‘Tis the season for hearty, comforting bakes that fill your home with the warm embrace of the holidays. Polish Christmas baking is a delightful tradition filled with rich flavors and well-loved recipes passed down through generations. Today, we’re diving into the world of Polish baking with a decadent treat perfect for the festive season – Ciasto Czekoladowe, a luscious Chocolate Cake that will surely become a star at your holiday table.
**Ciasto Czekoladowe (Chocolate Cake)**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp baking soda
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ cup hot coffee (brewed and allowed to cool)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and lightly dust with cocoa powder.
2. **Sift Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. **Mix Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until pale and creamy. Slowly add in the vegetable oil while continuing to whisk. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. **Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:** Gradually fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. **Add Coffee:** Pour in the hot coffee and gently stir until the batter is smooth and uniform. The coffee will enhance the chocolate flavor of the cake.
6. **Bake the Cake:** Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. **Cool and Serve:** Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. **Optional Garnish:** Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a simple finish. For a more festive touch, consider decorating with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache.
Indulge in each moist, chocolatey bite of this Ciasto Czekoladowe, a Polish Christmas treat that embodies the spirit of the season. Whether enjoyed alongside a cup of hot cocoa or shared with loved ones during holiday gatherings, this chocolate cake is sure to bring joy and warmth to your home. Prepare this recipe with love and tradition, creating memorable moments that will last long after the last crumb is gone. Embrace the magic of Polish baking this Christmas with a slice of this irresistible chocolate delight – a true gift for the senses.
