### How to Make a Chocolate Sunshine Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
#### Introduction
A chocolate sunshine cake is a delightful treat that combines rich, decadent chocolate flavors with a light, fluffy texture that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a birthday party or just craving something sweet and comforting, this recipe will surely satisfy your taste buds.
#### Ingredients
- 200g plain flour
- 150g self-raising flour
- 200g caster sugar
- 175g unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 85g dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 150ml milk
#### Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Greased and lined 9-inch cake tin
- Baking tray with parchment paper
- Oven
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven**
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F, Gas Mark 4).
- Ensure your baking tray is preheated as well for a faster and more even bake.
2. **Prepare Your Equipment**
- Grease and line your cake tin with parchment paper.
- Set aside all the ingredients needed to ensure everything is ready before you start mixing.
3. **Cream the Butter and Sugar**
- In a large bowl, cream together 150g of unsalted butter and 150g of caster sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes on medium speed with an electric mixer.
- If you don't have an electric mixer, use a whisk or fork to mix the ingredients thoroughly by hand.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**
- Crack in two large eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated before adding the next egg.
- Stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract after all the eggs are mixed.
5. **Fold in Dry Ingredients**
- Sift together 200g of plain flour and 150g of self-raising flour into another bowl to prevent lumps.
- Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
6. **Melt the Chocolate**
- Melt 85g of finely chopped dark chocolate in the microwave or on low heat on the stovetop.
- Stir in 150ml of milk and mix until smooth before adding it to your batter.
7. **Combine All Ingredients**
- Slowly fold the melted chocolate mixture into the cake batter, ensuring everything is well mixed but still light and fluffy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and spread evenly with a spatula or spoon.
8. **Bake the Cake**
- Place the cake tin in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Ensure your baking tray is also hot, which can help achieve an even bake and prevent the bottom of the cake from becoming soggy.
9. **Cool the Cake**
- Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cooling is crucial as it prevents the cake from breaking when you attempt to slice it.
#### Tips for Perfect Results
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially the dark chocolate, which will enhance the flavor profile of your cake.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to ensure easier mixing and a smoother batter.
- Don’t be tempted to overmix once you add the flour; this can result in tough crumb texture.
#### Conclusion
Enjoy your homemade chocolate sunshine cake! This recipe is not only simple but also allows for customization. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolates or adding a few drops of food coloring for a festive touch. Happy baking!
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By following these detailed steps, you'll be able to create a delicious and moist chocolate sunshine cake that's sure to brighten anyone's day!