Julia Child Chocolate Almond Cake

Julia Child Chocolate Almond Cake

This delicious Julia Child’s Chocolate Almond Cake is a quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a rich, creamy ganache topping and a soft, decadent cake, it’s sure to impress. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have, making it a flexible and indulgent treat.

Ingredients Needed

  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (6 oz)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs, slightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa powder

For the chocolate ganache:

  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

How To Make Chocolate Almond Cake

  1. Prepare the Oven and Cake Pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper and spray again. Set aside.
  2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and butter. Microwave in short intervals of about 1 minute, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
  3. Mix Sugar, Vanilla, and Eggs: Stir in the sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Add the slightly beaten eggs and stir until well combined and smooth.
  4. Add Cocoa Powder: Gently fold in the cocoa powder until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a thin crust forms on top and the center reaches 200°F on an instant-read thermometer.
  6. Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate and allow it to cool completely.
  7. Make the Ganache: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and heavy cream. Microwave in intervals of about 30 seconds, stirring in between, until the chocolate melts and the ganache becomes smooth.
  8. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the top. Let it set for a few hours, preferably in the refrigerator.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve with powdered sugar and raspberries, or pair it with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Julia Child Chocolate Almond Cake

Recipe Tips

  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: When adding cocoa powder, stir until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light.
  • Cool the Cake Completely Before Frosting: Let the cake cool fully before spreading the ganache to ensure it sets properly without melting.
  • Use Room Temperature Eggs: Slightly beaten eggs at room temperature mix better, giving the cake a smooth texture.
  • Check the Cake’s Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the cake is cooked through (200°F in the center).
  • Make the Ganache While the Cake Cools: Prepare the ganache as the cake cools so it has time to set and you can apply it smoothly.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Cover leftover chocolate almond cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap leftover chocolate almond cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. To thaw, leave the cake at room temperature for about 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Fact

Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12 of the cake)

  • Calories: 145 kcal
  • Total Fat: 5.14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.67 g
  • Cholesterol: 0.62 mg
  • Sodium: 218.11 mg
  • Potassium: 91.33 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22.84 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5.33 g
  • Sugars: 4.42 g
  • Protein: 5.76 g
  • Calcium: 64.4 mg
  • Iron: 2.26 mg

More Julia Child Recipes:

Julia Child Chocolate Almond Cake

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 12 minutesCook time: 25 minutesRest time: 10 minutesTotal time: 47 minutesServings:12 servingsCalories:145 kcal Best Season:Suitable throughout the year

Description

This delicious Julia Child’s Chocolate Almond Cake is a quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a rich, creamy ganache topping and a soft, decadent cake, it’s sure to impress. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have, making it a flexible and indulgent treat.

Ingredients

  • For the chocolate ganache:

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Cake Pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper and spray again. Set aside.
  2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and butter. Microwave in short intervals of about 1 minute, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
  3. Mix Sugar, Vanilla, and Eggs: Stir in the sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Add the slightly beaten eggs and stir until well combined and smooth.
  4. Add Cocoa Powder: Gently fold in the cocoa powder until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a thin crust forms on top and the center reaches 200°F on an instant-read thermometer.
  6. Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate and allow it to cool completely.
  7. Make the Ganache: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and heavy cream. Microwave in intervals of about 30 seconds, stirring in between, until the chocolate melts and the ganache becomes smooth.
  8. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the top. Let it set for a few hours, preferably in the refrigerator.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve with powdered sugar and raspberries, or pair it with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Notes

  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: When adding cocoa powder, stir until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light.
  • Cool the Cake Completely Before Frosting: Let the cake cool fully before spreading the ganache to ensure it sets properly without melting.
  • Use Room Temperature Eggs: Slightly beaten eggs at room temperature mix better, giving the cake a smooth texture.
  • Check the Cake’s Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the cake is cooked through (200°F in the center).
  • Make the Ganache While the Cake Cools: Prepare the ganache as the cake cools so it has time to set and you can apply it smoothly.
Keywords:Julia Child Chocolate Almond Cake

Mohamed Shili

Hi, I'm Mohamed Shili, a food writer who loves everything about cooking. At Delish Sides, my goal is to share interesting and helpful information about food. Come join me on this food journey. With my knowledge and your love of food, we're going to have a tasty time together!