The ultimate chocolate cake

Method

• step 1

  Set oven to 190c/375f/gas mark 5. Grease the cake tin, then cut out a circle of baking parchment and line the base of the tin with it (20cm/8in).

• step 2

  Break the chocolate into a bowl. Stand it over a saucepan of simmering water and stir until all the chocolate has malted.

• step 3

  Cut the butter into small pieces. Add the butter and water to the chocolate and stir until the butter has melted.

• step 4

  Separate the eggs into two large bowls. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until they are thick and creamy.

• step 5

  Stir the chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture. Add the ground almonds, sift in the flour and mix well

• step 6

  Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. Fold them, gently into the chocolate mixture.

• step 7

  Put the mixture into the tin. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Cool for around 10-20 minutes then remove the cake and put it onto a wire rack

• step 8

  MAKING THE TOPPING

• step 9

  Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Remove from the heat and stir in the soured cream

• step 10

  Spread the chocolate topping over the top of the cooled cake with a palette knife, then decorate it with flamed almonds.