Chocolate Cake. Mrs. John D. Stokes. Recipe

The Chocolate Cake recipe has been a beloved treat for many generations. Its rich and decadent flavor make it a favorite dessert for special occasions and celebrations. The origins of this recipe can be traced back to Mrs. John D. Stokes, who shared this delightful recipe with her family and friends.

Before diving into the recipe itself, it's interesting to note that chocolate has a long and fascinating history. It was first discovered by the ancient Mayans and Aztecs who enjoyed it as a bitter beverage. Over time, chocolate was transformed into the sweet treat we know today, and it quickly gained popularity worldwide.

Now, let's get started with the recipe:

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup grated chocolate
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup pulverized sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder

For the Filling:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons water
- 2 egg whites
- Vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the grated chocolate, 1/2 cup of milk, egg yolk, pulverized sugar, and vanilla extract. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring continuously until the chocolate and sugar are completely melted. Set aside to cool.

2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

3. In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the milk and continue mixing until well combined.

4. Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing well after each addition. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the batter is smooth and creamy.

5. Pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the cake batter, and gently fold it in until well incorporated.

6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

7. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. While the cakes are baking, prepare the filling. In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until it reaches the thread stage, where the syrup forms a thin thread when drizzled from a spoon.

9. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually pour the hot sugar syrup into the beaten egg whites, while continuously beating until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add a few drops of vanilla extract and continue beating until well incorporated.

10. Once the cakes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. Once the cakes have cooled, carefully slice each cake horizontally to create four layers in total.

12. Spread a generous amount of the filling between each layer, stacking the cakes on top of each other. Frost the top and sides of the cake with any remaining filling.

Your delicious Chocolate Cake is now ready to be enjoyed!

Fun Fact: Did you know that chocolate was once used as currency? The ancient Mayans and Aztecs valued cacao beans so much that they were often used in trade. Chocolate was considered a luxury item and was highly esteemed in their society.

Similar dessert recipes worth exploring include Black Forest Cake, which features layers of chocolate cake, cherries, and whipped cream, and Chocolate Mousse Cake, which combines moist chocolate cake with a silky smooth chocolate mousse.

So go ahead and indulge yourself and your loved ones with this timeless Chocolate Cake recipe, and don't forget to savor the rich flavors and fascinating history behind this beloved treat!