicious cake to your favorite person, but you want a little cake for yourself? No problem. First, we suggest ordering something for yourself because there is nothing wrong with a little self-care! But secondly, why not try a recipe in a mug? It’s quick, simple, and ready in just a few minutes!
Ingredients:
- (Optional) Chocolate Chips
- (Optional) Vanilla Extract
- 3 Tablespoons of Vegetable Oil
- 3 Tablespoons of Milk
- A Pinch of Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon of Baking Powder
- 2 Tablespoons of Cocoa Powder
- 3 Tablespoons of Sugar
- 3 Tablespoons of All-Purpose Flour
- 12 Ounce Microwave Safe Mug
Step 1: Combine your dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt) in a 12oz microwave-safe mug and stir thoroughly
Step 2: Add your wet ingredients (milk, vegetable oil, and optional splash of vanilla extract)
Step 3: Now go chocolate chips. Feel free to be creative. Try peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips as well!
Step 4: Microwave for 90 seconds on high. If you go longer than that, your cake will end up dry, and NO ONE wants dry cake. Let your cake cool for 2-3 minutes and enjoy!
If you decide to deck it out with some whipped cream, sprinkles, or a broken candy bar, know that I’m cheering you on. No matter what the reason, surprising someone with a little something sweet is sure to help you get (and stay) on their good side. So why not give it a try?
What’s Next
- Send a chocolate cake to your loved one.
- Add a little sprinkle to your day by signing up for our Newsletter.
- Enjoy our future buttercream blogs and other subscriber savings.
- Smile and Eat Cake.
Shannon Youngblood is a thirty-something blog writer who has an affinity for falling and an extreme love for dachshunds, Dr. Who, and musicals. She loves to write, regardless of the subject matter, and she wishes everyday could be Halloween! Although she was born and raised in the United States, her lifelong goal is to retire somewhere in Europe with her husband, her books, and a cup of hot coffee.