Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with our decadent Death by Chocolate à la Trellis, a symphony of rich chocolate flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This exquisite dessert features a moist chocolate cake, layered with velvety chocolate mousse, and enrobed in a luscious chocolate ganache. Each bite is an explosion of chocolatey goodness, perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness. Accompanying this masterpiece are three complementary recipes: a silky chocolate sauce, a fluffy chocolate whipped cream, and a refreshing chocolate sorbet. These accompaniments elevate the Death by Chocolate experience, offering a variety of textures and flavors to complement the main dessert. Together, these recipes create an unforgettable chocolate journey that will leave you craving more.
Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!
DEATH BY CHOCOLATE: CHOCOLATE GANACHE
Steps:
- Prepare the ganache, heat 1 1/2 cups heavy cream and 3 tablespoons of butter in a 2 1/2 quart saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a boil. Place 22 ounces of semisweet chocolate in a stainless-steel bowl. Pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Keep at room temperature until needed.
DEATH BY CHOCOLATE: ASSEMBLE DEATH BY CHOCOLATE
Steps:
- Place a closed 9 by 3-inch spring-form pan on a baking sheet. Set the top half of the chocolate brownie inside the pan top side up. Ladle 1 1/2 cups of ganache into the pan over the chocolate brownie. Trim the cocoa meringue with a serrated knife so that it will fit tightly into the pan. Place the trimmed cocoa meringue, top side up, inside the pan on top of the ganache, pressing down gently on the cocoa meringue to eliminate air pockets.
- Spoon the mocha mousse on top of the cocoa meringue spreading evenly. Place the remaining chocolate brownie half, bottom side up, on top of the mocha mousse. Chill the cake in freezer for 30 minutes or refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Remove from the freezer and cut around the edges to release from the spring-form pan. Pour the remaining ganache over the cake and use a cake spatula to spread the ganache evenly over the and sides of the cake. Refrigerate the cake for 10 to 15 minutes to set the ganache.
- Fill a pastry bag with a star tip with the chocolate mousse. Pipe a circle of stars (each touching the other) along the outside edge of the top of the cake. Continue to pipe out circle of stars until the top of the cake is covered. Refrigerate the Death By Chocolate for at least 4 hours and preferably 12 hours before cutting and serving.
- Heat the butter in a 2 1/2 quart saucepan over medium heat. When melted, add the sugar, heavy cream, sifted cocoa, 2 tablespoons dark rum, and salt. Stir with a whisk to combine. Bring to a boil, then adjust heat and allow to simmer for 5 minutes, occasionally stirring. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the instant coffee and vanilla extract and remaining tablespoon of rum, stir until smooth. Allow to cool to room temperature before serving.
- To serve, cut the Death By Chocolate into the desired number of servings. Heat the blade of a serrated slicer under hot running water before slicing into the cake. Repeat this procedure after making each slice. Flood the base of each 10-inch dinner plate with 3 to 4 tablespoons mocha rum sauce and place a piece of Death By Chocolate in the center of each plate. Serve immediately.
DEATH BY CHOCOLATE: SIMPLY THE BEST CHOCOLATE BROWNIE LAYER
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Prepare the chocolate brownie layer. Coat a 9 by 1 1/2-inch cake pan with 1 teaspoon of butter. Flour the pan with 1 teaspoon of flour, shaking out the excess.
- Sift together 1/4 cup flour, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt onto waxed paper. Set aside.
- Heat 1-inch of water in the bottom half of a double boiler over medium heat. Place 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, 4 tablespoons butter, and 2 ounces semisweet chocolate in the top half of the double boiler tightly cover top with film wrap. Heat for 4 1/2 to 5 minutes, remove from the heat, and stir until smooth.
- Place 3 eggs, 1 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a balloon whip. Whisk on high speed until slightly thickened, about 1 1/2 minutes. Add the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and whisk on medium for 30 seconds. Add the sifted ingredients, whisk on low for 10 seconds, then on medium for 10 seconds. Add the sour cream and whisk on medium for 5 seconds.
- Remove the bowl from the mixer and use a rubber spatula to thoroughly combine ( also add and combine 4 ounces chocolate chunks ).
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading evenly. Bake the brownie for 30 minutes, until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan at room temperature for 5 minutes. Turn out onto a cake circle and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the brownie from the refrigerator and cut in half horizontally. Keep the brownie at room temperature until needed.
DEATH BY CHOCOLATE A LA TRELLIS
Warning: This dessert is not meant to be eaten, or baked, by the faint of heart!! Created by Marcel Desaulniers of The Trellis restaurant in Williamsburg, this recipe takes a big commitment to make, but the payoff is worthwhile. I have not made it yet myself, but I have eaten it...many times...and the interplay of all those rich, chocolaty flavors is divine. Be forewarned that, in addition to standard kitchen equipment, you will also need an electric mixer, a 9x1 1/2 inch cake pan, and a 9x3 inch springform pan, and 9 inch cardboard cake circles. A double boiler and a pastry bag with decorating tips will make the process go smoother, but they can be improvised. If you are planning on serving this for dinner, you will want to start working on it that morning, or even better, make it a day or two before and wrap it up in the fridge. You can also mix the different layers and then set them aside over a period of several days to break it up so that it isn't quite as overwhelming. Recipe from "Death by Chocolate: the last word on a consuming passion" by Marcel Desaulniers.
Provided by Oenophilly
Categories Dessert
Time P1DT4h
Yield 1 9 Inch Cake, 12-15 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 42
Steps:
- Take a deep breath. Make sure that you will have several uninterrupted hours to cook, and that you've cleaned off all of your kitchen space. Preheat the oven to 225°F
- Good job! Now trace a 9-in circle onto parchment paper using a cardboard cake circle and put it onto a baking sheet.
- COCOA MERINGUE LAYER:
- Put the 4 egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt into the electric mixer bowl. Whip on high (using the balloon whip attachment) until soft peaks fom - about 45 to 50 seconds.
- Gradually add 1 cup sugar while still on high. Continue to whip until the peaks are stiff, about another 1 1/2 minutes.
- Remove the bowl and use a spatula to fold in and thoroughly combine the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp cocoa, and 1 tbsp cornstarch.
- Fill a pastry bag with the cocoa meringue (if you have no pastry bag, fill a ziploc bag and snip off one of the corners). Fill the traced parchment circle with meringue: start piping in the center and spiral outwards so that the whole circle is filled.
- Place the meringue in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then lower the oven temperature to 200°F and bake for 2 hour, 45 minutes more.
- Remove the meringue for the oven and let it cool on a rack for about 45 minutes before handling. Raise the oven temperature to 325°F.
- CHOCOLATE MOUSSE LAYER:
- You can begin preparing this while the meringue is baking and cooling. Heat 1 inch of water in the bottom half of a double boiler over medium heat (If you are not fortunate enough to own a double boiler, just stack a small saute pan on top of a small sauce pan. The lip of the saute pan should be just a bit wider than the sauce pan so that no steam escapes. Be very careful to keep any moisture out of your chocolate while you are melting it, or else it will seize and be very difficult to work with).
- Place 6 oz of semi-sweet chocolate in the top of the double boiler and tightly cover the top with plastic wrap (do not allow the wrap to touch the bottom half).
- Allow the chocolate to melt slowly, about 9 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir until smooth. Keep at room temperature until needed.
- Place 1 1/2 cups heavy cream in the well-chilled bowl of an electic mixer. Whip on high (using the balloon whip attachment) until peaks form, about 1 minute. Set aside.
- Whisk 3 eggs whites in a large stainless steel bowl, until soft peaks form (about 3 minutes).
- Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and continue to whisk until stiff peaks form, about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes.
- Add a quarter of the heavy cream to the chocolate and whisk quickly, vigorously, and thoroughly, then add it to the eggs whites. Now add the remaining heavy cream. Fold everything together gently but thoroughly, and put it in the fridge until needed (for at least 2 hours).
- CHOCOLATE BROWNIE LAYER:
- Make sure that the oven is still set to 325°F
- Butter a 9 x 1 1/2 inch cake pan, then coat it with flour (shake out any excess).
- Sift together 1/4 cup flour, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/3 tsp salt a small bowl, and set aside.
- Set up another double boiler. Place the 3 oz unsweetened chocolate, 4 tbsp butter, and 2 oz semi-sweetened chocolate in the top half.
- Tightly cover the top with plastic wrap, and heat for about 4 1/2 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir until smooth.
- Put 3 eggs, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract in an electric mixer. Whip on high (using the balloon whip attachment) until slightly thickened, about 1 1/2 minutes.
- Add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and mix on medium for 30 seconds.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients and mix on low for 10 seconds, then on medium for 10 seconds.
- Add the sour cream and mix on medium for 5 seconds.
- Remove the bowl and use a spatula to thoroughly combine any unmixed elements.
- Pour the batter into the prepared care pan, spreading evenly. Gently bang it down on the table a few time to help level out the batter.
- Bake in the oven until an inserted toothpick comes out clean, about 35 minutes.
- Remove and allow to cool for about 5 minutes, then refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove the brownies from the fridge and use a 9 inch cardboard cake circle to trim off the edges and make your rectangle a circle. Now, cut it in half horizontally: if it is still in the pan, take it out and cut it so that you have a top half and a bottom half, both of which are still 9 inch circles.
- GANACHE LAYER:.
- Heat 1 1/2 cups heavy cream and 3 tbsp butter in a 2 1/2 quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.
- Put 22 oz semi-sweet chocolate in a stainless steel bowl. Pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth.
- MOCHA MOUSSE:.
- Set up another double boiler.
- Put 14 oz of semi-sweet chocolate, 4 oz unsweetened chocolate, 1/2 cup water, instant coffee, and 2 tbsp cocoa in the top half of the double boiler.
- Tightly cover with plastic wrap and heat for about 6 to 7 minutes, remove, and stir until smooth.
- Put 5 egg whites in an electric mixer. Whip on high (with the balloon whip attachment) until soft peaks form, about 1 minute.
- Continue to whip while gradually adding 2 tbsp sugar. Whip an additional 30 seconds or so, until stiff.
- Whip 3/4 cup heavy cream in a chilled stainless steel bowl until stiff.
- Fold a fourth of the egg whites into the melted chocolate mixture, then fold in the whipped cream. Fold in the remaining egg whites.
- MOCHA RUM SAUCE:.
- Heat 6 oz butter in a 2 1/2 qt saucepan over medium heat.
- Once melted, add 1 1/3 cups sugar, 1 1/3 cups heavy cream, 8 tbsp cocoa, 2 tbsp rum, and 1/4 tsp salt. Whisk to combine.
- Bring to a boil and lower the heat, then allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Add 4 tsp instant coffee, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 tbsp rum. Stir until smooth.
- Allow to cool before serving.
- ASSEMBLY!:.
- Put a closed 9x3 inch springform pan on a baking sheet.
- Carefully place the top half of the brownie circle inside, topside up.
- Ladle 1 1/2 cups of ganache over the brownie layer. (If the ganache has solidified, put the bowl in a pan of hot water and stir until the correct texture is achieved).
- Use a knife to trim off any of the cocoa meringue that got outside of the 9 inch circle you traced underneath it.
- Then peel off the parchment paper and very carefully place the meringue, top-side up, inside of the pan. Press down gently to eliminate air pockets.
- Spoon the mocha mousse evenly on top of the cocoa meringue.
- Place the remaining chocolate brownie half, bottom side down, on top of the mocha mousse.
- Chill the cake in the fridge for 1 hr, or in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Take out the cake and cut along the inside of the pan to release it.
- Pour the remaining ganache over the cake and use an icing spreader to spread the ganache evenly over the top and sides.
- Put the cake back into the fridge for another 10 to 15 minutes to set the ganache.
- Fill a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip (Once again, use a ziploc bag if you do not have this. you will not be able to achieve the same decorative effects, but practice a few times on a plate and you can use this system to make little bulbs or a criss-cross pattern on the top).
- Pipe a circle of stars (each closely touching the other) along the outside edge of the top of the cage. Circle inwards until the cake is covered. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours (12 is preferable) before serving.
- To serve, run a serrated knife under hot water between each time you slice the cake. Arrange the slice on a decorative plate (larger slice/smaller servings will stand upright better and look nicer).
- Flood the plate with 3-4 tbsp of the Mocha Rum Sauce, and serve with a smile. And a stiff drink ;).
QUICK DEATH BY CHOCOLATE
Several years ago, a recipe called "Death By Chocolate" appeared in Chef Marcel Desaulniers' Trellis Cookbook. His recipe became quite the rage, spawned some imitations, but it was very complicated and time consuming to prepare. I found this recipe for "Quick Death By Chocolate," clipped from The Dallas Morning News, tucked...
Provided by Sasha Kamen
Categories Chocolate
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- 1. Preheat oven and prepare brownie mix according to package directions. Bake as directed. Let cool.
- 2. With a fork, prick holes into cooled brownies. Pour liqueur over top. Set aside.
- 3. Prepare mousse according to package directions.
- 4. Crumble half of the brownies in a trifle dish or large glass bowl, or divide in individual dessert glasses.
- 5. Layer half each of mousse, whipped topping, crushed toffee and chopped pecans. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- 6. Chill in refrigerator.
FROM SCRATCH BROWNIES (DEATH BY CHOCOLATE)
Make and share this From Scratch Brownies (death by Chocolate) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Danny Beason
Categories Bar Cookie
Time 45m
Yield 1 9x13pan
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Melt the two chocolates and the butter together in a double boiler.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Mix the eggs, sugar, salt and vanilla together until well blended, but do not whip.
- Whipping to a foam creates more leavening and results in a crumbly brownie.
- If the eggs are not at room temperature, stir the mixture over a hot bath just until the mixture is at a slightly warm room temperature.
- Blend in the chocolate mix.
- Sift the flour and fold in.
- Pour into a 9" x 13" pan.
- Bake at 325 degrees F for 45-50 minutes.
DEATH BY CHOCOLATE I
This cake recipe will overwhelm you with chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate from chocolate cake mix, mousse mix, and candy bars.
Provided by Sue Cauch
Categories Desserts Specialty Dessert Recipes Liqueur Dessert Recipes Coffee Liqueur
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 8 inch round cake pans.
- Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Pour batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Let cake cool slightly then pierce cakes with a fork. Pour the coffee liqueur gradually over the three cake layers.
- Prepare the chocolate mousse according to the package directions. Let chill in the refrigerator.
- Once cake is cool break it into pieces. Layer cake pieces, chocolate mousse, crushed butter toffee candy bars, and whipped topping 1/3 at a time in a large glass bowl. Grate the chocolate candy bar over the top. Let chill in refrigerator for several hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 489.4 calories, Carbohydrate 56.4 g, Cholesterol 11 mg, Fat 27.6 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 3.8 g, SaturatedFat 18.3 g, Sodium 365.5 mg, Sugar 43.4 g
Tips:
- Mise en Place: Before you start baking, measure and prepare all of your ingredients. This will help you stay organized and avoid scrambling for ingredients while you're in the middle of baking.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the taste of your cake. Use the best chocolate, butter, and eggs that you can find.
- Don't Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can make the cake tough. Mix the batter only until the ingredients are combined.
- Bake the Cake Properly: Follow the recipe's instructions carefully for baking the cake. Don't open the oven door during baking, as this can cause the cake to sink.
- Let the Cake Cool Completely: Before you frost the cake, let it cool completely. This will help the frosting to set properly.
- Use a Variety of Frostings: Don't be afraid to experiment with different frostings. You can use a simple chocolate ganache, a whipped cream frosting, or a more elaborate frosting like a chocolate buttercream.
- Decorate the Cake Creatively: Get creative with your cake decorations. You can use chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or even fresh berries.
Conclusion:
Death by Chocolate A La Trellis is a decadent and delicious chocolate cake that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich chocolate flavor and moist crumb, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. By following the tips above, you can create a Death by Chocolate A La Trellis cake that is truly unforgettable.
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