StudentMealSaver

Budget Friendly Meals and tips for Students

Chocolate Gateau

Chocolatey goodness!

Indulge in a luscious and rich chocolate gateau with this easy recipe that’s perfect for chocolate lovers on a budget! This exquisite dessert is made with layers of moist chocolate cake and creamy chocolate ganache, all covered in a velvety chocolate frosting. Plus, it’s simple to make and won’t break the bank, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. So, let’s dive into this irresistible chocolate gateau recipe that’s sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings without breaking your budget!

Tips:

  • For a budget-friendly option, you can use store-brand or generic ingredients, which are usually more affordable than name-brand options.
  • If you’re on a tight budget, you can also use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache and frosting to save on costs.
  • To make a vegetarian version, simply use vegetable-based substitutes for any dairy products, such as almond milk or coconut milk, and use margarine or plant-based butter instead of regular butter in the frosting.
  • You can also customize the recipe by adding in other flavors, such as a splash of rum or a pinch of cinnamon, to the chocolate ganache or frosting to make it more unique and personal.
  • Leftover gateau can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent any flavors from transferring to other foods in the refrigerator.

Servings: 8-10

Cooking time: 1.5-2 hours

Cost: $10-15

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. Add in the vegetable oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture and mix until just combined.
  4. Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
  6. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Meanwhile, prepare the chocolate ganache by heating the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer.
  8. Place the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then whisk until smooth and well combined. Let the ganache cool to room temperature.
  9. Once the cakes and ganache are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of ganache on top of one cake layer, then place the other cake layer on top to create a sandwich.
  10. Prepare the chocolate frosting by creaming together the softened butter and cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl.
  11. Add in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and beat until creamy and well combined.
  12. Frost the entire cake with the chocolate frosting, covering the top and sides evenly with a spatula or a cake scraper.
  13. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting and allow the flavors to meld together.
  14. Once chilled, the chocolate gateau is ready to be served! You can garnish it with additional chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or fresh berries for an extra touch of elegance.

Ingredients

Ingredients: For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

For the Chocolate Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract