Chocolate Easter Cake, traditional recipe

The Easter Cake is much more than a typical sweet treat: it’s a tradition full of meaning that symbolizes the end of Lent and the arrival of spring. At Bombonería Pons, we've been making artisanal chocolates of the highest quality since 1960, and we want to share with you a delicious chocolate Easter Cake recipe so you can enjoy this celebration with the unmistakable taste of the finest cocoa.

Making an Easter Cake at home is the perfect activity to share with family. From the soft sponge cake to the exquisite layer of white or dark chocolate, every ingredient plays a key role in creating a balanced, flavorful, and festive dessert. And if you want to avoid sugar, we also offer a sugar-free alternative so no one misses out on this sweet delight.

What is the Mona de Pascua and what is its tradition?

The Mona de Pascua is a traditional Spanish sweet, especially popular in Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands, which is gifted to godchildren on Easter Monday. Its origins date back centuries and, while it originally consisted of a simple sponge cake decorated with boiled eggs, it has evolved into a chocolate masterpiece, featuring stunning figures and eye-catching decorations. Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies, and other shapes are now beloved by both children and adults.

If you’d rather enjoy a Mona de Pascua without making it at home, at Bombonería Pons we offer a selection of chocolate monas handcrafted with the highest quality ingredients. Discover our creations and celebrate Easter with the best chocolate!

Ingredients for the Chocolate Mona de Pascua:

• 100 g flour
• 100 g sugar
• 3 eggs
• 7 g baking powder
• 1 lemon (zest)
• 25 g ground almonds
• Chocolate
• Butter

How to Prepare the Chocolate Easter Cake

Let the magic begin!

Prepare the batter:

• Separate the yolk from the white of one egg and set the white aside.
• In a bowl, combine the yolk with two whole eggs and three-quarters of the sugar. Beat well.
• Add the ground almonds, flour, baking powder, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined.
• Whip the reserved egg white with the remaining sugar to create a meringue.
• Gently fold the meringue into the yolk mixture with soft, enveloping movements.

Bake the sponge cake:

• Pour the batter into a floured mold and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes.
• Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the sponge is ready.
• Let it cool before removing from the mold.

Chocolate coating:

• Melt the chocolate and butter together using a double boiler or microwave until smooth.
• Pour the melted chocolate over the cake and smooth the surface.
• Let it sit at room temperature for 10–20 minutes.
• Your Chocolate Mona de Pascua is ready to enjoy!

Decoration and Presentation

The Chocolate Easter Cake is not only a delicious dessert but also an edible work of art. In Catalan tradition, monas are often decorated with Easter elements such as eggs, chocolate figures, and elegant ribbons.

For a classic look, go with traditional Easter decorations like chocolate eggs or hens. For kids, chocolate figures of well-known characters make the Mona a perfect gift.

Tips for Storing Your Mona de Pascua

If you've made or received a chocolate Mona de Pascua, it's important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. Chocolate is delicate and can lose its texture if not stored correctly. Here are some simple tips:

• Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid the fridge, as humidity can affect the chocolate’s texture.
• If you're gifting or transporting it, use a proper container to protect it from damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chocolate is best for the Mona de Pascua?
It depends on your taste preference, but couverture chocolate is recommended because it has a higher cocoa butter content, making it easier to mold and giving a glossy finish.

Can I make a Mona de Pascua with white chocolate?
Absolutely! A white chocolate Mona de Pascua is a delicious and unique option. Just be sure to temper the white chocolate carefully, as it’s more sensitive to heat. You can also mix it with milk or dark chocolate for creative decorations.

Can I make a sugar-free Mona de Pascua?
Yes, you can make a sugar-free version using sugar-free chocolate or natural sweeteners like erythritol or stevia. Chocolates made with maltitol are also a great alternative, offering a similar texture to regular chocolate. This option is perfect for those on low-sugar diets or for people with diabetes.