In the realm of culinary delights, where unique flavors intertwine to create unforgettable experiences, a dish emerges that captivates taste buds and ignites curiosity: Chocolate Cucuzza Cake. This culinary symphony, hailing from the sunny region of Campania, Italy, seamlessly blends the delicate sweetness of chocolate with the subtle vegetal notes of cucuzza, a type of summer squash, resulting in a moist, flavorful cake that delights the senses. Intrigued? Embark on a culinary journey as we delve into the secrets behind this unique cake and present a captivating collection of recipes that showcase its versatility. From a classic Chocolate Cucuzza Cake recipe that embodies the essence of this delectable treat to tantalizing variations that incorporate almonds, coconut, and even a gluten-free option, let your taste buds embark on an extraordinary adventure.
**Recipes Included:**
- **Chocolate Cucuzza Cake (Classic Recipe):** Immerse yourself in the traditional flavors of this classic Chocolate Cucuzza Cake, following a step-by-step guide that yields a moist, chocolatey cake with a tender crumb and a hint of cucuzza's subtle sweetness.
- **Almond Chocolate Cucuzza Cake:** Elevate the classic recipe with the nutty crunch of almonds, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor that complements the chocolate and cucuzza beautifully.
- **Coconut Chocolate Cucuzza Cake:** Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this delightful variation, where the aromatic sweetness of coconut harmonizes with the rich chocolate and cucuzza, creating a cake that is both exotic and comforting.
- **Gluten-Free Chocolate Cucuzza Cake:** Indulge in the goodness of Chocolate Cucuzza Cake without compromising on dietary restrictions. This gluten-free recipe ensures that everyone can savor the unique flavors of this delectable treat, using alternative flours to create a tender, flavorful cake that is equally satisfying.
BEATTY'S CHOCOLATE CAKE
Beatty's Chocolate Cake from Ina Garten, Food Network's Barefoot Contessa, is complete with a rich chocolate buttercream that keeps the cake decadent and moist.
Provided by Ina Garten
Categories dessert
Time 1h35m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter two 8-inch x 2-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper, then butter and flour the pans.
- Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix on low speed until combined. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry. With mixer still on low, add the coffee and stir just to combine, scraping the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 30 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack and cool completely.
- Place 1 layer, flat side up, on a flat plate or cake pedestal. With a knife or offset spatula, spread the top with frosting. Place the second layer on top, rounded side up, and spread the frosting evenly on the top and sides of the cake.
- Chop the chocolate and place it in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir until just melted and set aside until cooled to room temperature.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until light yellow and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and continue beating for 3 minutes. Turn the mixer to low, gradually add the confectioners' sugar, then beat at medium speed, scraping down the bowl as necessary, until smooth and creamy. Dissolve the coffee powder in 2 teaspoons of the hottest tap water. On low speed, add the chocolate and coffee to the butter mixture and mix until blended. Don't whip! Spread immediately on the cooled cake.
THE BEST CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES
The only chocolate cupcake recipe you'll ever need. We love these for the deep rich chocolate flavor and their moist and springy interiors. It's the perfect cake base for any frosting.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories dessert
Time 1h
Yield 24 cupcakes
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners.
- Whisk together the cake flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk together the buttermilk, coffee, oil, eggs and vanilla in a separate bowl.
- Pour half of the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and beat on low speed just until combined. Scrape down the bowl then add the remaining wet ingredients and beat to combine. Scrape down the bowl and paddle. Increase the speed to medium and beat for a full minute.
- Fill the prepared cupcake tins 2/3 of the way full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of each comes out clean and the top springs back when lightly pressed, 15 to 18 minutes.
- For the frosting: Melt the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl set over simmering water in a medium saucepan. Remove from the simmering water and let it cool until room temperature, about 30 minutes.
- Beat the butter and salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Reduce the speed to low, drizzle in the melted chocolate and beat until completely blended. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder and vanilla. Increase the speed to high and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Transfer the frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Decoratively pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes.
CUCUZZA CAKE
My Aunt Mae used to grow cucuzza's in her back yard when I was a little girl. Cucuzza is a long, green squash. She normally fried them up and served them with spaghetti every Sunday. I recently found this recipe for cucuzza cake. I made it last weekend and my family loved it... even the picky kids! My husband ate almost a whole cake for breakfast and asked me to bake some more! I guess I will be making this cake often! The original recipe said to bake for one hour, but my cakes were done at 45 minutes.
Provided by Kim D.
Categories Breads
Time 1h
Yield 2 loaves
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Sift flour, cinnamon, baking soda and baking powder together and set aside.
- Beat eggs with sugar, oil and vanilla.
- Add flour mixture to egg mixture, mix well.
- Add grated cucuza (skin, seed and all), orange zest, pineapple and pecans.
- Mix well.
- Divide batter into 2 greased loaf pans.
- Pan should be about 1/2 full.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until cakes test done.
- Let cool for about 10 minutes.
- Mix all icing ingredients together, using enough milk to get a smooth, spreadable icing.
- Remove cakes from pans and glaze tops of cakes while warm.
CHOCOLATE CUCUZZA CAKE
I created this recipe to use up the abundance of cucuzza squash I have growing in my garden. Cucuzza is a long green Italian squash with a mild nutty flavor. If you don't have cucuzza, you can substitute zucchini.
Provided by Kim D.
Categories Dessert
Time 1h8m
Yield 15 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, oil and sugar, creaming until smooth.
- Add eggs, one at a time beating well after each addition.
- Add vanilla and beat well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternately with buttermilk.
- Stir in shredded cucuzza.
- Pour batter into a greased 13X9-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until done. You can test to see if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick near the center of the cake and see if it comes out clean. If it does, it's done.
- Allow cake to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a medium mixing bowl, combine all frosting ingredients.
- Spread over warm cake.
- Broil in oven approximately 4-6 inches from the heat for about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn, it will broil fast!
- Cool cake completely before serving.
- ~NOTE~ You don't have to peel or seed the cucuzza, just wash the outside skin with warm water and pat dry before shredding.
CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI CAKE WITH CUSTARD SAUCE
The minute I can get my hands on zucchini, I start making this light and luscious cake. For years it was an often-ordered dessert at my sister's deli. -Peggy Linton, Cobourg, Ontario
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h15m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°. Grease and flour a 10-in. plain or fluted tube pan. In another bowl, beat sugar, oil and butter until well blended. Gradually beat in buttermilk, eggs and vanilla., In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, cinnamon and cloves; gradually beat into sugar mixture. Stir in zucchini, chocolate chips and almonds., Transfer to prepared pan. Bake 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool., For sauce, in a large saucepan, mix sugar, flour and cornstarch. Whisk in milk. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat., In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks; return all to pan, whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes. Gently stir in butter and extract. Serve warm with cake. Cover and refrigerate leftover sauce.
Nutrition Facts :
Tips:
- Choose the right type of cucuzza: Look for small, firm cucuzza with a deep green color. Avoid cucuzza that is too large or has blemishes.
- Peel and seed the cucuzza: To peel the cucuzza, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Then, cut the cucuzza in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Grate the cucuzza: Use a box grater to grate the cucuzza. You can grate the cucuzza using the large or small holes, depending on your desired texture.
- Drain the cucuzza: After you have grated the cucuzza, place it in a colander and let it drain for 30 minutes. This will help to remove excess moisture.
- Use a bundt pan: A bundt pan is the best type of pan to use for this cake. It will give the cake a beautiful shape and allow it to cook evenly.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter will result in a tough cake. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
- Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean: This is the best way to ensure that the cake is done.
Conclusion:
The chocolate cucuzza cake is a delicious and unique dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It is moist, chocolatey, and has a hint of sweetness from the cucuzza. This cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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