It is the end of January 2017. It’s my birthday week. It has been a rocky month politically. Today I had to turn inside myself and away from the never-ending news feeds that seem to break a little piece of my heart every time I listen. I took the afternoon off from being vigilant. I went for a walk in the wintry gloom listening to music to clear my head and heart. I baked an easy chocolate cake to sooth my soul. Baking helps.
This lovely cake is one dense, moist layer glazed with a really great chocolate bar melted on top and sprinkled with dried candied orange peels.
I broke this bar of chocolate into pieces and scattered over the top of the hot cake to melt. Any good bar of chocolate would do.
Ingredients for this cake are all mixed together in a blender. Easy and quick.
Easy Chocolate Espresso Cake with a Chocolate Glaze and Candied Orange Peels
Ingredients:
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup dark cocoa
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4-6 ounce dark chocolate baking bar or flavored candy bar
- 1/2 cup candied orange peels
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees
- Melt butter in a glass deep dish pie or cake pan in the microwave and then pour melted butter into a blender.
- To blender add eggs, sugar, cocoa, espresso powder, flour and vanilla extract. Pulse to blend ingredients together well, scraping down blender as needed.
- Scrape cake batter into buttered glass dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until cake is just done in the middle. Remove dish from oven to cool for a few minutes on a cooking rack. Turn hot cake out onto a plate.
- Break bar of chocolate into small pieces and scatter over top of hot cake. Let melt and then spread over top to glaze.
- Sprinkle candied orange peel over the top. Serve warm or room temperature.
http://www.teresablackburnfoodstyling.com http://www.foodonfifth.com
I feel the same way about our political situation. I also have been trying to get away from it . Baking and cooking always helps. I like the looks of your chocolate cake. I have never scattered a chocolate bar over a warm cake. I have to try it. Happy Birthday !
It’s really amazing how much cooking, baking….whatever one does in the kitchen makes everything better. It is something we can somewhat control in this crazy world. Thanks much.
Happy Birthday to you!!! Love chocolate and orange combos!
Thanks for stopping by and great to hear from you.
Most welcome Teresa!
Happy birthday Teresa! Now I must admit, even this baking-challenged gal thinks that looks easy enough. 🙂
You can do this one with no problem…it’s easy and quick and delicious. Thanks.
Happy Birthday Teresa! Glad you treated your soul with a restorative walk in nature, after a brutal week. I spent Saturday just crying. I know your man is also an immigrant. What is happening is heart wrenching. I went to the Phila airport to march yesterday. It was peaceful and uplifting. All detainees were released in Phila. But then the mosque attack in Québec City and the torched Texas mosque happen, to break our hearts further.Coincidence? I don’t think so. I have made many of your cakes and always appreciate their simplicity, as I am more a cook than baker. They always are delicious. The size is terrific and it looks so decadent with the melted Vosge bar. Love this one and will make it for my birthday next month. Light and peace to you. Xo
As always thank you sweet Johanne.
Oh man I just love the chocolate/orange combo. I bet this is amazing.
Big thanks Lacey. Great to hear from you. T
I believe this would be good for my soul as well. I like that it is simple.
You’re baking my language!
Terry there is a wedge in my freezer for you! Keep things “blue” out in CA.
Yes simple is best in most things and baking simple can be calming and keep one focused. Thanks for stopping by.
I’m usually running straight toward the kitchen in difficult times. But, somehow, not this time. Hope you have a happy birthday, despite it all. Sure is a nice looking cake!
You know Michelle I really had to make myself bake this little cake…I have been avoiding my blog and others during these incredible political times. I spend lots of time writing senators and local politicos about what is coming out of DC. I went to the March and after that some days it seems as if doing a food blog is a bit self indulgent! I just don’t know. Keep the faith and man the barricades! T
This looks so good! Love the pictures as well!
Many thanks for stopping by. I so appreciate it. T
I love cakes like this that aren’t so huge you’re eating them for days. The flavors sound amazing together! 🙂
I am still in shock over the recent happenings.
I’m in more shock that I’ve seen several friends post things on Facebook like “Let’s make FB happy again.” and “Let’s all try to spread love and quit focusing on the difficult things.” or stop spreading “hatred” every time someone posts their outrage, their sadness, their anger over each new bizarre and dangerous turn of events.
I don’t want my grand babies, my yet unborn great grand babies and so on to be reading their history books and wondering where I stood on these issues. I will not go gently…
Mollie
Oh Mollie I am so happy to read your words. I, too, as a mother and grandmother will not go quietly into the night. I will not pretend everything is “happy, happy” while at the same time I will embrace “happiness” when and where I find it. We must keep the faith, carry on and never turn away from both love and life’s difficulties. xxox
Beautifully said! I share those sentiments! 🙂
Always so good to hear from you. Happy Valentine’s Day.
Looks good. I am also in shock about the recent happenings in our political atmosphere but I am also of the opinion that we should spread love and stop focusing on difficult things.
Thanks for stopping by. I would love to not have so much negative to focus on, but I do know that turning away will not make it all go away. We can still spread love while raising hell about things we do not agree with. Peace.
Sometimes taking some time to bake and be with yourself is the only response you can have. I’m hoping things get better, and that people take steps towards change.
wow..another great recipe with great combination. I really liked your recipes.Keep it up