Ingredients:

• 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate (around 70% cocoa)
• 150g (5.3 oz) unsalted butter
• 150g (5.3 oz) granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs, separated
• 150g (5.3 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 pinch of salt
• 200g (7 oz) apricot jam
• 150g (5.3 oz) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round cake tin (about 22cm or 9 inches) and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water or in the microwave. Stir occasionally until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the melted chocolate.
4. In another bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, followed by the flour, being careful not to overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the tin.
6. Once the cake has cooled, carefully remove it from the tin and slice it horizontally into two equal layers. Spread the apricot jam over the bottom layer and place the other layer on top.
7. In a small saucepan, heat the apricot jam over low heat until it becomes liquid. Brush the top and sides of the cake with the warm jam, creating a thin glaze.
8. To make the chocolate glaze, melt the remaining dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
9. Pour the chocolate glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Use a spatula to smooth the glaze evenly.
10. Let the glaze set before serving the Sachertorte. It’s traditionally served with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream.

Enjoy this delicious Austrian dessert!