A delicious nutty chocolate cake smothered with mascarpone icing. It's wonderfully versatile. Just roast and grind your favourite nuts, then choose what chocolate you want to pair them with. Enjoy it at morning break, for afternoon tea or even as dessert.
100gspicy orange dark chocolate broken into pieces (I use Co-op's fairtrade version or Maya Gold)
125gunsalted buttersoftened
125glight muscovado sugar
1orange(optional)
2large eggs(I use duck eggs when I can get them)
50gwholemeal spelt flour
¾tspbaking powder
Mascarpone Topping
100gicing sugar
50gunsalted buttersoftened
125gmascarpone cheeseor ricotta if you're feeling a bit more virtuous
cocoa powderfor dusting
Instructions
Roast 100g cashew nuts in the oven at 160℃ (320℉, Gas 3) for just over 8 mins until golden. Leave to cool.
100 g cashew nuts
Melt the chocolate in a bowl suspended over a pan of hot, but not boiling water. Leave to cool slightly.
100 g spicy orange dark chocolate
Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then grate in the orange zest, if using.
125 g unsalted butter, 125 g light muscovado sugar
Beat the eggs in, one by one.
2 large eggs
Sift in the flour and baking powder and fold in. Throw any bits of bran left in the sieve into the bowl.
50 g wholemeal spelt flour, ¾ tsp baking powder
Grind the nuts in a blender or food processor (I use a coffee grinder for this), then stir in.
Add 1 tbsp water or orange juice, if using. Stir in together with the melted chocolate until just combined.
Spoon into a 20cm sq or round silicone cake mould or lined tin. Level the top and bake in a preheated oven at 170℃ (338℉, Gas 3) for 35 mins, or until the cake is well risen and firm to the touch.
Leave to cool for ten minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Mascarpone Topping
Cream the butter and icing sugar together until nearly white and fluffy.
100 g icing sugar, 50 g unsalted butter
Beat in the mascarpone or ricotta cheese.
125 g mascarpone cheese
Spread on top of the cake and then lightly dust with cocoa powder.
cocoa powder
Notes
For an extra nutty chocolate cake, add 50-100g finely chopped walnuts.Please note: calories and other nutritional information are per serving. They're approximate and will depend on exact ingredients used.