Best 2 Wolfgangs 16 Layer Chocolate Cake Recipes

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Indulge your taste buds in the ultimate chocolate experience with Wolfgang's legendary 16-layer chocolate cake. A masterpiece of culinary art, this towering confection is a symphony of rich, decadent chocolate layers, each offering a unique texture and flavor. The journey begins with the moist and tender chocolate sponge cake, providing a solid foundation for the layers to come. Next, velvety chocolate mousse, light and airy chocolate ganache, and luscious chocolate buttercream dance together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your senses. As you ascend the cake's majestic height, you'll encounter layers of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, and even a layer of chocolate cookie crumbs, adding delightful surprises and textural contrasts. The grand finale is a glossy chocolate glaze, cascading down the sides of the cake like a chocolate waterfall, completing this edible masterpiece.

But the journey doesn't end there. This article also presents tantalizing variations on the classic 16-layer chocolate cake. Discover the secrets of Wolfgang's Chocolate Torte, a sophisticated and elegant dessert featuring layers of chocolate sponge cake, chocolate mousse, and a rich chocolate ganache. For those seeking a lighter option, the Chocolate Angel Food Cake offers a heavenly combination of fluffy angel food cake and luscious chocolate mousse. And if you're craving a gluten-free treat, the Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake delivers all the decadent flavors of the original, minus the gluten.

No matter your preference, this article has the perfect chocolate cake recipe to satisfy your cravings. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you in awe of the artistry and deliciousness of Wolfgang's 16-layer chocolate cake and its delightful variations.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

WOLFGANG'S SACHERTORTE



Wolfgang's Sachertorte image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 1h42m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, cut into small pieces
3 ounces butter
4 egg yolks
1 ounce sugar, plus 3 ounces
5 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup flour, sifted
1 1/2 cups apricot preserves
1 tablespoon apricot brandy
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, cut into small pieces
1 ounce butter
2 ounces heavy cream
Schlagobers, or whipped cream

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour a 9 by 2-inch cake pan.
  • In a bowl, combine the chocolate and butter and melt over a double boiler. Set aside to cool. In a mixer, using a wire whisk, whip the egg yolks with 1 ounce sugar until light and ribbony. Beat in the chocolate mixture.
  • In another bowl, beat the egg whites and salt until soft peaks. Slowly add the remaining 3 ounces of sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks. Fold in the flour and then fold in 1/3 of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Fold in the remaining egg whites, gently but thoroughly. Pour into prepared cake pan.
  • Bake for 40 minutes or until done. To check for doneness, insert a paring knife in center of cake. It should come out dry. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack.
  • To make the apricot filling: puree the apricot preserves. Stir in brandy.
  • Slice the cake into 3 equal layers. Spread half of the apricot filling on the bottom layer. Top with a second layer of cake. Spread the remaining apricot filling and top with the last layer of cake. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
  • To make the glaze: in a bowl, combine the chocolate and butter. Melt over a double-boiler. Bring the cream to a boil. Stir into the melted chocolate. Cool until it reaches glazing consistency. Spread over and around the cake. Chill for another 30 minutes before serving. Serve a slice with Schlagobers or whipped cream.

FOUR-LAYER CHOCOLATE CAKE



Four-Layer Chocolate Cake image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 2h35m

Yield 12 to 15 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

Nonstick cooking spray
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the pans
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 sticks (1 cup) butter, softened
2 cups sugar
3 extra-large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
1 cup hot water
Swiss Meringue Buttercream, recipe follows
9 large egg whites, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 pounds (6 sticks) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract or other flavoring

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray two 8-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment. Spray the parchment and dust with flour.
  • Whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
  • Beat together the butter and sugar in a stand mixer until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at time and beat until incorporated. Add the sour cream and continue to beat until fully incorporated. Then add the vanilla.
  • Stir together the instant espresso powder with the hot water in a spouted measuring cup. With the mixer running, add the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with the espresso.
  • Divide the batter between the cake pans and bake until a tester inserted in the centers comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool the cakes in the pans on a rack for 10 minutes, then remove the cakes to the rack to cool completely.
  • Slice a thin layer from the top of each cooled cake with a serrated knife to remove the domed top. With a serrated knife, slice the layers in half horizontally to make 4 layers. Spread buttercream on the cut side of a layer and sandwich another layer on top. Repeat with the remaining frosting and layers, leaving the last top layer unfrosted.
  • Apply a thin crumb-coat of frosting to the entire cake and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes to set. Use the remaining frosting to generously frost the cake.
  • Put the egg whites and sugar into a large bowl set over a double boiler. Whisk constantly until the sugar melts and the mixture is very thin and warm.
  • Pour the egg whites into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and whisk on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes. Turn to low speed and continue beating until cool, about 10 minutes.
  • Turn the mixer to medium speed and whisk in the butter in small pieces. (The mixture may look curdled before it comes together.) Add the vanilla extract. Re-beat the mixture as needed to keep it smooth as you frost your cake.

Tips:

  • Mise en place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment you need, including a bundt pan, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, and a sifter.
  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your cake will taste. Use real butter, dark chocolate, and fresh eggs.
  • Preheat your oven: Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before you start baking. This will help ensure that your cake bakes evenly.
  • Measure your ingredients accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure your ingredients. This will help ensure that your cake turns out the way it should.
  • Mix your batter until it is just combined: Do not overmix your batter, as this can make your cake tough. Mix your batter until it is just combined, and then stop.
  • Bake your cake until it is cooked through: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If it comes out with batter or crumbs attached, the cake needs to bake longer.
  • Let your cake cool completely before frosting it: This will help prevent the frosting from melting.

Conclusion:

Wolfgang's 16-layer chocolate cake is a decadent and delicious dessert that is perfect for any special occasion. The cake is made with layers of chocolate cake, chocolate frosting, and chocolate ganache. It is a rich and flavorful cake that is sure to impress your guests.

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