Indulge your sweet tooth with this luxurious Chocolate Kahlua Cake. Made with rich cocoa powder, fine almond flour, and a splash of Kahlua liqueur, this cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any special occasion or simply as a treat for yourself. Topped with a velvety chocolate Kahlua glaze, each bite is a blissful experience. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this decadent dessert!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour? A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for almond flour if you prefer. However, almond flour gives the cake a moist and tender texture while also making it gluten-free.
Q: Can I omit the Kahlua from the recipe? A: While Kahlua adds a rich flavor to the cake, you can substitute it with strong brewed coffee or espresso if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Add the glaze just before serving for the best results.
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups fine, blanched almond flour (296 grams/10.5 oz)
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sweetener of choice (250 grams/8.8 oz)
- 1 cup cocoa powder (74 grams/2.6 ounces)
- 3 tsp baking powder (8 grams/0.30 ounces)
- ½ tsp salt (2 grams/0.05 ounces)
- ½ tsp espresso powder (optional, enhances the chocolate flavor)
Wet Ingredients:
- 5 eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (85 grams/3 ounces)
- ¾ cup sour cream (170 grams/6 ounces)
- 1 cup Kahlua
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp chocolate extract (optional, enhances the chocolate flavor)
Chocolate-Kahlua Glaze:
- 1 chocolate bar of choice (about 100 grams/3.5 ounces)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Kahlua
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sweetener, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, softened butter, sour cream, Kahlua, vanilla extract, and chocolate extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Make the Chocolate-Kahlua Glaze:
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chocolate bar, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in the Kahlua until well combined.
7. Glaze the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, pour the chocolate-Kahlua glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides of the cake.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the cake and serve it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness!
Cook Notes:
- For a stronger Kahlua flavor, brush the baked cake with additional Kahlua before glazing.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use a high-quality chocolate bar for the glaze for the best flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute the almond flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend or all-purpose flour for a nut-free version.
- Mocha Twist: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the batter for a delicious mocha flavor.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
To make this recipe keto or low-carb-friendly, you can make the following adjustments:
- Replace the granulated sweetener with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
- Use sugar-free chocolate for the glaze.
- Reduce the amount of Kahlua or omit it altogether to reduce the carb content.
Chocolate Kahlua Cake is a decadent dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its rich chocolate flavor, moist crumb, and luscious glaze, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving something sweet, this cake is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Give it a try and indulge in a slice of pure chocolate bliss!