CHOCOLATE GIFT CAKES (FOR INSIDE THE CARRIAGE)

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Chocolate Gift Cakes (for Inside the Carriage) image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 3/4 cups heavy cream
28 ounces pounds bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/3 cup Grand Marnier
18 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and still warm
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
10 large egg yolks
1/2 cup. plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup almond flour
Scant 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
10 large egg whites
3/4 cup granulated sugar
16 ounces bittersweet chocolate, tempered

Steps:

  • Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a 2-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan until bubbles begin to form around the edge of the pan. Place the chopped chocolate in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Gradually pour about half of the hot cream over the chocolate. Let stand for 30 seconds to melt chocolate. Slowly whisk it until smooth and homogenous. Add the remaining cream gradually--the shock of the hot cream can cause the fat in the chocolate to separate or break, if added too quickly--and mix until all of it is incorporated and the ganache is smooth and homogenous. It should be thick, shiny and smooth. Add the Grand Marnier and mix to fully incorporate. Pour the ganache onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to cool. When the ganache has cooled to the consistency of toothpaste but is still easily spreadable, it is ready to be used. If the ganache has set too much, soften it by heating a small amount in a saucepan placed over medium heat until melted. Then quickly, but gently, stir the melted ganache into the harder, cooler ganache. If its still too hard, repeat the procedure until the desired consistency is reached.
  • Cake layer: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. In a medium bowl with an electric mixer, combine corn syrup, egg yolks, butter and almond flour. Beat at medium high speed until light and fluffy. Add dark rum (or substitute vanilla and orange zest).
  • In a large bowl with an electric mixer beat egg whites until foamy. Add sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. Increase mixer speed to medium high and whip to stiff but not dry peaks, about 7 minutes.
  • Fold the meringue into the butter mixture all at once. Using a rubber spatula fold up from the bottom of the bowl, careful not to deflate the meringue. When the two mixtures are just incorporated, add the warm chocolate. Fold again, carefully. Use a whisk, if the meringue does not fold in well.
  • Pour the batter into a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and spread it evenly to the edges with a rubber spatula. Careful not to smash the batter or it will lose its air and the cake will be flat and chewy. Bake until the cake springs back when touched, or a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Cool cake in the pan on a wire rack. The cake will collapse slightly as it cools.
  • Using an offset spatula spread the ganache onto the cake layer. Spread the ganache all the way to the edges. If the cake is uneven, use the ganache to make it flat and even as possible. Place the cake in the refrigerator and allow the ganache to harden, about 20 minutes. Then use the offset spatula to make the edges as clean and straight as possible. Place the frosted cake in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to set.
  • When ready to serve, remove cake from the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. Heat a chefs knife in hot water; wipe off excess water and cut cake into the serving size preferred.
  • Decorations: Spread about a 1/16-inch thick layer of the tempered chocolate over a transfer sheet (see note below). Use a chefs knife to cut the chocolate, but not the transfer sheet, to match the size of the cake pieces. Set aside and let the chocolate set about 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the air temperature. When the chocolate has set, lift each pre-cut piece from the transfer sheet and place it, design side up, on top of the individual cake serving

oluwole johnson
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These cakes are perfect. They're moist, chocolatey, and delicious. I can't wait to make them again.


Richard Hutchinson
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I'm so satisfied with this recipe. These cakes are everything I hoped they would be and more.


Ramjan Islam
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These cakes are absolutely delicious. I can't get enough of them!


mdShahab Uddin
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These cakes are so beautiful. They're perfect for any special occasion.


Hashim Quresi
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These cakes are so versatile. I can use them for cupcakes, layer cakes, or even cake pops.


Nadiya Zahed
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These cakes are very mess-free to make. I don't have to worry about making a big mess in my kitchen.


Manoj Khadka
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These cakes are so quick and easy to make. I can have them in the oven in less than 30 minutes.


Wajid official (AFGHAN)
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I'm vegan, so I was excited to find this recipe. These cakes are delicious and vegan!


Armando Netro
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I'm dairy-free, so I was hesitant to try this recipe. But I was pleasantly surprised! These cakes are just as delicious without dairy.


AMIR.M. A
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I'm gluten-free, so I was thrilled to find this recipe. These cakes are delicious and gluten-free!


Vida Spoke
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These cakes are a healthier option than many other desserts. They're made with whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners.


Precious chinedu 419
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These cakes are very affordable to make. I can make a dozen cakes for less than $20.


Triki Taka
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I love that these cakes can be made ahead of time. I usually make them the day before and then just decorate them on the day of the party.


Mehedi Hasan Shakib
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I love that these cakes can be decorated in so many different ways. I've used sprinkles, chocolate chips, and even edible flowers. They're always so festive.


baby lay
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These cakes are perfect for any occasion. I've made them for birthdays, baby showers, and even weddings. They're always a crowd-pleaser.


Dennis Saitoti
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I'm a beginner baker, and these cakes were a great project for me. They were easy to follow and turned out beautifully.


John Torres
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I've made these cakes several times now, and they always turn out perfectly. They're moist and chocolatey, with just the right amount of sweetness.


Divinefavour Olofu
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These chocolate gift cakes were a hit at my daughter's birthday party! They were so easy to make and decorate, and the kids loved them.