Do you know what can make the world a better place right now? Gooey chocolate cake. That’s what. And Fast Ed has created the perfect chocolate cake recipe for us. We’re ALL in.

The Better Homes & Garden presenter known as Fast Ed originally trained as a pastry chef and urges all parents – especially parents of boys – to teach kids to bake to entice them into enjoying all cooking.

“Any young man who can make a chocolate cake is never lonely on a Saturday night,” says Ed. “So, get them chocolate, four eggs, butter, and a few tips on how to be a good boyfriend! That boy will never be lonely.”

Ed believes it’s vital that all kids have the tools they need to prepare a quick meal without relying on Uber Eats. “Cooking is a great teacher,” he says. “Not only do kids learn the techniques themselves, but they also learn a host of other intangibles: problem-solving and creativity, improvisation, and even adventurousness.”

Ed says lockdowns can be made more magical by baking together as a family. And we kinda agree. Chocolate cake fixes everything.

LIQUID-CENTRED CHOCOLATE CAKE

INGREDIENTS
11/2 cups caster sugar
125g unsalted butter, softened
3 free-range eggs
1 Tbsp natural vanilla extract
11/4 cups self-raising flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
250ml buttermilk
300ml thickened cream
400g dark chocolate, finely chopped
Berries, miniature biscuits and edible flowers, to garnish
METHOD
STEP 1 Preheat oven to 180°C fan-forced (200°C conventional). Grease and line a medium loaf pan with baking paper. Combine sugar and butter in bowl of an electric mixer and beat with a paddle attachment on medium speed for 10 minutes, until very light. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, then add half of the vanilla extract.
STEP 2 Sift flour and cocoa together, then mix into sugar mixture gently, alternating with buttermilk. Spoon into loaf pan, then bake for 40-45 minutes, until a skewer can be inserted and removed cleanly. Cool on a wire rack.
STEP 3 Bring cream and remaining vanilla to the boil in a small saucepan over high heat, then pour over chocolate and whisk until smooth. Use a bread knife to cut top of cake, then make a channel in the centre. Fill with three-quarters of the chocolate sauce and replace cake lid.
STEP 4 Pour rest of chocolate sauce over cake. Garnish with berries, mini biscuits and edible flowers. Serve.

Better Homes & Garden Seasonal Kitchen with Fast Ed will be published by Are Media Books and available where all good books are sold aremedia.com.au
On Sale August 3, 2021
RRP $29.99