### **Chocolate Coffee Cake with Lotus**
A delightful fusion of rich chocolate, aromatic coffee, and crunchy Lotus biscuits, the Chocolate Coffee Cake with Lotus offers a deliciously unique twist on traditional coffee cakes. This indulgent cake combines the best of both worlds— the smooth, deep flavor of chocolate, the invigorating essence of coffee, and the crisp, caramelized crunch of Lotus Biscoff biscuits. Perfect for dessert, an afternoon tea, or as a special treat for guests, this cake is as comforting as it is luxurious.
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### **Origin**
While coffee cakes have their roots in European baking traditions, the use of chocolate and Lotus biscuits adds a modern and international flair to the concept. Coffee cakes themselves originated in Europe and became especially popular in the United States, where they are often served with coffee or tea. The addition of Lotus Biscoff biscuits, a beloved caramelized cookie, is a more recent development, inspired by the growing global appreciation for this unique cookie’s flavor. Combining these elements creates a cake that speaks to contemporary dessert trends, blending classic flavors with innovative twists.
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### **Cultural Significance**
Coffee cake is traditionally associated with Scandinavian, German, and American baking cultures, often served as a comforting accompaniment to coffee during social gatherings. The inclusion of coffee in desserts reflects the global love of this beverage, while the Lotus biscuit brings a distinct caramelized, spiced flavor that has become a favorite in both European and American markets. The marriage of chocolate, coffee, and Lotus Biscoff biscuits makes this cake a celebration of both coffeehouse culture and indulgent dessert treats.
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### **Ingredients Quantity**
For a 9-inch round cake (about 8 servings):
– **For the Cake**:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 tsp instant coffee granules
– 2 large eggs
– ½ cup whole milk
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup boiling water
– **For the Lotus Biscuit Layer**:
– 1 ½ cups crushed Lotus Biscoff biscuits
– ¼ cup melted butter
– **For the Coffee Frosting**:
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
– 1 tbsp instant coffee granules dissolved in 2 tbsp hot water
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 tbsp heavy cream (or more for desired consistency)
– **For Garnish**:
– Additional whole Lotus Biscoff biscuits for decoration
– A drizzle of melted chocolate (optional)
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### **Optional Additions**
– **Nuts**: Adding chopped walnuts or almonds into the cake batter or as a topping adds a crunchy texture and enhances the overall flavor.
– **Spices**: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the cake.
– **Chocolate chips**: Mix in some dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips into the cake batter for an extra chocolatey indulgence.
– **Caramel drizzle**: For added decadence, a caramel sauce drizzle over the top can complement the Lotus flavor beautifully.
– **Coffee liqueur**: A splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa in the frosting or cake batter can elevate the coffee flavor and add a rich undertone.
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### **Tips for Success**
1. **Measure ingredients accurately**: Use a kitchen scale to measure flour, sugar, and cocoa powder to ensure the correct ratios for the best texture and flavor.
2. **Dissolve coffee properly**: Ensure the instant coffee granules are fully dissolved in the boiling water for a smooth flavor in the cake and frosting.
3. **Don’t overmix the batter**: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a lighter texture.
4. **Use high-quality cocoa powder**: The richness of the chocolate flavor depends on the quality of the cocoa. Opt for a good-quality, unsweetened cocoa powder.
5. **Let the cake cool completely**: Allow the cake to cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.
6. **Crush the Lotus biscuits finely**: Crushing the Lotus biscuits into fine crumbs ensures they mix evenly with the melted butter and create a smooth, crumbly layer.
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### **Instructions**
1. **Prepare the cake batter**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and instant coffee granules. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Slowly pour in the boiling water, mixing gently (the batter will be thin, which is normal).
2. **Prepare the Lotus biscuit layer**: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Lotus biscuits and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Set aside.
3. **Assemble the cake**: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the Lotus biscuit mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the remaining biscuit crumbs over the cake.
4. **Bake the cake**: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. **Prepare the coffee frosting**: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until smooth. Add the dissolved coffee, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Continue to beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. Adjust the consistency with more cream if needed.
6. **Frost the cake**: Once the cake has cooled, spread the coffee frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with whole Lotus biscuits and optional melted chocolate drizzle for an extra touch of indulgence.
7. **Serve**: Slice the cake and serve with a cup of coffee or tea to enhance the flavors.
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### **Description**
The Chocolate Coffee Cake with Lotus combines the rich, velvety texture of chocolate cake with the deep flavor of coffee, all topped with a smooth coffee frosting. The addition of Lotus Biscoff biscuits creates a delightful caramelized crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake. Each bite is a harmony of sweet, bitter, and crunchy, making this cake a showstopper at any gathering.
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### **Nutritional Information (per serving)**
– **Calories**: 350-400 kcal (depending on portion size)
– **Protein**: 4-5 grams
– **Fat**: 20-25 grams
– Saturated Fat: 10-12 grams
– **Carbohydrates**: 40-45 grams
– Fiber: 2-3 grams
– Sugars: 25-30 grams
– **Sodium**: 250-300 mg
– **Calcium**: 40-50 mg
– **Iron**: 2-3 mg
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### **Conclusion**
Chocolate Coffee Cake with Lotus is a decadent dessert that elevates the traditional coffee cake into a sophisticated treat. The balance of rich chocolate, the depth of coffee, and the delightful crunch of Lotus biscuits make it a memorable dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or indulging in a cozy afternoon at home, this cake will satisfy your sweet tooth while offering a delightful twist on familiar flavors.
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### **Recommendation**
This cake is perfect for anyone who loves a rich, flavorful dessert with a bit of crunch. It’s a great choice for coffee lovers, chocolate enthusiasts, or those looking to try something different with a twist on classic coffee cake. For the health-conscious, while indulgent, this cake can be enjoyed as an occasional treat. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine for an elevated experience.
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### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
Though this cake is undeniably indulgent, it’s important to embrace the joy of occasional treats. By using high-quality ingredients, like good cocoa powder and natural sugars, and adding nutritious touches such as nuts or whole grains, you can find a balance between indulgence and health. Enjoying a slice of this cake in moderation allows you to savor the pleasure of a well-crafted dessert without overindulgence.