Delicious Chocolate Pen Cake is a beloved classic, and when you add a little creativity and flair to the mix, it becomes even more special. One of the most delightful ways to elevate a simple chocolate cake is by turning it into a chocolate pen cake—a beautiful and fun creation where the “pen” is made out of chocolate. This cake is perfect for birthdays, parties, or any occasion that calls for a little extra sweetness and style. In this guide, we’ll take you through the process of making a chocolate pen cake from scratch, complete with a smooth and rich chocolate ganache and a unique, edible chocolate pen decoration.
What is a Delicious Chocolate Pen Cake?
A chocolate pen cake is a chocolate cake adorned with intricate designs or writing made out of chocolate. The « pen » refers to a melted chocolate filling that’s used to draw or write on top of the cake. The technique is simple yet impressive, allowing you to create personalized messages, elegant patterns, or fun doodles that bring the cake to life. The beauty of a chocolate pen cake is that it combines the deliciousness of chocolate with the artistry of cake decorating. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this cake is achievable and sure to wow your guests.
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Ingredients for Delicious Chocolate Pen Cake
To make your chocolate pen cake, you’ll need a few basic ingredients for both the cake and the chocolate pen decorations:
For the Delicious Chocolate Pen Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup boiling water
- A pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 8 oz (about 1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for added gloss)
For the Chocolate Pen (Writing Icing):
- 4 oz (about ½ cup) dark or milk chocolate (you can use chocolate chips)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil (to thin the chocolate for easier piping)
Tools You’ll Need:
- 2 round cake pans (8-inch or 9-inch)
- A mixing bowl and whisk
- Electric mixer (optional but helpful)
- Piping bag with a fine tip (or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip of the corner cut off)
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Delicious Chocolate Pen Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dusting them with flour to ensure the cake doesn’t stick. Alternatively, you can line the pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These ingredients will form the base of your chocolate cake.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Start by cracking in the eggs and adding the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed or whisk by hand to combine everything until the batter is smooth and uniform.
Step 4: Incorporate the Boiling Water
The batter will be quite thin after adding the boiling water, but this is exactly what you want. The hot water helps make the cake incredibly moist and tender. Stir the batter until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a cooling rack to cool completely before decorating.
Step 6: Make the Chocolate Ganache
While the cakes are cooling, it’s time to make the rich chocolate ganache. Chop your semi-sweet chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer—do not let it boil. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes to soften the chocolate. After a minute, stir the mixture until smooth and glossy. If you want a shinier ganache, add 1 tablespoon of butter and stir it in until fully melted.
Let the ganache cool slightly, but make sure it remains pourable. This will be spread over the top of your cooled cake.
Step 7: Prepare the Chocolate Pen
To make the chocolate pen for decorating the cake, melt the 4 oz of chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. If using the microwave, heat the chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted. Stir in 1 tablespoon of oil (coconut oil or vegetable oil) to thin the chocolate, making it easier to pipe.
Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a fine tip, or simply place it in a small plastic sandwich bag and cut off a small corner.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Once your cakes have cooled completely, it’s time to assemble the cake. Place the first layer of the chocolate cake onto a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache over the top using an offset spatula. Carefully place the second layer of cake on top and apply a thin layer of ganache around the sides and top of the cake to create a smooth coating.
Step 9: Decorate with the Chocolate Pen
Now comes the fun part! Use the chocolate pen to create your design on the cake. You can write a message, draw patterns, or even create fun swirls and designs—whatever suits the occasion. Be creative! If you’re nervous about freehand drawing, you can sketch your design lightly on the cake with a toothpick before piping over it with the melted chocolate.
Step 10: Final Touches and Serving
Once you’ve finished decorating, let the chocolate ganache and chocolate pen design set for a few minutes at room temperature. If you like, you can add additional decorations, such as sprinkles, edible glitter, or fruit. Slice and serve the cake once it’s set, and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Cake Moisture: If you want an extra-moist cake, consider adding ½ cup of sour cream or buttermilk to the batter. This will make the cake even richer and softer.
- Chocolate Variations: You can experiment with different types of chocolate for the ganache and the chocolate pen. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate can be used to add your own twist.
- Advanced Decorations: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making chocolate curls or shards as an added garnish. Simply melt chocolate, spread it thin on a baking sheet, and let it cool. Once set, use a knife to create beautiful curls or shards to decorate the cake.
