For the second installment of our Making Matcha Recipes series (read the first here), Daniel took advantage of the extended Labor Day weekend and made our newest recipe – Matcha Chocolate Cottage Cake. Read on to see his suggestions, comments, photos, and tips.
Making Matcha Recipes: Part II – Matcha Chocolate Cottage Cake
Daniel’s Impressions:
“For my second recipe in the kitchen, I wanted to challenge myself with something a little bit more complicated. Our newest recipe – The Matcha Chocolate Cottage Cake – was the perfect choice! When it comes to baking, I am always a bit nervous about getting everything right and that is one of the good things about our Matcha recipes; they are designed with all cooks in mind. This cake is complex enough to make a delicious bakery-quality flavor but not too complicated that a novice like myself can’t handle it too.
Even as far as baking tools go, I was able to prepare the recipe with what I had in my kitchen already. As you can see from the pictures, all I had was a full-sheet size baking pan that I sectioned off with some parchment paper and tin foil. For ideal sizing, I would recommend using a half-sheet size baking pan.
Additionally, the two best tips I can give for this recipe are to make sure to let the cake completely cool before laying the fresh whipped cream into it. I started forming the layers while the cake was still a bit warm and the whipped cream slightly melted. I would also recommend that once you are done layering the cake, you let it set in the refrigerator for a bit before cutting it. You want to give the layers some time to form and become distinct. That extra touch will make your already delicious cake look just that much more beautiful as well.”
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- All the ingredients for the Matcha Chocolate Cottage Cake.
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- The Matcha and flour sifted together.
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- Mix the egg yolks and sugar together until smooth and it lightens in color.
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- This is the color and consistency you are looking for.
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- It’s best to start out slow and gradually increase the speed of your mixer.
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- Beat the egg whites until they form peaks.
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- Gently fold it all together. Be careful not to stir and deflate the egg whites.
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- Fold everything in until it is well incorporated.
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- Pour your batter into a baking pan and smooth it with a rubber spatula.
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- Fresh whipped cream comes together quickly and is easy to make!
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- Use the best quality chocolate you can find.
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- Make sure the cake is baked all the way through and then let it cool.
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- Melt the chocolate over a double boiler – don’t burn your hand!
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- Melt it all together until smooth. Remember, don’t burn yourself!
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- Cut the cake into thirds.
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- Evenly distribute the whipped cream in each layer.
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- Try to make the layer as even as possible.
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- The finished cake.
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- The finished cake from another angle.
Yummy! What tea to have with this? An Oolong possibly…