Dark, glossy, and decadently chocolatey, the Tenerina Cake is a little Italian wonder that melts hearts with every bite. With its fudgy interior and thin crust, this dessert is utterly luxurious. It is perfect for chocolate lovers, dinner parties, or any moment when you want to treat yourself to a slice of Italy.
What is Tenerina Chocolate Cake?
Originating from Ferrara, Italy, the Tenerina Cake is an iconic dessert celebrated for its rich, dense chocolate center encased in a cookie-like crust. It was said to have been created in the 1800s by a local baker who wanted a chocolate cake that would stay moist. Unlike traditional sponge cakes, it uses minimal flour and a generous amount of chocolate and eggs, resulting in an almost truffle-like experience.
Pro Tips for the Best Tenerina Cake
- Use good-quality dark chocolate for a rich flavor that really sings.
- Melt the chocolate and butter slowly over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning or clumping.
- Gently fold in the egg whites to preserve airiness, as this is key for that light crust and dense interior.
- Sift the flour to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth batter.
- Let the cake cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar; this allows the texture to set perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Tenerina Cake Different from a Brownie?
While both are chocolate-forward desserts, Tenerina Cake has a thinner crust and almost molten interior. It uses very little flour and relies heavily on whipped egg whites for structure, giving it a lift while remaining fudgy inside.
Can I Use Milk Chocolate Instead of Dark Chocolate?
You can, but it will significantly change the flavor. Dark chocolate provides that deep, bittersweet taste, while milk chocolate will make the cake sweeter and slightly less intense. Adjust the sugar if you opt for milk chocolate.
How Do I Prevent My Cake from Cracking?
Cracking is natural due to the thin crust forming over the dense center. To minimize large cracks, bake at the recommended temperature and avoid opening the oven during baking. A few small cracks actually add to its rustic charm.
What is the Best Way to Serve Tenerina Cake?
Serve slightly chilled or pair it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or vanilla gelato to enhance its richness.
How to Store Tenerina Cake
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, but allow it to return to room temperature before serving to preserve its soft texture. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Ingredients
How to Make Tenerina Chocolate Cake
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Chop the dark chocolate, combine it with butter in a saucepan over low heat, and stir continuously until smooth.
Chop the dark chocolate, combine it with butter in a saucepan over low heat, and stir continuously until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with half of the sugar.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with half of the sugar.
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Gradually add the melted chocolate and butter mixture until fully combined.
Gradually add the melted chocolate and butter mixture until fully combined.
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Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with the remaining sugar.
Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with the remaining sugar.
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Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate-yolk mixture. Mix carefully from the bottom up to retain the airiness. Sift the flour and fold it gently into the batter until homogeneous.
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate-yolk mixture. Mix carefully from the bottom up to retain the airiness. Sift the flour and fold it gently into the batter until homogeneous.
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Pour the batter into a 24cm (9-inch) cake mold and level with a spatula. Bake at 180°C (360°F) for 30 minutes.
Pour the batter into a 24cm (9-inch) cake mold and level with a spatula. Bake at 180°C (360°F) for 30 minutes.
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Dust the cake with powdered sugar, slice, and serve.
Dust the cake with powdered sugar, slice, and serve.
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