How to Bake a Chilli Chocolate Sponge Cake

Chilli chocolate sponge cake is a delicious and unique dessert that combines the rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate with the subtle heat of chilli. Here's a recipe that will guide you through the process of making your own chilli chocolate sponge cake at home.

Ingredients:

- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup buttermilk - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips - 1-2 fresh red chillies, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.

2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper until well combined.

3. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three batches, alternating with the buttermilk, and mixing well after each addition until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

6. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped chillies using a rubber spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top using a spatula.

8. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

9. Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, garnished with whipped cream or fresh berries, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and unique chilli chocolate sponge cake!