Hello, Good News! If you are looking for a simple and tasty dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will show you how to make a moretta cake with cream and Nutella, a soft chocolate sponge cake filled with hazelnut cream and whipped cream. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it is a birthday, a party, or just a treat for yourself.
The moretta cake is a variation of the classic chocolate cake, but with a twist. It is inspired by the moretta, a traditional coffee drink from the Italian city of Fano, which is made with three different liqueurs: anise, rum, and brandy. The moretta cake has a rich and moist texture, thanks to the addition of butter and milk in the batter. The filling is a combination of Nutella and whipped cream, which makes it creamy and decadent. The cake is easy to prepare and does not require any special skills or equipment. You just need a few ingredients, a bowl, a whisk, and an oven.
What You Need to Make a Moretta Cake
Ingredients for the Cake
To make the cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 200 grams of sugar
- 200 grams of all-purpose flour
- 50 grams of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 100 grams of butter
- 100 grams of milk
- 1 packet of baking powder (16 grams)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Ingredients for the Filling
To make the filling, you will need the following ingredients:
- 400 grams of Nutella
- 400 ml of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
Equipment and Tools
To make the cake, you will need the following equipment and tools:
- A 22 cm (9 inch) round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- A large bowl
- An electric mixer or a whisk
- A spatula
- A knife
- A wire rack
- A piping bag with a star tip (optional)
How to Make a Moretta Cake Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
The first step is to preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F) and line the cake pan with parchment paper. You can also grease the pan with some butter or cooking spray if you prefer.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
The next step is to make the cake batter. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and the sugar together until they are light and fluffy. This will take about 10 minutes with an electric mixer or 15 minutes with a whisk. Then, add the melted butter and the milk and mix well. Next, sift in the flour, the cocoa powder, and the baking powder and stir until well combined. Finally, add the vanilla extract and give it one last mix.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
The third step is to bake the cake. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Then, bake it in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once it is done, let it cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Filling
The fourth step is to make the filling. In a small bowl, microwave the Nutella for about 15 seconds or until it is soft and runny. Set it aside to cool slightly. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer or a whisk until soft peaks form. Then, add the powdered sugar and whip until stiff peaks form.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
The fifth step is to assemble the cake. Cut the cake horizontally into two equal layers with a knife. Place one layer on a serving plate or a cake stand. Spread half of the Nutella over it evenly with a spatula. Then, spread half of the whipped cream over the Nutella layer. Place the other cake layer on top and repeat with the remaining Nutella and whipped cream. If you want, you can pipe some whipped cream rosettes on the top of the cake with a piping bag and a star tip. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts and Tips for a Moretta Cake
A moretta cake is a delicious dessert, but it is also quite rich and high in calories. Here are some nutrition facts and tips for a moretta cake:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount per serving (1 slice, 1/12 of the cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Fat | 31 g |
| Saturated Fat | 19 g |
| Carbohydrates | 56 g |
| Sugar | 40 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. | |
- If you want to reduce the calories and fat, you can use low-fat milk and cream, or substitute them with plant-based alternatives such as almond or soy milk and cream.
- If you want to make the cake more flavorful, you can add some liqueur to the batter or the filling, such as rum, brandy, or anise. This will also make the cake more moist and soft.
- If you want to make the cake more colorful, you can add some fresh fruits on top of the whipped cream layer, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. This will also add some vitamins and antioxidants to the cake.
- If you want to make the cake more crunchy, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the Nutella layer, such as almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios. This will also add some healthy fats and protein to the cake.
- If you want to store the cake, you can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw it, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
FAQs about Moretta Cake
What is the origin of moretta cake?
The moretta cake is a modern variation of the traditional chocolate cake, inspired by the moretta coffee drink from Fano, a city in the Marche region of Italy. The moretta coffee is a blend of espresso, anise liqueur, rum, and brandy, topped with whipped cream. It was invented in the 18th century by fishermen who wanted a warm and strong drink to keep them awake during their long nights at sea. The moretta cake mimics the flavors and colors of the moretta coffee, with a chocolate sponge cake filled with Nutella and whipped cream.
How do you cut a moretta cake?
To cut a moretta cake, you need a sharp knife and a damp cloth. First, wipe the knife with the damp cloth to prevent the filling from sticking to it. Then, cut the cake into 12 equal slices, wiping the knife after each cut. You can also use a serrated knife or a dental floss to cut the cake more easily.
How do you serve a moretta cake?
To serve a moretta cake, you can simply slice it and enjoy it as it is, or you can add some extra toppings if you like. Some popular toppings are powdered sugar, chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, caramel sauce, or fresh fruits. You can also serve the cake with some ice cream or whipped cream on the side. A moretta cake goes well with a cup of coffee or tea, or a glass of milk or juice.
Can you make a vegan moretta cake?
Yes, you can make a vegan moretta cake by substituting some ingredients with plant-based alternatives. For example, you can use vegan butter or oil instead of butter, plant-based milk instead of milk, flax eggs instead of eggs, vegan Nutella instead of Nutella, and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can also use agave nectar or maple syrup instead of sugar if you prefer.