DEATH BY CHOCOLATE CAKE
April 1, 2009 in Uncategorized
The most popular cake by far that I make for orders happens to be what is commonly known as my Death By Chocolate Cake…..I had numerous requests for it after posting the photos of the 30th birthday party on Friday night. So, taking cognizance of the fact that sharing is caring, I am passing this stunning recipe forward (I hope Lyndatjie is taking note of this), knowing that it will bring a lot of joy to a lot of people. Like my pancakes I have guarded the recipe closely over the years, but now I give it to you all!
Note: The recipe is flourless so should therefore suit wheat intolerant individuals and will fit into a gluten-free diet
My favourite way of eating this intense chocolate cake is simply with a dusting of icing sugar, a drizzle of raspberry coulis & a dollop of crème fraiche or vanilla ice cream
Do note that that the texture and flavour of this cake is much better the next day so start preparing it a day or two in advance….and remember when serving…..it is wickedly rich and decadent so smaller portions are better!!!
MOO’S INTENSE CHOCOLATE TORTE (DEATH BY CHOCOLATE)
100g Best Quality Dark Chocolate (82%) –
100g Milk Chocolate (best quality)
200g Unsalted Butter –cold
250g Granulated Sugar
6 Extra Large Eggs – separated
2 Tbs ground Almonds – blanch, roast then grind the nuts
Pinch Salt
¼ tsp Cream of Tartar
¼ tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
Zest of ½
Juice of ½
1 Tbs Brandy, Cointreau, Van der Hum or Grand Marnier – optional
· Preheat the oven to 1800C
· Butter the sides and the base of a 20-23cm round deep cake pan. Line the bottom with baking paper & brush this with butter too
· Roughly chop the chocolate and cut the butter into small cubes
· Melt chocolate and butter in the microwave on 20% power for 2 minutes, stirring every minute to combine. Set aside to cool a bit
· Add the sugar and salt to the egg yolks and beat until warm, pale, thick and trebled in size – about 8 – 10minutes. Don’t shortcut this part
· Gently stir in the orange zest, juice, alcohol if using & vanilla extract
· Add the melted chocolate-butter mixture to the eggs and blend in evenly
· Sprinkle the finely ground almonds over the batter and fold in.
· Beat the egg whites till foamy, add the cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks form
· Fold ¼ of the whites into the chocolate batter and incorporate, add another ¼ & fold in then add the rest and fold in gently so as not to lose any of the air beaten in
· Pour batter into the buttered cake pan and bake for 35 – 45 minutes until the centre of the cake barely trembles when the pan is shaken and the top is set, shiny and a bit crackly-looking (if you inserted a knife or skewer into the cake it would still be sticky in the middle – that is how it should be)
· Run a hot knife around the cake to loosen from sides of pan, leave in pan to cool completely – the cake will collapse some
· Cover pan well with cling film and refrigerate overnight
· Remove from fridge at least an hour before serving at room temperature
· To remove cake from pan -Warm the bottom of the pan briefly over medium heat, shake to loosen then turn the cake out of the pan onto a board. Invert onto a plate lined with fresh wax paper so the top of cake is uppermost
· Dredge entire surface thickly with icing sugar
Cut into wedges with a dry hot knife & serve with a drizzle of berry coulis & a dollop of crème fraiche or a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
My favourite way to serve it
· If you prefer you can ice with chocolate ganache frosting
Chocolate Ganache
200g Dark Chocolate
125ml Fresh Cream
1 Tbs Unsalted Butter
1 Tbs Brandy or Liqueur – very optional but delicious
· Chop the chocolate very finely & place in a clean dry bowl
· Heat cream, liqueur & butter over medium heat until little bubbles start forming around the sides of the saucepan – do not allow it to boil!!
· Quickly pour all the hot cream over the chocolate in the bowl & leave to stand for a few minutes
· Stir well then leave to stand a few more minutes until all the chocolate has melted, stir until smoothly blended
· Allow to cool to room temperature
· Place the chilled cake on a board exactly the same size as the cake. Place on a wire rack over a tray, pour some of the ganache onto the cake. Quickly spread it around with a spatula to cover the cake in a smooth thin layer (this is called a crumb coat) Refrigerate for 10 minutes to allow it to set
· Pour the rest of the chocolate into the centre of the cake & working quickly, using a long spatula & with wide strokes smooth the rest of the chocolate over the cake. (If you prefer you can just tilt the cake in different directions allowing the ganache to cover the top and run down the sides of the cake) Remove from rack onto a serving plate & allow to set before decorating & serving as desired (the chocolate that has dripped into the tray can be put through a strainer to remove any cake crumbs and refrigerated for further use – making truffles comes to mind 
) or you can whip it and pipe rosettes onto your cake)
Photo courtesy of Joy of Baking.com
· If you want to frost your cake with whipped ganache then place the bowl of melted creamy chocolate over a bowl of water with ice cubes & start whisking – either with a wire whisk if you are strong or use a handheld beater like I do )
· Once the ganache has thickened and is whipped to a spreading or piping consistency you need to work fairly fast to frost your cake as it hardens up. If you overbeat it will become grainy.
A blank canvas ready to decorate
A slice of chocoholic heaven
Note: To roast nuts – place in a cold dry frying pan and then toast over a medium heat while shaking the pan ( until just starting to brown and the fabulous aromas are released). Cool before chopping finely
Enjoy………
browniegirl xxx
News Update: Dinx at Lunar Raves has just sent a text message to say that her new grandson made his safe arrival into the world in the early hours of this morning. Mom & babe doing well….CONGRATULATIONS to the Dinx family xxx
browniegirl
faridahb said on April 1, 2009
Small portions? Whats that? I don’t understand. HOW???? Oh my gosh, am logging off. Have had enough torture for one day
strawberrycupcake said on April 1, 2009
thanks for sharing this recipe with us moo… it sounds so so delicious!
slicesofkiwi said on April 1, 2009
wow! This sounds absolutely divine! Thank you for sharing
debsie said on April 1, 2009
Oh my oh my oh my!!! This just made it on to my “Must make” list for Easter Weekend! Stunning browniegirl, stunning!
Janete said on April 1, 2009
My heart rate just went through the roof…Drool
kerry.gibbs said on April 1, 2009
I will now confess my undying love for brownie girl, yum yum yum, he he
rosegarden said on April 1, 2009
You’ve just made my day
priscillaannef said on April 1, 2009
Hi BG – after all the food I ate on the cruise, I will be giving yummy cakes ‘n things a miss…
batoutofhell said on April 1, 2009
HugeBatHugzFromBuzyBat
Adiam said on April 1, 2009
Thanks for sharing, brownie. Will try it and let you know how it is…I never had flourless cake before.
Moonz said on April 1, 2009
Thanks for this my darlin’ friend. Luvya lots. Maybe I should make this cake for the Bris next week (circumcision) – oy.. got so much to do now. But this cake is making my mouth water
Thanks Cin for the good wishes
Luv and hugs Moo doll xxx
zaisfood said on April 1, 2009
YUM,LOOKS DELICIOUS,THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR RECIPE.
foodie said on April 1, 2009
shoe – this one looks lethal
drugtesting said on April 1, 2009
Lekka!!! But will still get you to bake me one for me birthday
ninatimm said on April 1, 2009
Oh dear Lord keep me from temptation!!! Stunning, absolutely stunning.Thx for sharing!!!
mpdf said on April 1, 2009
Yummy!!! it sounds devine, I think I’ll try it this weekend for hubby & boys and I’ll allow myself only a little bite to taste! Thanks for sharing your recipe!! Hugs X
canda1 said on April 1, 2009
BG, that looks absolutely divine1!!
Thans for the updates on Dinx…big congratulations to the Dinx family!!
books4cooks said on April 1, 2009
If this is death by chocolate…let me go!!Fabulous Moo!!!
half-pint said on April 1, 2009
Half-Pint has drowned in a puddle of drool
~xx~
aishamahomed said on April 1, 2009
OOOOOHHHH!!! y? I’m with my tongue out i want it now now now i demand!!!!Left a private msg for you pls take care…
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
LOL!!! Didnt you ask for this cake?????? hehe xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
Cupcake its my pleasure darlin xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
SoK youre welcome darlin….hope you enjoy xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
Thanx Debs, let me know how it turns out xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
Janete, I hope its back to normal now again…thats not good hehe xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
Oh darling Kerry, I love you too Mwah!!! heehee xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
Thanx Cin. Isnt it exciting news xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
Rose, Im glad darlin, very glad xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
Say what…..do I detect an air of over indulgence hanging about you then?????? xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
I appreciate these hugs today more than you will know Batty. Thanx so much and hugs to you xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
Baglady, its different from normal cake and totally delish….Im sure you will like it. If you love chocolate you should love this xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
Dinxie, it would be good for the Bris darlin. Just remember to start it the day before….hope all goes well. Hoping that you managed to get some sleep today….love you xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
Its my pleasure Zai…enjoy xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
FoodEd24 – It is indeed….lethally good, lethally addictive, lethally chocolate hehe xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
DT thanx luv, would be my pleasure xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
Thank you Nina. You dont stand a prayers chance when this cake is around. Its seriously addictive
) xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
Hi there Fatlady, gee I dont know if you can stop at just one tiny bite hehe…Im so glad you will be trying to make it. Let me know what you think of it…hugs to you xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
Thanx so much MT&T. All good over there I believe. Hugs to you xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
Oh no, only a small piece for you my friend, I only just found you hehe xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
Oh NOOOOOOO, CPR done quickly,turn patient over and slap her on her back, pump out all drool….breathe darlin…..there you go…sjoe that was close
) xxx
Collywolly said on April 1, 2009
LOL!!Aisha….you can turn violent hey????? HEHE!!! Thanx so much, Im off to check my messages now…xxx
sideview said on April 2, 2009
i agree with lynda! this sounds just too wonderful for words!
Collywolly said on April 2, 2009
LOL!!! If you run this way I can make it for you…….xxx
Collywolly said on April 2, 2009
Thanx Sidey, it is most delicious xxx
Collywolly said on April 2, 2009
The G -are you strong enough???? xxx
naqiyah said on April 2, 2009
no pm from last night??
Collywolly said on April 2, 2009
Okay will resend it now again…xxx
gigglinggourmet said on April 2, 2009
and this is a smack for you…..kiss kisss you are killing me mama x
AmiaLee said on April 2, 2009
Oh boy, I need to loose some weight but even looking at this pic adds the kilo’s on the hips!!!!
Collywolly said on April 2, 2009
Oi Jen….dont blame me…….blame those bloggers who asked for it…I just complied hehe…MWAH….xxx
Collywolly said on April 2, 2009
Sorry Mev Lee…….shut your eyes quick and open your mouth…then the calories dont count hehe….xxx
hutton said on April 2, 2009
Will kill for a piece of that!
jk80 said on April 2, 2009
o. m. g.
this looks too good not to try!
hope all is well.
batoutofhell said on April 2, 2009
Mouth on the mend and Friday around the corner!
BatHugz 4 U
Collywolly said on April 2, 2009
Hutton dont shoot, here….have it all
) xxx
Collywolly said on April 2, 2009
jk thanx hope you do try it….getting better thanx…xxx
Collywolly said on April 2, 2009
Oh excellent news Batty….xxx
homemadeheaven said on April 2, 2009
I am dieing just looking at it! Have a chocolate craving today – which you are not helping with!
BTW, I have answered your smash question on the fishcakes.
Collywolly said on April 2, 2009
Sowwweeeeee R&T….thanx will pop back and take a look xxx
priscillaannef said on April 2, 2009
BG – it is an eternal eating fest on the boat! Breakfast from 07:30 to 10:30, lunch (with dessert) from 12:00 to 14:00, high tea at 16:00 and then dinner (with dessert again) at 18:30. How I managed not to gain an ounce, I have no idea.
Alter_ego_nigella said on April 2, 2009
I am sure stuff this good is illegal!
Thanks for “transmitting” Dinx’s message!!
Sunika said on April 2, 2009
Sies vir jou!!
Schneeflocke said on April 2, 2009
Gosh that looks delicious…
Ive saved so many recipes of yours, once I get that urge to cook again…I want to make the lamb curry…
Collywolly said on April 2, 2009
Nooit………..you can eat some soentjie…good for the baby hehe xxx
Collywolly said on April 2, 2009
LOL!!! Chocolate IS my drug of choice M….hehe you;re welcome xxx
Collywolly said on April 2, 2009
Thanx Schnee, you will soon feel like cooking again….DH will be happy hehe
) xxx
borrel said on April 2, 2009
oh so sinfull. oooooohhhhhh
Collywolly said on April 2, 2009
HAHA! Good for all newlyweds and nearly deads xxx
Collywolly said on April 2, 2009
LOL!!! So that means that you can have a slice of my death by chocolate then say what…..say what???
) xxx