Sweet Fusion Decadent Chocolate Cake with Crunchy Poppy Seeds Savory Chashu Topping and Fluffy Meringue Whipped Cream

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with our Sweet Fusion Decadent Chocolate Cake, featuring a unique twist of savory chashu pork topped with crunchy poppy seeds and a cloud-like meringue whipped cream. This recipe is perfect for those who love to explore new flavor combinations!

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Chashu Topping:

• 1 cup chashu pork, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon crunchy poppy seeds

For the Fluffy Meringue Whipped Cream:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large egg whites
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
4. Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined (the batter will be thin).
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Chashu Topping

1. In a small skillet, heat the soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the thinly sliced chashu pork to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly caramelized.
3. Remove from heat and sprinkle with crunchy poppy seeds. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Fluffy Meringue Whipped Cream

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold the egg whites into the whipped cream mixture until fully incorporated, creating a light and airy texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of fluffy meringue whipped cream on top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.
3. Top with the savory chashu pork and sprinkle additional poppy seeds for a delightful crunch.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake and serve immediately. The combination of rich chocolate, savory chashu, and light meringue will leave your guests in awe!

Cooking Tips

• Ingredient Selection: Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer flavor. For the chashu, consider making your own for an authentic touch.
• Texture Variations: You can replace the poppy seeds with crushed nuts for added crunch or different textures.
• Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For a vegan alternative, replace eggs with flaxseed meal and heavy cream with coconut cream.

Photography Ideas

Capture the beauty of this cake by photographing it in natural light. Highlight the layers of chocolate cake, the glossy meringue, and the savory chashu topping. A close-up shot of a slice being served can evoke mouthwatering anticipation.

Pairing Suggestions

This unique dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of dessert wine. The rich chocolate and savory flavors balance out nicely with a warm beverage.

For further exploration in the kitchen, consider reading up on making homemade chashu or perfecting meringue techniques.

Dive into this culinary adventure and create a dessert that is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your creations and inspire others to experiment with flavors!