Chocolate Cake (Sokolatopita)

For the Cake - Mixture 1

• 480 All-purpose flour
• 80 Cocoa powder
• 1 Teaspoon (6g) baking soda

For the Cake - Mixture 2

• 2 Sachets of vanilla or 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 Teaspoon salt
• 400 Sugar
• 145 Oil
• 480 Hot water
• 2 Tablespoons (35ml) vinegar

For the Syrup

• 450 Sugar
• 450 Water
• 60 Cocoa powder

For the Ganache

• 200 Dark chocolate couverture

1. Place the ingredients from Mixture 1 into a bowl and mix. Add the ingredients from Mixture 2 and mix. Then combine the two mixtures and stir until incorporated. Transfer to a greased and floured square baking pan, 26-28cm. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-35 minutes. In a small saucepan, combine the ingredients for the syrup, stir, and bring to a boil for about 5 minutes.
2. In a small pot (briki), heat the heavy cream well. In a bowl, finely chop the chocolate couverture and pour the hot cream over it. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until it becomes glossy.
3. When the chocolate cake is ready, poke it with a fork and pour the cold syrup over it. Once the syrup is fully absorbed, pour the ganache on top. Serve on its own or with a scoop of ice cream.