Portuguese Chocolate cake

#### Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven**:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. **Melt the Chocolate and Butter**:
In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate and butter. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) and gently melt the chocolate and butter together. Stir occasionally until smooth and glossy. Once melted, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

3. **Whisk the Wet Ingredients**:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should double in volume and become pale in color.

4. **Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients**:
Gently fold the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg and sugar mixture, making sure to incorporate it fully.

5. **Sift the Dry Ingredients**:
In another bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir gently until everything is well combined, being careful not to overmix.

6. **Bake the Cake**:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached (it should not be completely clean, as you want a slightly fudgy texture).

7. **Cool and Serve**:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a classic finish, or serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

### Tips for Perfect Portuguese Chocolate Cake

– **Use High-Quality Chocolate**: Since chocolate is the star of this cake, using high-quality dark chocolate will make a big difference in flavor. Choose a chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for the best results.
– **Don’t Overmix the Batter**: To keep the cake’s texture light and tender, mix the batter gently, being careful not to overwork it.
– **Let the Cake Cool**: Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting into it. This helps it set and ensures the perfect texture.
– **Optional Add-ins**: Feel free to add a handful of chocolate chips or a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor.

### Why You’ll Love Portuguese Chocolate Cake

– **Rich, Intense Flavor**: The combination of dark chocolate and cocoa powder gives this cake a deep, rich flavor that’s not overly sweet, making it a perfect dessert for chocolate lovers.
– **Moist and Fudgy Texture**: Unlike traditional spongy cakes, this Portuguese chocolate cake has a dense, almost fudgy texture, which makes every bite feel like a decadent treat.
– **Simple Ingredients**: Made with everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, this cake is easy to prepare and doesn’t require any special equipment or skills.
– **Versatile**: Serve it as-is with a dusting of powdered sugar, or pair it with whipped cream, fruit, or ice cream to create a dessert experience that’s both delicious and visually stunning.

### Final Thoughts

The **Portuguese Chocolate Cake** is a true testament to the timeless allure of chocolate. With its rich, moist texture and intense flavor, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and wonderfully decadent, the **Portuguese Chocolate Cake** is the perfect way to treat yourself and your loved ones to something sweet and memorable.