Polish Almond Chocolate Cake

As I mentioned in my last post I am a dessert addict. Chocolate is my go to dessert. Whether it is a chocolate cupcake, cake, brownie, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate ice cream, it doesn't matter as long as it is chocolate, I am happy. I also mentioned that I get my sweet tooth from my Polish grandma who always has chocolate in her fridge. She is not only an amazing chef, but she is also an amazing baker, and she loves to make things that are chocolate (just for me!). One of the more rarely made but to die for recipes is her Polish Almond Chocolate Cake Recipe. Two of my favorite things in one cake!

Polish Almond Chocolate Cake 

Cake Ingredients: 

- 6 eggs

- 1 cup sugar

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- 1 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

- 1 1/4 cups ground almonds

- 1/4 tsp salt 

Almond Filling Ingredients: 

- 1 1/4 cups sugar 

- 1/2 cup of water 

- 1 1/4 cups finely ground almonds 

- 2 tbsp. lemon juice 

- 1 tsp. vanilla extract 

1.  Separate the egg yolks and egg whites in two bowls.  For the egg whites, beat them together with mixer on high until a stiff peak forms.  

Whipped Egg Yolk

2.  For egg yolks, mix together with sugar until thick and creamy.  Then gently fold in cocoa powder, vanilla, salt, and finely ground almonds.  Fold together.

2. Gently fold a little of egg whites into the egg yolk mixture to loosen it, then fold in remaining egg whites.  It will be hard to mix at first, but just slowly keep adding and it loosens up.

3.  Pour blended mixture into two greased and lined 8 inch spring form cake tin pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes on 200, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.  Let it cool in the tin, but it continues to cook so you may want to loosen it a little on the side.

Pour batter

4.  While cake is cooling, prepare almond paste filling.  Add sugar and water in a heavy pan, then heat until sugar dissolves.  Bring to a boil and let thicken, but not more than 5 minutes.  Stir in the ground almonds and bring to a boil again, but then remove from heat.  It will continue to thicken as it cools.  But if you boil too long, the paste later becomes dry.  Transfer to a bowl and add rest of ingredients. Mix well.

5.  Remove cake from tin and place on a nice platter.  Spoon almond paste on top  and spread evenly.  Place second cake on top.  Top with whipped cream.

Whipped Cream Recipe:  

Blend 1 cup heavy whipping cream on high until thick peak forms. Add 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 tablespoons Polish vodka or cognac (for 21+ :) ), and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.  Mix well and serve with cake. 

Whipped Cream

This cake can be served for a wide variety of occasions from birthdays, to diner parties. It also pleases people of all ages (since it is filled with chocolate goodness). I urge you to try making this recipe and see for yourself!