Friday, February 19, 2010

Chocolate Chile Cake (CCC)!!


I'm back again with a Temptation which is called C3, CHOCOLATE CHILE CAKE . If you are a chocolate person, this is the cake for you bcoz it is the GOD of chocolate!! I happened to watch the first episode of Daisy Martinez on food network by accident and knew right away once she stated that there was NO FLOUR in this cake that I had to make it right then for no occasion and no reason at all.

I followed the recipe and could hardly wait to see what it looked like the next morning. I would have loved to serve this cake with the cinnamon ice cream but last minute did not find any so I got a mint ice-cream instead and served with raspberries. Thanks to the FN for a great tasting flavorful cake.

The reason why this cake is so special is.........Easy to make. Looks beautiful. Incredibly rich. No flour needed. Strong coffee flavor and a small slice is plenty. This cake turned out perfect on the first try and it tasted like something out of a gourmet chocolate shop, in other words just EXQUISITE . The espresso really brings out intense flavors in the chocolate, while the cayenne pepper creates a subtle warmth in the back of the throat giving a new level of complexity. Adding chili to cake may seem counter-intuitive, but it actually adds a subtle depth of flavor. But do not worry bcoz the ice cream cools everything down.


This moist layer cake offers a nice twist on an old classic. It needs the ice cream to cut down the "oh so richness" of the cake. It's a wonderful finish to a special meal. Make it for a dinner party or get-together event and i bet ya they are gone before you know it! Your guests cannot stop raving about it. I will make this cake again and again and again....boy, I'm so gonna get fat!


Here's the recipe you are waiting for:

Prep Time :10 min
Inactive Prep Time :6-8hrs
Cook Time :1 hr 20 mins
Servings : 12-16

You will Need:

1 cup espresso
1 packed cup dark brown sugar
1-3 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, cubed
12 ounces (2 cups) semisweet chocolate
4 ounces (4 Squares) unsweetened chocolate
6 large eggs, beaten
Ice cream and raspberries, for serving



Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Prepare a 9 or 10 inch spring form pan: Cut a circle of parchment the size of the removable bottom of the pan. Fit the parchment circle into the bottom of the pan. Tear off an 18-inch length of aluminum foil. Center the pan over the sheet of foil and crumple and crimp the foil all around the sides of the pan. (The foil will prevent water from seeping into the pan during baking.) Set the pan aside.

In a medium saucepan, bring the espresso, brown sugar and the cinnamon sticks to a simmer over very low heat.

Simmer until the syrup is very fragrant, about 20 minutes. Stir in the butter until melted, and then stir in the cayenne pepper. Set aside.

Pulse the chocolate in the food processor until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a deep bowl.

Pour in the warm coffee syrup and whisk until the chocolate is completely melted. Whisk in the beaten eggs until completely blended.

Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Set the pan in a large, deep, oven-proof skillet or a roasting pan and set on the oven rack.

Pour in enough water to come halfway up the sides of the pan. Bake until center is set and barely wiggles when you shake the pan gently, 50 to 60 minutes.

Cool the cake to room temperature. Remove the foil and chill the cake in the pan at least 8 hours.

Run a wet knife around the sides of the pan then pop the spring to release. Place a platter on top of the cake and flip over.

Remove the bottom of the pan, and peel off the parchment. Serve with ice cream of your choice and raspberries.


Quick Notes:

1) Make sure that the pan is crumpled properly with the aluminium foil, preferably a thicker one bcoz even a small leak can spoil the whole cake.

2) You can use white sugar instead of brown sugar but y go for a plain one when you can get wonderful molasses and caramel notes with this brown sugar. And i like to go for dark brown instead of a light brown b'coz it really packs in the flavor and it has got nice spongy tackiness.

3) Cinnamon ice-cream goes well with this cake, but you can also try flavours like mango, coconut, mint and even vanilla.


4) For those concerned about the chile heat,be aware that not all cayenne is created equal. It can be either standard or hot with the "glow" level dependent on what kind and where it was produced.
To lower the heat but keep the chile flavor, try using ancho chile powder.
You can also try this cake without using cayenne but i like that little kick in my cake.



This cake would be perfect for a birthday party bcoz children would go gaga. So y not you try it next time and make everyone happy.



Hope you had fun watching the slide show and the pics.
Write to me.
See you next time.
Until then, ADIOS!!!

196 comments:

Nivedita Thadani said...

Hi Aruna
You have a lovely space here,
I enjoyed the photo feast of this post!
Thanks for comments in my blog. I am following you.
Keep visiting me.
Inviting you to participate in my first event : Forgotten Indian games!! (Edited and re written), ...

FH said...

Looks very decadent and moist, enjoy! :)

Trendsetters said...

the spicy addition has always fascinated me ... Got to try some day soon...chilies...wow...

Swathi said...

Aruna,

Nice cake. First time hearing Cayenne pepper in chocolate cake dish.I need to try some time.

Pari Vasisht said...

This looks divine. I am still to use this method of baking using a water bath..great one dear.

madhoo said...

you know what aruna, i have decided what i want to have when i visit you in May! yea, you guessed it right... C3!
nothing more nothing less...

Ash said...

Hey Aruna,

WOW!!! That's a yummy treat..... I loved the cake, the wafer looks like wings to it..... & it would just fly to me to please my palate.....

ADORABLE!!!!!! Very!!!!

Hope u had an awesome Valentines!!!!!

Ash.....
(http://asha-oceanichope.blogspot.com/)

RennyBA's Terella said...

Woooow, Chocolate Cake; My favourite! I remember even from when I was a child, it was always the one I wanted for my BD. Mom still make the best one :-) however, yours sounds and looks very tempting too!

Btw: Yes I like coffee and I'm glad you're back in Blogsphere :--)

Vrinda said...

Gr8 cake and gr8 recipe..hav to try this one,looks yummmm

Anonymous said...

Oh, what an awesome cake! Easy to make, perfect decadent and I just love the addition of cayenne, yum!

Priya Suresh said...

OMG Aruna, u r tempting me with ur beautiful clicks dear, such a awesome cake ,mouthwatering here..

Namitha said...

Wonderful cake..Have had chilli chocoltae but not cake..Sure it tastes great :-)

Martha said...

Delicious! :-)

Unknown said...

Now this is a real temptation...Looks fantabulous..Well presented...All in all a mouthwatering dessert...

Sook said...

Oh the chocolate cake looks rich and delicious! And what a pretty plating! Cute!

Pavithra Elangovan said...

What gorgeous cake..looks so delicious... so chocolaty I am drooling .. nice piece of cake with ice cream. Who say no to this !!! Yummo

Nandinis food said...

What a lovely rich cake! It's so yummy and chocolatitious! MMmmm!

Home Cooked Oriya Food said...

i love the slide shows... yummy temptations indeed!

Tina said...

Welcome bak dear...CCC looks mouthwatering and tempting....

kitchen queen said...

the cake looks yum flavourful and spongy.

ARUNA said...

Thanks Niveditha and yes i will keep visiting u too!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Asha, it does!

ARUNA said...

Trendsetters: Yeah spicy version is what fascinated me too!

ARUNA said...

Hi Swathi, even i never heard of a cayenne pepper usage in a cake. It was new to me too.

ARUNA said...

Hi Pari, water bath usage is easy, we just need to b a lil careful!

ARUNA said...

Madhoo C3 it is!!

ARUNA said...

Asha until u mentioned, i didn't realise the wafer looks like wings...lol they do!!

ARUNA said...

Hey thanks for the welcome Renny and chocolate is my favourite too!!

ARUNA said...

Try and let me know Vrinda, u r anyways a pro in baking!

ARUNA said...

Hi Natasha, yeah cayenne adds some kick to the sweetness!

ARUNA said...

Hey thanks Priya.

ARUNA said...

Yes Gulmohar, there's something chocolaty about it!!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Martha!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Ramya!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Sook, glad u liked the plating.

ARUNA said...

Pavi, those who r diet conscious might say a big NO....LOL!!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Usha!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Somoo!

ARUNA said...

Thanks for the welcome Tina!

ARUNA said...

Kitchen queen: Thanks!

Sushma Mallya said...

so nice and tempting cake,rich and yum and very good recipe too...

Ganga Sreekanth said...

nice cake dear........

Suparna said...

hi Aruna,
wonderful rich sinful cake:)
lovely slideshow and nice presentation ...seems a very happy cake :)
Enjoy
TC

Neetz said...

Aruna... lovely presentation and ur cake looks awesomly good and tempted :)

Neethu

Neetz said...

Aruna... lovely presentation and ur cake looks awesomly good and tempted :)

Neethu

ज्योति सिंह said...

hi aruna ji mujhe sweet dish bahut pasand hai aur aapki tasvir dekh to rokna muskil hota hai ,kya laazwaab tasvir aur itne flavour me ,ice cream mujhe behad bhati hai aur us swad me cake ,kya kahne ,agle birthday me yahi cake banane ki koshish rahegi .delicious .shukriya

Rekha shoban said...

hiiiiiiiiii aruna, how r u?where did u go dear?v missed ur yummy recipes....chocalate cake looks yummy and nice presentation!

Gita Jaishankar said...

Wow...flourless cake! it looks so rich and decadent Aruna :)

Rico said...

Wow ...that choc cake looks so moist and so scrumptious, I would have a couple of slices right now, dispensing the ice cream, but putting some hot chocolate sauce over it, which I am sure you wouldn't mind making for me hehe..Just fantastic, Rico Recipes lots of kisses xxx

chitra said...

Nice presentation Aruna, professional approach

Shanthi Krishnakumar said...

Wonderful presentation and lovely click

Hamaree Rasoi said...

Hi Aruna

The cake looks soooooo tasty and yummmmy:). Very well presented as well.

Deepa

Menaga Sathia said...

வாவ்வ்வ்வ் கேக் ரொம்ப ரொம்ப சூப்பராயிருக்கு...அதுவும் ஸ்லைட் ஷோவில் படங்கள் போட்டிருப்பது அருமை!!

Preeti Kashyap said...

Lovely cake...yummy!

♥Sugar♥Plum♥Fairy♥ said...

Thanx for hopping by Aruna....u have a lovely blog and this is a fantastic looking cake-sounds delicious too....
Oh i love the aroma of south indian coffee.....

Cheers and wonderful weekend......

Anonymous said...

Aruna dear, i'm back to savour yr offerings here, you're always the best among the best, take care dear

ARUNA said...

Thanks Sushma!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Ganga!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Suparna!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Neetu!

ARUNA said...

Jyoti ji aapko mera cake pasand aaya, sunkar bahut achaa laga!

ARUNA said...

Hi Rekha, thx a lot dear. Well i was pretty much here but was not into blogging so much, but now iam back!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Gita!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Rico. I would have gone for a chocolate sauce on any other cake but not this one bcoz it is already too chocolaty and too heavy!!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Chitra, glad u liked it!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Shanthi!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Deepa!

ARUNA said...

Preethi tx yaa!

ARUNA said...

vanillastrawberry: Hey tx for stopping by, glad u liked my blog.

ARUNA said...

Mr Hans, that was a lovely compliment, i'm very happy to see you in my space.

Cicily Antony said...

OMG...droolworthy...

Urmi said...

Chocolate chilly cake looks gorgeous, colourful, delicious and tempting. What a lovely presentation with mouth watering pictures.

shahana said...

I would like to share some awards with you .Please visit my blog and collect those awards

Anya said...

Wow!!
CHOCOLATE its my favorite
but i never heard from pepper in it
???
I will try the recipe :-)
THANKS ....

Enjoy your sunday
Kareltje =^.^=
Anya :-)

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Yummy! That cake looks so moist and fudgy! Wonderful!

Cheers,

Rosa

Love2cook Malaysia said...

Hi Aruna, hru doing there??? Ur choc cake is truly choc-heaven! I'm drooling nonstop here! hehehe ;)

Take care n have fun!

वन्दना अवस्थी दुबे said...

वाह अरुणा जी. क्या केक है!! सच कहूं तो मै बहुत देर तक तो केवल तस्वीरें देखती रहती हूं, स्वाद लेने की कोशिश भी करती हूं.

Joanne said...

Flourless chocolate cake is definitely the way to go. Especially spiced up! I love chocolate with cinnamon and chiles...really ramps it up a notch.

Imp's Mom said...

For some strange reason I never thought I'd see a gluten free n lactose free recipe here...the chile is a nice twist n am gonna try ths one :)

Dori said...

I've been pushing my cravings for chocolate away but how can I resist this!

Siddhi Shirsat said...

wow aruna superb cake

ARUNA said...

Thanks Babli!

ARUNA said...

Thanks for those wonderful awards Shahana!

ARUNA said...

I would be glad if u give it a try Anya. Happy sunday to u too!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Rosa!

ARUNA said...

Love2cook: I'm doing gr8 and thanks a tonne yaa, glad u liked the cake!

ARUNA said...

Vandana ji, aapko to har cheez acchi lagti hai yahan pe, hai ki nahin!!!

ARUNA said...

Joanne thanks a lot!!

ARUNA said...

Hey Jyoti, I'm surprise and equally happy that u bumped into this foodie blog.....glad u liked this post!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Meeso!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Siddhi!

PJ said...

chocolate and chili, wow, thats one exploding combination! love the cake and the snaps, nice presentation, Aruna,

Fathima said...

never tried chocolate 'n chilly combo... looks yummy and great presentation...

Unknown said...

Thanks for stopping by kothiyavunu and for ur sweet comments.:)
Great combo!! cake looks gorgeous and tempting!

KennyT said...

It looks divine!! I wanna have some!

priya said...

hi aruna,

thx for visiting my blog and for those lovely comments!!..u ve a huge and wonderful space with all delicious recipes on earth..do keep in touch..following u, dear!

Ginnie said...

Are you kidding me? That's total decadence and I would eat it up. :D

Angie's Recipes said...

That slice of moist...fudge textured chocolate cake looks heavenly!

Unknown said...

This look so decadent and delicious. I wish you would send me a slice (or two).
*kisses* HH

Chitra said...

this looks awesome. love the idea! my friend a few months back made brownies with jalapenos and i loved that combination too!

subhashini said...

Very nice collections dear.Thanks for visitng my blog and such a wonderful comments.
Love
Subhashini

Panchpakwan said...

Hey Aruna..
Cake looks so moist and rich....
thax for visiting my blog and hope to see in the event..

Choclette said...

Chocolate, Cinnamon and Chilli - three of my favourite ingredients combined - yum!

ARUNA said...

Thanks PJ, glad u liked it!

ARUNA said...

Tx Fathima!

ARUNA said...

Kothiyavunu: Thanx for the visit!

ARUNA said...

Kenny thanks, you can have a piece definitely!

ARUNA said...

Hi Priya, i wud definitely keep in touch!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Ginnie!

ARUNA said...

Yes Angie, it is indeed moist n fudgy!

ARUNA said...

Hi HH, i wish i cud send u the whole cake!

ARUNA said...

Tx for visiting me Chitra, ur video was awesome!

Rajee Mani said...

Thanks for visiting my blog earlier. You have a great blog here with amazing pics. Will be visit often :-)

Aparna said...

Thanks for ur luvly comments in my blog..cake luks fabulous.too tempting.well presented too:)

Bo said...

Great presentation! Thank cake looks great!

AdukalaVishesham said...

cake looks really moist and delicious.. very nice post

Rahin said...

cake looks super cute and delicious

Simply Life said...

wow! that looks wonderful!

Simply Life said...

wow! that looks wonderful!

tulipspeaks said...

wow! yummy!



ammu.

Anonymous said...

Hello...Wow, Your Blog is So interesting;) & this cake looks absolutely tasty! I'll have to try it out one of these days. Take Care.

-Nikki

symphonious sweets said...

This cake looks and sounds wonderful! I live spicy chocolate! yum....

Meena said...

What a sinfully delish cake!!!

Will be following you just so I can look at the recipes of yummm-ooo cakes...if I cave into the temptation I will bake it...like this one:)))

Loved the filter coffee post too...I confess I am a (filter)
coffee addict and I dont want to be reformed.

PurpleHeart said...

That's the way to go ! A chocolaty come back - without even the fattening flour - that's what I call 'harmless pleasures of Life'.

suvaiyaana suvai said...

Ur ccc looks yummy!!

Anupama Puneeth said...

Hey Aruna,

Thanks for stopping by my blog and hope you keep visiting :)
You have a fantastic blog here and keep it going ! Best wishes.

Gomathy S said...

Cake looks lovely.. & seriously no flour is what I think now :)

Sarah Naveen said...

Superb and yummy!!!

Madhuri Krishna Bhat said...

Well, u have nice collections. Cake is so tempting. will be back for your upcoming enteries

ARUNA said...

Tx Rajee, yeah i will b glad to have visitors often!

ARUNA said...

Tx for the compli Aparna!

ARUNA said...

Thanks for the visit BO!

ARUNA said...

Adukulavisesham: Thanks for the appreciation!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Rahin!

ARUNA said...

Simplylife: thanks.

ARUNA said...

Tulipspeaks: thanks yaa.

ARUNA said...

Thanks for your wonderful comment Nikki!

ARUNA said...

Symphonious sweets: Hey even i agree now that spice and chocolate is a nice combination!

ARUNA said...

Hi Meena, glad u liked this post as well as coffee...I feel blessed!

ARUNA said...

Hey Purpleheart: I agree, its definitely a harmless or let's call it less caloried pleasure of life :)

ARUNA said...

Suvaiaana : Thanks.

ARUNA said...

Anupama tx for stopping by my blog too, appreciate ur comment.

ARUNA said...

Daisy Blue: Yeah u heard it right, there's absolutely zero flour in it!

ARUNA said...

Thanks for visiting me Madhuri!

Ramya Vijaykumar said...

Looks very perfect Aruna... Lovely chocolate cake and simply delicious!!!

http://memoryarchieved.blogspot.com

Padhu Sankar said...

Hi Aruna They look so beautiful and lovely!

Pamela said...

Wow...that is one fabulous and rich looking cake! Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving me such a lovely comment! Take care!

Spice said...

Nice recipe....sounds interesting & tasty......btw thanks for stopping by....

Rahin said...

Hey Aruna , have some awards for you at my blog , plz accept those

Vani said...

Chocolate and cayenne pepper - wow! I want a bite of that!!

♥Sugar♥Plum♥Fairy♥ said...

This is delight full and Joanne being ur fren too, am inviting u here for her little party(its her birthday dear -i know that u know dear) which is a suprise party for her ...do leave her a wish in the sprinkles ok.....my feeds arent working so am trying my best to find all her pals to leave her a wish in the sprinkles before she gets there or even after....will ya help too to make it a little sucess....and leave her a wish too?

http://vanillastrawberryspringfields.blogspot.com/2010/02/joannes-birthday-middle-eastern-chicken.html?showComment

Kanchan said...

Wow ! I'm totally starving looking at this delicious sinful piece , beautiful dear !

Padhu Sankar said...

Really tempting us with beautiful and yummy cakes. The name suits your blog

Chats the Comfy Cook said...

I am happy that I found this recipe. I am into flourless cooking. It started when my husband found out he has celiac but now, I have discovered that the best cakes are flourless. Thanks for posting this.

I have printed it up and I am ready to go.

Lisa (bakebikeblog) said...

ooooh chilli and chocolate - perfect combination in my book :) Great pics too :)

Tinsie said...

Looks delish, I might have to give it a try!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dearest Aruna,

I thank you so much for taking the time to come to see ME! I see you have quite a following that you must keep up with, and I see why; your food is making me so hungry at this moment, so I best go and make my dinner! Thanks so much! Adios! Anita

Shri said...

The combination sounds interesting and the cake looks luscious!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Ramya, i liked ur peanut chakki!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Padhu!

ARUNA said...

Pleasure is mine Pamela, thanks for stopping by my blog!

ARUNA said...

Spice, thanks to u too!

ARUNA said...

Thanks for the award Rahin!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Vani!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Kanchan!

ARUNA said...

Thanks Chaaya!

ARUNA said...

Lisa, Tinsie, Anita n Shri : Thanks for your comments, glad u liked the post.

Springbird said...

Thanks Aruna for visiting my blog and leaving a note. I appreciate it.U have a wonderful space here.I loved the slide show and its so interesting and useful.Anyone can bake such a lovely tempting cake.

cookies and cups said...

SO interesting! I will have to try this. I haven't ever tried the heat with the chocolate, but you have made me want to give it a go! Thanks for stopping by my site :)

Traci said...

Wow!!!! How does anything that wonderful only need 10 minutes of prep. I'm not much of a cook but I think I could commit ten minutes to that! It looks amazing -- your blog is well titled!

Thanks for visiting my blog. I will be following you.
:-)
Traci
38andgrowing.blogspot.com

Joie de vivre said...

Aruna,
What a pretty presentation with the cookies. My favorite chocolate bar is the Dagoba Chili Chocolate, so I'm sure I would be a big fan of this cake. Thanks for sharing the recipe and thanks for visiting!

Mary Bergfeld said...

Thanks for the tip about the chili powder and the foil. This looks like, though I can tell from the ingredients does not taste like, the flourless chocolate cake that is served for passover. This is a lovely recipe that will be tried very soon.

Preety said...

i am always up for chocolate cake..looks too good

theUngourmet said...

I love flourless chocolate cake! This is gorgeous and I love the coffee in here!

Sayantani said...

being true to your page name you have tempted me enough to make this sinful CCC tonight. making it but in a small pan. perfecto!!!!

sra said...

Ah, you have a rainbow of a blog! Not sure but I think it's my first time here, I love chili choc combinations.

वन्दना अवस्थी दुबे said...

होली की बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनायें.

Pam said...

Love your blog, bright and cheerful. However, the cake looks decadent and sinful for sure! It looks delicious and I wish I had a bite of it right now!

ज्योति सिंह said...

happy holi with abir

Michelle said...

One of my favorites is chocolate and espresso...so good!

ARUNA said...

Springbird: Thanks.

Cookies and cups: I wud b glad if u give this recipe a try.

Traci: Glad u liked my blog and following me.

Joie de vivre: Glad u liked my presentation.

ARUNA said...

Mary: Thanks

Preeti : Thanks

The ungourmet: Thanks

Sayantani: Thanks yaaa.

ARUNA said...

Sra, Sophie, Pam, Michelle: Thanks for ur lovely comments.

Vandana, Babli, Jyoti : Happy holi to u and ur family!!

Renuka Bedre - Rao said...

Looks fabulous dear!! Happy holi!!

Arunima said...

they look so so yum. thanks a lot. when will i learn to cook/bake/make this way sigh!

Urmi said...

Wish you and your family a very Happy Holi.

AMA's AnythingVegetarian said...

Cake looks mosit.Thanks for dropping by.

Anjum said...

fabulous cake.So very tempting.
Nice space here...
Following u.
Do drop by T http://anjuskitchentreasures.blogspot.com/

The Old White Barn said...

Thank you for stopping by today - because now I've found your wonderful site! This looks ever so good - and your pictures are great.
Susan

Sowmya said...

wow...inviting cake ...tempting n lovely clicks da...An award is waiting in my blog dear.congrats Buddy.

Kalai said...

Simply lovely! Looks moist n delicious!

ARUNA said...

Thanks for all your lovely comments guys!

Pam said...

Scrumptious.....you need to open a bakery girl!

xoxo

Malar Gandhi said...

Chocolate cake looks wonderful, awesome presentation,

Memória said...

Wow, you have one very popular blog here, and I see why! You work hard in your posts with all these photos and slideshows. This cake looks absolutely amazing. I love that it calls for zero flour. I'm going to bookmark this recipe. Thanks for sharing it!

Unknown said...

Interesting recipe! It looks delicious..