What is Sachertorte?
Sachertorte is a famous Austrian chocolate cake that is known for its rich and decadent flavor. This traditional dessert consists of a dense chocolate sponge cake that is layered with apricot jam and covered in a smooth chocolate glaze. Sachertorte is often served with a dollop of whipped cream on the side to balance out the sweetness of the cake.
History of Sachertorte
Sachertorte was created in 1832 by Franz Sacher, a young apprentice chef working in the kitchen of Prince Metternich in Vienna, Austria. The prince requested a special dessert for his guests, and Sacher rose to the occasion by inventing the now-famous Sachertorte. The cake was an instant hit and quickly became a favorite among the Viennese aristocracy.
The original recipe for Sachertorte was passed down through the Sacher family for generations, eventually leading to the creation of the world-renowned Hotel Sacher in Vienna, where the cake is still served to this day. Sachertorte has since become a symbol of Austrian culinary tradition and is enjoyed by people all over the world.
Ingredients in Sachertorte
The key ingredients in Sachertorte include butter, sugar, eggs, dark chocolate, flour, apricot jam, and cocoa powder. The cake is typically made by creaming together the butter and sugar, then adding in the eggs one at a time. Melted chocolate is then folded into the batter, followed by the flour and cocoa powder. The batter is poured into a cake tin and baked until it is firm and springy to the touch.
Once the cake has cooled, it is sliced in half and spread with a layer of apricot jam. The top of the cake is then covered in a glossy chocolate glaze made from dark chocolate and butter. The finished Sachertorte is a decadent and indulgent dessert that is perfect for special occasions or as a treat for chocolate lovers.
How to make Sachertorte
To make Sachertorte at home, you will need the following ingredients:
– 150g dark chocolate
– 150g unsalted butter
– 125g sugar
– 6 eggs, separated
– 125g flour
– 150g apricot jam
– 150g dark chocolate, for the glaze
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C and grease a 9-inch cake tin.
2. Melt the dark chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and egg yolks until pale and fluffy.
4. Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture.
5. In another bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
6. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, followed by the flour.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the tin before turning it out onto a wire rack.
9. Slice the cake in half and spread the apricot jam over the bottom layer.
10. Place the top layer of the cake on top of the jam and press down gently.
11. Melt the remaining dark chocolate and butter together to make the glaze.
12. Pour the glaze over the top of the cake, spreading it out with a spatula.
13. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Serving and enjoying Sachertorte
Sachertorte is best served at room temperature, so be sure to take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving. The cake pairs perfectly with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a cup of strong coffee. The combination of rich chocolate, tangy apricot, and creamy whipped cream is a match made in dessert heaven.
To enjoy Sachertorte like a true Viennese, cut yourself a generous slice and savor each bite slowly. The dense and fudgy texture of the cake, combined with the sweet and tangy flavors of the apricot jam, is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Variations of Sachertorte
While the traditional Sachertorte recipe is a classic favorite, there are also many variations of this famous dessert to try. Some bakers like to add a splash of rum or orange zest to the cake batter for an extra kick of flavor. Others experiment with different types of jam, such as raspberry or cherry, to create unique and delicious combinations.
For a lighter version of Sachertorte, you can try using almond flour instead of regular flour and coconut oil instead of butter. This gluten-free and dairy-free variation is perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a healthier alternative.
No matter how you choose to make Sachertorte, one thing is for sure – this iconic Austrian dessert is a true crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress your friends and family. So why not give it a try and indulge in a slice of chocolatey goodness today?