chocolate cakes

[nappyaddict]

i want to make a really really yumalicious cake.

what makes the best cake (and when i say best i mean omg im going to wet my pants this cake is so good best) - cocoa powder or real chocolate pieces?

real chocolate! Green and Black's 70%..

My favourite atm is Chocolate Guinness cake. Yummy!!!

I'd always have said chocolate, but I made some really nice brownies the other day with cocoa. Nigella has a recipe for Quadruple Chocolate Cake which has cocoa, chocolate chips, chocolate syrup and chopped chocolate on the top. It's VERY good.

Cocoa powder in sponge , proper chocolate in filling and topping. Nigella has a namazing recipe for Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake in Feast.

Lol, Nigella is obviously the Queen of chocolate cakes!

glammamma why do you say cocoa powder in the sponge but real choc in the icing?

I just find it easier. When I've used cocoa my cake always tastes very chocolatey. I use the best cocoa I can afford but bog standard cocoa combined with the 70% chocolate on the top and in between the layers also works very well. I guess each to their own , it's just my favourite way. Do you have a recipe already? I'm sure if you use chocolate in the sponge it will taste gorgeous too though.

hmmmm don't really mind if it's easier or harder cos its for a special treat for my friend. just want what will taste best.

I guess you have to go with your gut instinct. I have made Nigella's Old Fashioned Chocolate cake for all sorts of things, including school functions and work away days and always had compliments. It is our standard family birthday cake now as my DD thinks it is the best! What's also important to remember is texture or if one wants to be poncey, mouthfeel. This cake is so soft and moreish that you would never think "is this cocoa or chocolate" as it just tastes so good. If you want the recipe I'll type it out but I think you could probably get more sophisticated cakes if it's a special one for your friend. Have fun baking, whatever you choose.