Míša řezy - Czech Chocolate Layered Cake

Ingredients

• For the cake: For the cake:
• 200g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
• 50g (½ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder 50g (½ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon salt
• 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 120ml (½ cup) vegetable oil 120ml (½ cup) vegetable oil
• 240ml (1 cup) buttermilk 240ml (1 cup) buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 500ml (2 cups) heavy cream 500ml (2 cups) heavy cream
• 100g (½ cup) powdered sugar 100g (½ cup) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for vanilla filling) or 50g (¼ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate filling) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for vanilla filling) or 50g (¼ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate filling)
• For the chocolate glaze: For the chocolate glaze:
• 200g (1 ¼ cups) dark chocolate, chopped 200g (1 ¼ cups) dark chocolate, chopped
• 120ml (½ cup) heavy cream 120ml (½ cup) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 28g (total), 15g (saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (total), 30g (sugars)
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a rectangular baking pan.
2. 2.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a large bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add the vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. 6.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
7. 7.
   In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract (for vanilla filling) or cocoa powder (for chocolate filling) until stiff peaks form.
8. 8.
   Cut the cooled cake horizontally into two equal layers. Spread the filling evenly over the bottom layer and place the second layer on top.
9. 9.
   In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate, heavy cream, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
10. 10.
    Pour the chocolate glaze over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Smooth the top with a spatula.
11. 11.
    Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or until the glaze is set.
12. 12.
    Slice into rectangular pieces and serve chilled.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cocoa powder — Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
• Buttermilk — If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Heavy cream — Make sure the heavy cream is cold before whipping it to achieve the desired texture.
• Dark chocolate — Choose a dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids for a rich and intense flavor.
• Powdered sugar — Sift the powdered sugar before using to ensure a smooth filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a splash of rum or coffee liqueur to the filling.
• To achieve clean and neat slices, refrigerate the cake for a few hours before cutting.
• If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the chocolate mixture.
• Decorate the top of the cake with chocolate shavings or sprinkles for an elegant presentation.
• Serve the Míša řezy with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Serving advice

Serve the Míša řezy chilled for the best taste and texture. Pair it with a cup of hot coffee or tea to enhance the chocolate experience.

Presentation advice

To present the Míša řezy, place a rectangular slice on a dessert plate. Drizzle some extra chocolate glaze on the plate for an artistic touch. Garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder or a fresh berry for a pop of color.