Decadent Turkish Chocolate Wet Cake
Dive into the world of Turkish desserts with this incredibly moist and rich chocolate cake that’s guaranteed to become your new favorite! This beloved Turkish treat, known as “Islak Kek” (wet cake), is famous for its intense chocolate flavor and incredibly soft texture that simply melts in your mouth.
💫 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake holds a special place in Turkish culinary culture, often found in every pastry shop window across Istanbul. What makes it truly special is its unique two-step process – a perfectly baked chocolate cake that’s then soaked in a rich chocolate sauce, creating an irresistibly moist texture that’s simply unforgettable.
⏲️ Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 40 minutes
- Soaking Time: 2-3 hours
- Total Time: 3-4 hours
- Servings: 12 pieces
📝 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 5 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk (200ml)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup vegetable oil (200ml)
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 packet baking powder (10g)
- 1 packet alcohol free vanilla extract (5g)
For the Chocolate Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk (200ml)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (100ml)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
For Decoration:
- Fresh strawberries
- Coconut flakes (optional)
- Crushed pistachios (optional)
🔪 Kitchen Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
📋 Instructions
Making the Cake:
- Prepare Your Workspace
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Grease your baking pan with oil
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature
- Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Beat eggs and sugar for 5 minutes until pale and fluffy
- The mixture should nearly triple in volume
- This step is crucial for a light and airy cake
- Combine Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and vanilla
- Mix until just combined
- Add milk and oil slowly while mixing
- Bake the Cake
- Pour batter into prepared pan
- Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
- Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing
Preparing the Chocolate Sauce:
- Make the Sauce
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan
- Whisk continuously while heating
- Bring to a boil, then remove from heat
- Soak the Cake
- Slice the warm cake
- Pour hot sauce evenly over the cake
- Let it rest for 2-3 hours to absorb the sauce
Decoration:
- Top with fresh strawberry halves
- Sprinkle with coconut flakes or pistachios if desired
💡 Expert Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures better incorporation and a more even texture
- Don’t Overmix: Stop mixing as soon as ingredients are combined to avoid a tough cake
- Sauce Temperature: The sauce should be hot and the cake slightly warm when combining
- Resting Time: Don’t rush the soaking process – it’s crucial for the perfect texture
🔄 Variations
- Tropical Version: Add desiccated coconut to the batter
- Nutty Delight: Include ground pistachios in the cake mixture
- Berry Twist: Add fresh berries between layers
- Special Occasion: Double the recipe and create multiple layers
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes! It actually gets better after 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Q: How should I store it? A: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: While possible, it’s best enjoyed fresh due to its moist nature.
Q: Why did my cake sink in the middle? A: This usually happens if the oven door is opened during baking or if the batter was overmixed.
🌟 Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful cake:
- With a cup of Turkish coffee or tea
- Alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- As part of a dessert platter
- For special occasions or afternoon treats
Remember, the key to perfect Islak Kek is patience – let it properly absorb the sauce, and you’ll be rewarded with an incredibly moist, rich chocolate cake that’s sure to impress!