Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 450 g of cake flour
• 300 g of sugar
• 200 g of butter at room temperature
• 4 eggs
• 250 ml of milk
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 100 g of dark chocolate cut into pieces
• Prepare the cake dough:
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a 26-28cm diameter round baking tray with baking paper.
  • In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and salt.
  • In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy and creamy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to incorporate each egg well.
  • Add the vanilla extract and mix.
  • Alternating, add the flour mixture and milk to the dough, mixing gently until smooth.
  • Add the dark and milk chocolate pieces, chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips (if using) to the mixture and mix gently until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Bake the cake:
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  • Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Prepare the icing (optional):
  • Heat the cream in a saucepan until it starts to boil.
  • Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate and mix until you get a smooth, shiny glaze.
• Decorate the cake:
  • Once the cake is completely cooled, pour the melted chocolate frosting over the cake.
  • Allow the icing to solidify slightly before cutting the cake into generous slices and serving.
• 100 g milk chocolate cut into pieces
• 100 g chopped hazelnuts (or other dried fruit to taste)
• 100 g of chocolate chips (optional, for an even tastier cake)