This decadent deep chocolate torte is a showstopper for any special occasion. The dense, fudgy cake layers are made with bittersweet chocolate and egg yolks, creating a luxurious texture. Between the layers, a silky ganache and sweet apricot preserves add depth and a subtle fruitiness. The exterior is coated in a whipped coffee buttercream, which cuts through the richness with a sharp espresso note. Decorated with chocolate-covered coffee beans, this dessert is as visually stunning as it is delicious. It requires some patience to assemble, but the result is a sophisticated, bakery-quality treat that pairs perfectly with tea or a strong coffee.
Deep Chocolate Torte With Coffee Buttercream
Description
This decadent deep chocolate torte is a showstopper for any special occasion. The dense, fudgy cake layers are made with bittersweet chocolate and egg yolks, creating a luxurious texture. Between the layers, a silky ganache and sweet apricot preserves add depth and a subtle fruitiness. The exterior is coated in a whipped coffee buttercream, which cuts through the richness with a sharp espresso note. Decorated with chocolate-covered coffee beans, this dessert is as visually stunning as it is delicious. It requires some patience to assemble, but the result is a sophisticated, bakery-quality treat that pairs perfectly with tea or a strong coffee.Ingredients
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (191ðC). Line two 15x10x1-inch jelly-roll pans with wax paper, then butter and flour the paper.
-
In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with an electric mixer until light.
-
Gradually add 1 1/2 cups sugar, beating until the mixture is thick, pale, and forms a ribbon.
-
Stir in the melted bittersweet chocolate until fully combined.
-
In a separate clean bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
-
Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar to the whites and beat until stiff peaks form.
-
Gently fold one-fourth of the egg whites into the yolk mixture to lighten it.
-
Carefully fold in the remaining egg whites until just combined.
-
Pour batter into prepared pans and spread evenly.
-
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Let cakes cool in pans on racks, covered with kitchen towels.
-
Invert cakes onto racks and carefully remove wax paper.
-
For the ganache: Bring heavy cream to a boil in a saucepan, then remove from heat.
-
Add chopped bittersweet chocolate to the cream and stir until smooth.
-
Transfer ganache to a bowl, cover, and chill, stirring occasionally, until cool and thickened but not solid.
-
Beat the chilled ganache until it forms soft peaks; do not overbeat.
-
For the buttercream: Dissolve 1 cup sugar in 1/3 cup water in a small heavy saucepan over moderate heat.
-
Boil syrup without stirring until it reaches 240ðF (116ðC) on a candy thermometer.
-
Meanwhile, beat 2 large eggs in a large bowl with an electric mixer until frothy.
-
With the mixer running, slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the eggs in a thin stream.
-
Beat the mixture until it is cool to the touch.
-
Add softened butter one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition.
-
Dissolve espresso powder in 1 tablespoon hot water and beat into the buttercream along with a pinch of salt.
-
Beat until smooth and combined. If too soft, chill until firm enough to spread.
-
For assembly: Force apricot preserves through a fine sieve into a bowl.
-
Trim edges from cake layers and halve each layer lengthwise to create four long strips.
-
Place one cake strip on a serving plate. Spread with a third of the apricot preserves.
-
Spread a third of the ganache over the preserves.
-
Top with another cake strip and repeat the layering with preserves and ganache.
-
Top with the remaining cake strips, ending with a cake layer on top.
-
Spread a thin layer of buttercream over the top and sides of the torte.
-
Chill the torte for 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
-
Spread the remaining buttercream over the torte, leaving about 1/3 cup for decoration.
-
Use a pastry comb or fork to score the buttercream lengthwise.
-
Draw the back of a knife crosswise across the scored buttercream to create a pattern.
-
Pipe rosettes with the reserved buttercream along the long sides of the torte.
-
Intersperse the rosettes with chocolate-covered coffee beans.
-
Chill the torte until ready to serve. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 544kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 26.5g41%
- Saturated Fat 13.0g65%
- Cholesterol 326mg109%
- Sodium 122mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 60.4g21%
- Dietary Fiber 6.2g25%
- Sugars 53.1g
- Protein 14.2g29%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.