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Prague Cake

Prep
35 minutes
Cook
25 to 30 minutes plus chilling
Prague Cake

Prague Cake is a vintage chocolate layer cake that bakes soft and rich, finished with a buttery cocoa cream that makes each slice smooth and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 can (397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup (120 g) flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 can whole milk (measured in the empty condensed milk can)
  • 1 egg (for the cream)
  • 2 tablespoons flour (for the cream)
  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar
  • 150 g butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (for the cream)
  • Vodka or cognac, for soaking
  • Nuts or chocolate candies, for decorating

Instructions

  1. 1
    Mix the cocoa, 2 eggs, condensed milk, flour, and baking soda into a smooth batter.
  2. 2
    Divide the batter evenly between 2 greased and lined round cake pans.
  3. 3
    Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 35 to 40 minutes per layer until springy and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
  4. 4
    Whisk the milk, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons flour until smooth.
  5. 5
    Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens and just comes to a boil, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  6. 6
    Remove from the heat and cool fully.
  7. 7
    Beat in the sugar, softened butter, and remaining cocoa until smooth.
  8. 8
    Brush the cooled layers lightly with vodka or cognac.
  9. 9
    Spread the cream between the layers and over the top and sides.
  10. 10
    Decorate with nuts or chocolate candies. Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Best Served With

Fresh berries

Cook's Note

Cook the cream gently and cool it fully before beating in the butter so it turns thick and smooth instead of greasy.

Why This Recipe Works

The condensed milk batter keeps the layers tender and moist, while the cooked cocoa-butter cream gives the cake a fuller chocolate finish and helps it slice neatly after chilling.

Make It Yours

Add chopped toasted nuts between the layers, swap the vodka for cognac or coffee syrup, or finish the top with grated chocolate.