Indulge in the symphony of flavors with our Spiced Chocolate Torte Wrapped in Chocolate Ribbons. This decadent dessert combines the richness of chocolate with the warmth of spices, creating an unforgettable taste sensation. The torte features a moist and dense chocolate cake base, infused with a blend of aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. It's then adorned with a luscious chocolate ganache, adding an extra layer of velvety smoothness. The pièce de résistance is the intricate chocolate ribbons that envelop the torte, a visual masterpiece that elevates the dessert to a work of art. Explore the detailed recipe for this exquisite treat and discover the secrets behind its captivating flavors.
In addition to the main recipe, you'll find variations that cater to different preferences and dietary restrictions. For a gluten-free option, the recipe provides a refined flour substitute that maintains the torte's delightful texture. Those seeking a vegan alternative can rejoice in the plant-based ganache recipe, crafted with coconut cream and vegan chocolate. And for those who prefer a touch of boozy indulgence, a delightful orange liqueur-spiked ganache recipe is included. With these variations, everyone can savor the magic of this spiced chocolate torte, regardless of their dietary choices.
SPICED CHOCOLATE TART
Steps:
- For the crust: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- Combine the cookies and sugar in a food processor and pulse to make fine (but not pasty) crumbs. Drizzle in the melted butter and pulse to combine. Press the crust into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Bake on a baking sheet until the crust is set and just golden, about 12 minutes. Cool completely.
- For the filling: Combine the chocolate, cream, butter and dried ginger in a small saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring until the chocolate melts, about 5 minutes. Stir until very smooth. Pour into the cooled tart shell and refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours.
- For the salted caramel: Combine the sugar, corn syrup and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Set the pan over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is a deep amber, 8 to 12 minutes. Carefully whisk in the cream until smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter, vanilla, kosher salt and cayenne. Pour into a spouted glass measuring cup and let cool until thickened, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- When the caramel is cooled and the tart is set, drizzle the caramel over the tart so some of the chocolate is still exposed; save the rest for serving. Sprinkle the tart with flaky sea salt and chopped crystallized ginger. Cut into wedges. (If you make the tart ahead of time, use a warm knife or let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing.)
SPICED CHOCOLATE TORTE WRAPPED IN CHOCOLATE RIBBONS
This pecan-studded cake is filled with a luscious chocolate buttercream, drenched in a rich espresso-infused ganache and then decorated with edible dark and white chocolate ribbons for an impressive presentation.
Provided by Betty Rosbottom
Categories Bon Appétit Cake Birthday Christmas Chocolate Pecan Spice Cinnamon Clove Nutmeg
Yield Serves 12-14
Number Of Ingredients 29
Steps:
- Make the cake:
- Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Butter and flour three 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 11/2-inch-high sides. Line bottom of each cake pan with waxed paper; butter and flour waxed paper.
- Using electric mixer, cream butter in large bowl. Gradually beat in sugar until smooth. Beat in egg yolks 1 at a time. Blend in melted chocolate. Slowly mix in pecans, vanilla, and spices. Gently fold in flour in 4 batches (batter will be very thick and dense).
- Using electric mixer fitted with clean dry beaters, beat egg whites with salt and cream of tartar in another large bowl until medium peaks form. Gently fold 1/4 of whites into batter to lighten, then fold in remaining whites. Divide batter among prepared pans, spreading evenly. Bake until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Run knife around sides of each cake. Let stand 10 minutes. Invert cakes onto racks. Cool to room temperature.
- Do Ahead
- Cakes can be made up to 2 weeks ahead. Wrap tightly and freeze.
- Make the buttercream:
- Stir sugar and corn syrup in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil 1 minute. Meanwhile, using electric mixer, beat egg yolks in medium bowl until pale and thick. Gradually beat in hot sugar syrup; continue beating until mixture is completely cool, about 5 minutes. Beat in butter 1 piece at a time, incorporating each piece completely before adding next. Blend in melted chocolate, then rum. (If buttercream looks broken or curdled, place bowl with buttercream over medium heat on stove burner and whisk 5 to 10 seconds to warm mixture slightly, then remove from heat and beat mixture again on medium speed. Repeat warming and beating as many times as needed until buttercream is smooth.)
- Reserve 1/2 cup buttercream. Set 1 cake layer, flat side up, on rack; spread with half of remaining buttercream. Top with second cake layer; spread with remaining buttercream. Top with third cake layer; use reserved 1/2 cup buttercream to fill in seam where cake layers meet. Freeze cake until buttercream is firm, about 2 hours.
- Make the glaze:
- Stir all ingredients in top of double boiler over gently simmering water until mixture is smooth. Remove from over water. Stir until glaze is thickened, about 5 minutes (do not allow glaze to set).
- Pour 3/4 of glaze over top of cake. Carefully and quickly tilt cake back and forth so glaze coats sides; smooth sides with spatula, adding some of remaining glaze where necessary. Chill cake until glaze is set.
- Make the chocolate ribbons:
- Melt white chocolate in top of double boiler over gently simmering water; stir until smooth. Stir in 1/4 cup corn syrup. Pour onto baking sheet. Chill until firm, 30 to 40 minutes. Transfer white chocolate to work surface and knead several minutes. Shape white chocolate dough into ball. Wrap in plastic. Let white chocolate dough stand at room temperature 1 hour.
- Repeat with bittersweet chocolate and remaining 1/4 cup corn syrup.
- Cut white chocolate dough into 4 pieces. Flatten 1 piece into rectangle. Turn pasta machine to widest setting. Run chocolate through 3 times, folding into thirds before each run. Adjust machine to next narrower setting. Run chocolate through machine without folding. If chocolate is more than 1/16 inch thick, run through next narrower setting. Lay chocolate piece on rimless baking sheet. Repeat flattening, folding, and rolling with remaining chocolate pieces. Repeat process with bittersweet chocolate dough.
- Cut four 8x1-inch strips from rolled white chocolate dough and four 8x1/2-inch strips from rolled bittersweet chocolate dough. Center bittersweet chocolate strips atop white chocolate strips to form 4 ribbons. Run 1 ribbon from base of cake to center. Arrange remaining 3 chocolate ribbons equidistant from each other in same fashion so ribbons meet in center.
- Cut ten 6 1/2x1-inch strips from rolled white chocolate dough and ten 61/2x1/2-inch strips from rolled bittersweet chocolate dough. Center bittersweet chocolate strips atop white chocolate strips to form 10 ribbons. Cut ends off 2 ribbons on diagonal. Starting at center, drape ribbons over top and sides of cake to form trailers. To form loops for bows, fold remaining 8 ribbons in half, layered side out. Cut ends into V shapes. Arrange ribbon halves with V shapes at center of cake to form bow.
- Cut one 3x1-inch strip of white chocolate and one 3x1/2-inch strip of bittersweet chocolate. Center bittersweet chocolate strip atop white chocolate strip. Fold in ends of chocolate strips and pinch to resemble knot; place in center of bow. Carefully transfer cake to serving platter or cake stand.
- Do Ahead
- Cake can be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring cake to room temperature before serving.
Tips:
- Mise en place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment you need. This will help you stay organized and avoid scrambling around for missing items.
- Use high-quality chocolate: The quality of your chocolate will greatly impact the flavor of your torte. Look for high-quality chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70%. This will ensure that your torte is rich and decadent.
- Tempering the chocolate: Tempering the chocolate is a crucial step that helps to stabilize the chocolate and prevent it from becoming grainy. If you don't temper the chocolate, it will be more difficult to work with and your torte will not have the same smooth, velvety texture.
- Chilling the torte: Chilling the torte before serving helps to firm it up and make it easier to slice. It also allows the flavors to develop and meld together.
- Garnishing the torte: You can garnish the torte with a variety of items, such as fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings. This will add a touch of elegance and make your torte even more appealing.
Conclusion:
The spiced chocolate torte wrapped in chocolate ribbons is a decadent and impressive dessert that is perfect for special occasions. The combination of rich chocolate, warm spices, and creamy ganache is sure to tantalize your taste buds. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create a stunning and delicious torte that will wow your guests.
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