I bought this pizza cookbook when I went to a bookstore one day. In it are recipes for making different kinds of pizza. Some common ones are sausage, vegetable and margarita pizza. There are some unique ones too, like mixed herb pizza and deep fried pizza. What really caught my attention was the chocolate pizza. The dough is made of self-rising flour, cocoa powder, butter and milk. The mixture of cheese, sugar, egg and ground ginger acts as the pizza sauce. The toppings consist simply of almonds and cherries. The result is a rich chocolate flavored dessert that has a crunch. It is not too sweet but very satisfying 🙂
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chocolate Pizza
To make the best chocolate pizza, pay attention to the dough consistency. When mixing the self-rising flour with cocoa powder, ensure there are no lumps. Use a whisk to combine the dry ingredients thoroughly. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour gradually until it reaches a manageable texture. Preheat your oven properly; a hot oven helps achieve a nice crust. If you have a pizza stone, use it. It helps to get that crispy bottom. For the topping, try to chop the almonds and cherries into small pieces to distribute them evenly. This way, every bite will be packed with flavor. Baking times can vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on your pizza as it cooks. It should be firm to the touch and not jiggly in the center. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing to allow the toppings to set slightly.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Chocolate pizza can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an added treat. If you want to elevate the flavor, consider drizzling some chocolate sauce or caramel over the top before serving. For a different twist, try adding other toppings like crushed hazelnuts or a sprinkle of sea salt, which can enhance the chocolate flavor. You could also experiment with different fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a tart contrast. For those who prefer a richer taste, substitute the sugar in the sauce with a bit of honey or maple syrup. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in the oven briefly before serving to bring back the original texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the farmer’s cheese?
Ricotta or cream cheese can work well as substitutes for farmer’s cheese. Just keep in mind that it might change the flavor and texture a little.
How should I store leftover chocolate pizza?
Store any leftover chocolate pizza in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for about a week, but remember that it might lose some crunch.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Making the dough ahead of time is a great idea. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before using. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping.
What can I serve with chocolate pizza?
Chocolate pizza pairs nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Fresh berries can also add a nice touch and balance the sweetness.
What are common mistakes to avoid when making chocolate pizza?
One common mistake is not mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly, which can lead to lumps in the dough. Also, make sure your oven is preheated properly to achieve that perfect crust.
Chocolate Pizza
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter plus extra for greasing
- 1 cup self-rising flour plus extra for dusting
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup milk
- ¾ cup grated farmer’s cheese
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 medium egg lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 4 tablespoons slivered almonds
- Bottled maraschino cherries drained (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 10-inch shallow cake or pizza pan with butter.
- To make the topping, combine the cheese, sugar and egg in a bowl, beating well with a fork. Stir in the ground ginger and set aside.
- To make the dough, sift together the flour and cocoa into another bowl. Add the butter and rub it in your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Make a well in the center and pour in 1/3 cup of the milk. Mix well with a round-bladed knife, adding the remaining milk if necessary to mix to a soft dough (add the milk gradually until you reach the right dough consistency).
- Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured counter and knead lightly. Roll out lightly to a 10 ¼-inch round and lift into the pan, pressing it against the sides and evenly over the base.
- Sprinkle half of the almonds over the pizza base, add the cheese mixture, and bake for 15 minutes. Put the cherries, if using, on top of the cheese mixture, sprinkle with the remaining almonds, and return to the oven for 10-15 minutes more. Serve hot or cold.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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