This is a perennial favourite, named after the famous Viennese hotel, When it comes to celebrating special occasions, Sachertorte often tops the list. When I discovered a recipe for Sachertorte adorned with sugared rose petals from Delia Smith, I knew it would be the perfect cake to bake for Valentine’s Day.
I hope this inspires some of you to share this delightful treat with your loved ones during the celebration. Entertaining at home doesn’t need to be flawless—the act itself is what truly matters, and your guests will appreciate the gesture. A good host knows that the best parties happen when everyone contributes in their special way. You can throw a small gathering to let your loved ones know they’re special to you and that you cherish spending time together.
Ingredients
175g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa solids)
110g plain flour
1 level teaspoon baking powder
110g spreadable butter
110g golden caster sugar
a few drops almond extract
4 large egg yolks, beaten
5 large egg whites
For the icing:
175g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa solids)
150ml double cream
1 level dessertspoon glycerine
1 level dessertspoon apricot jam
A 20cm round loose-based cake tin, greased, with a non-stick base liner
Instructions
Pre-heat the oven to 150°C, gas mark 2
Place the broken-up chocolate in a bowl over a pan containing 5cm of barely simmering water, without the bowl touching the water. When it's melted
(5-10 minutes) take it off the heat.
While that's happening, sift the flour and baking powder into a roomy mixing bowl, lifting the sieve quite high to give the flour a good airing as it goes down.
Then add the butter, sugar, almond extract and beaten egg yolks, and, using an electric hand whisk, combine them for about 1 minute until you have a smooth creamy consistency. After that beat the chocolate into the creamed mixture. Now, using a clean dry whisk and a large bowl, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks and then carefully and gradually fold them into the mixture bit by bit, using a metal spoon.
Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin, level the top with the back of a tablespoon and bake it near the centre of the oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until firm, well-risen and springy in the centre. When it's cooked, allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a cooling rack (see page 12) and leaving it to get quite cold.
To make the icing:
melt the chocolate (as above), then remove it from the heat.
Stir in the cream and the glycerine till thoroughly blended. Now, warm the apricot jam and brush the cake all over with it. Finally, pour the icing over the whole cake, using a palette knife to cover the top and sides completely. Then leave it to set (which will take 2-3 hours).
If you make it in advance you can store it in the fridge once the icing has set. Serve cut in wedges - in Vienna they always serve it with a generous amount of whipped cream.
Receipe from Delia's Cake by Delia Smith
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