Introduction
Chocolate Mud Cake with Malted Whipped Cream is the epitome of decadence, a rich and indulgent dessert that combines the deep, intense flavor of chocolate with the smooth, creamy texture of malted whipped cream. This cake is everything you could want in a chocolate treat—dense, moist, and packed with that irresistible chocolatey goodness. Topped with a velvety malted whipped cream, it’s a dessert that feels like a luxurious experience in every bite. Whether for a special occasion or as a treat to enjoy with loved ones, this cake will surely impress.
What makes this Chocolate Mud Cake stand out is its perfectly balanced sweetness. It’s not overly rich, but the layers of chocolate in the cake and the malted cream topping create a harmonious blend that’s hard to resist. I remember baking it for the first time for a birthday celebration; it was such a hit with the crowd! The whipped cream adds an unexpected twist, giving it an extra layer of flavor and lightness.
One of the things I love about this cake is how easy it is to prepare without compromising on flavor. You can customize it with your preferred type of chocolate or add a little extra malt for more depth in the whipped cream. It’s a wonderfully versatile recipe that will always be a hit at any gathering. Once you try this Chocolate Mud Cake with Malted Whipped Cream, it’s certain to become a go-to favorite in your baking repertoire!
Perfect for:
- Birthdays and celebrations
- Dinner parties
- Special occasions
- A sweet treat after a long day
- Gifting to family and friends
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Chocolate Flavor: The rich, deep chocolate flavor of the mud cake is a true chocolate lover’s dream.
- Perfectly Moist: This cake is super moist, thanks to a combination of melted chocolate, butter, and a little bit of coffee to intensify the flavor.
- Malted Whipped Cream: The malted whipped cream adds a fun, creamy twist that pairs perfectly with the cake’s richness.
- Impressive Yet Easy: Despite its luxurious taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare.
- Customizable Topping: You can adjust the amount of malted milk powder to suit your taste and experiment with other flavors for the whipped cream.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Baking Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 12-14 slices
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Malted Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons malted milk powder
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Highlights
- Dark Chocolate: Adds a rich, intense flavor to the cake that balances the sweetness of the whipped cream.
- Malted Milk Powder: Provides a nostalgic, slightly sweet and malty flavor to the whipped cream.
- Coffee: Enhances the chocolate flavor in the cake, adding depth and complexity.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, airy whipped topping that complements the dense cake.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and sugar. Set aside.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a separate saucepan, melt the chopped chocolate and butter over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Once melted, set aside to cool slightly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the cooled coffee, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine the Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is smooth. Then, fold in the melted chocolate and butter mixture until completely combined.
Bake the Cake:
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake: Bake for 1 hour 30–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should feel firm but springy when lightly touched.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Malted Whipped Cream:
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until it begins to thicken. Add the malted milk powder, powdered sugar (if using), and vanilla extract. Continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Chill: Place the whipped cream in the refrigerator to chill until the cake is ready to serve.
Assemble and Serve:
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread a generous layer of malted whipped cream on top. If desired, garnish with chocolate shavings or extra malted milk powder.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the cake into pieces and enjoy with a cup of coffee or your favorite drink.
How to Serve
Chocolate Mud Cake with Malted Whipped Cream can be enjoyed in many delightful ways:
- With a Dusting of Cocoa: Add extra cocoa powder on top of the whipped cream for a rich, dark flavor.
- With Ice Cream: Serve slices of cake with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgence.
- As a Sweet Treat with Coffee: This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, making it an ideal choice for a coffee break.
- With Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a bright contrast to the chocolatey richness.
Additional Tips
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: Since the cake relies on the flavor of the chocolate, choose a high-quality dark chocolate for the best results.
- Let the Cake Cool Fully: Make sure the cake is completely cooled before frosting, as the whipped cream will melt if applied to a warm surface.
- Customize the Frosting: Adjust the sweetness of the whipped cream by adding more powdered sugar to taste. You can also add other flavorings, such as chocolate or coffee, to the whipped cream for variety.
- Storage: Keep any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Recipe Variations
- Coffee Flavored Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for an extra coffee punch that complements the chocolate.
- Nutty Addition: Add crushed walnuts or pecans on top of the whipped cream for an added crunch.
- Minty Twist: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the whipped cream for a mint-chocolate flavor combo.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate to make the cake vegan-friendly.
- Mini Cakes: Bake the cake in smaller round pans (like 6-inch pans) for individual-sized portions.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Allow the cake to cool completely before freezing. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If the cake becomes too dry, you can rehydrate it slightly with a bit of whipped cream or chocolate sauce before serving.
Special Equipment
- 9-inch Round Cake Pan: Essential for baking the cake evenly.
- Electric Mixer: To beat the cream quickly and achieve the perfect whipped cream consistency.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining the dry and wet ingredients and preparing the whipped cream.
- Parchment Paper: Helps ensure easy removal of the cake from the pan.
FAQ Section
- Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. It stores well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Frost just before serving. - Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of dark chocolate?
Dark chocolate gives the cake a rich flavor, but you can use cocoa powder if that’s what you have on hand. - Can I make this cake without the coffee?
Yes, you can substitute the coffee with additional milk, but the coffee does add depth to the chocolate flavor. - How do I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar slightly in both the cake and the whipped cream if you prefer a less sweet dessert. - Can I decorate the cake with something else?
Yes, you can decorate with chocolate shavings, malted milk powder, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache for an extra touch of elegance.
Conclusion
Chocolate Mud Cake with Malted Whipped Cream is an indulgent and decadent dessert that combines rich, gooey chocolate cake with the creamy, malty sweetness of the whipped topping. Its dense and moist texture, along with the contrasting flavors, makes it the perfect choice for any celebration or special occasion. This cake is a favorite among chocolate lovers, sure to satisfy any craving for something sweet and luxurious.
Easy to prepare yet impressive in taste, the cake can be served as is or paired with additional garnishes such as fresh berries or chopped nuts for extra flair. The Malted Whipped Cream adds a unique twist, enhancing the chocolate flavor and bringing a touch of indulgence.
Bake this dessert for your next gathering and enjoy the compliments! Don’t forget to capture the moment and share your masterpiece on Instagram—tag me so I can join in your celebration of this sweet success. Happy baking!