Sweet Remembrance: A Chocolate Cake for a Beloved to Many

It's not easy to put into words what Liam Payne truly meant to us Directioners. His voice was the soundtrack to our memories, and his kindness touched all of us. As we reminisce about the joy he brought into our lives, I find solace in the simplest things, like baking.

This chocolate cake is a small tribute to his love of chocolate and the affection he shared with his fans. Baking has a way of bringing people together and allowing them to honour the memories of those they care about. With every bite, I hope you can feel the love and happiness Liam planted in us. Let’s celebrate his memory together, sharing a slice of joy as we remember a truly special member of our One Direction family.

A Matilda-Inspired Delight

For those who may not have experienced the magic of Matilda, it’s a beloved film based on Roald Dahl's classic children's book (Manesis, 2021). Released in 1996, the movie tells the story of a brilliant young girl with extraordinary powers who loves books and faces the challenges of her neglectful family and tyrannical school headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. One of the film's most memorable moments features a rich, gooey chocolate cake that becomes a symbol of defiance and triumph.

The chocolate cake we’ll be making as a tribute to Liam is inspired by this iconic scene, reminding us that we can find strength and joy in the simplest of pleasures—like baking in honour of our beloved member of One Direction.

Chocolate Cake Inspired by Matilda

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups of flour

• 1/4 cup of cornflour

• 1 cup of cocoa powder

• 2 teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda

• 1 teaspoon of baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

• 1 cup of caster sugar

• 1 cup of light brown sugar

• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil (or corn oil)

• 1 cup of natural yoghurt

• 3 large eggs and 1 yolk

• 1/2 cup of milk

• 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 cup of hot coffee

  
  

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 4 cups of icing sugar

• A pinch of salt

• 2 tablespoons of double cream

• 3/4 cup of cocoa powder

• 1 cup of melted dark chocolate

  
  

Chocolate Cake Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease two 8-inch round cake tins. Line the bases with baking paper for easy removal.

   
   

2. Prepare the homemade buttermilk: In a small bowl, combine the milk and vinegar (or lemon juice) and let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. When vinegar or lemon is added to milk, it curdles and thickens, creating a tangy buttermilk substitute. This buttermilk softens baked goods, adds moisture, and helps them rise, making the texture fluffier and lighter (McCulloch, 2019).

   
   

3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cornflour, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

   
   

4. Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the caster sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and oil until smooth. Add the yoghurt and buttermilk, mixing until everything is well combined.

   
   

5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.

   
   

6. Add the hot coffee: Pour the hot coffee into the batter and gently mix until smooth. Coffee enhances the chocolate flavour in cake by intensifying its richness, making the cake taste more decadent without adding a noticeable coffee taste (https://www.facebook.com/foodandwine, 2023). The batter will be runny, but that's fine!

   
   

7. Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared tins. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

   

   Pouring the batter into the prepared tin

8. Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in the tins for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

   
   

Frosting Directions

1. Beat the butter: In a large bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

   
   

2. Add the sugar and cocoa: Slowly add the icing sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt, beating on low speed until combined. Once mixed, turn the speed to medium and beat for another minute.

   
   

3. Add the cream and melted chocolate: Pour in the double cream and melted chocolate, and continue beating until smooth and creamy.

   
   

Assemble the Cake

1. Level the cakes: If needed, use a knife to level the tops of the cakes.

   
   

2. Frost the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer over it. Frost the top and sides.

Frosting the cake

3. Decorate as desired, and allow the cake to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving so the frosting can set.

   

   Ready to devour Chocolate Cake

As we take a moment to celebrate Liam's legacy, this chocolate cake serves as a sweet reminder of the joy he brought to our lives. Whether you're enjoying a slice while reminiscing about those unforgettable One Direction concerts, laughing along to Liam’s funny videos on YouTube, or rewatching Matilda for a dose of nostalgia, let every bite be filled with love and gratitude for the memories we cherish.

Baking is an act of love, and I hope this cake brings you comfort and happiness, just as Liam did for all of us. Remember, it’s not just about the ingredients; it’s about the love and warmth we share through food.

If you’ve enjoyed this tribute, please like and comment below! I’d love to hear your thoughts and memories of Liam, as well as how you plan to enjoy this delightful cake. Here’s to celebrating the sweet moments in life—together in love and remembrance.

From her kitchen, with love ♡