Description
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with this decadent Chocolate Terrine Cake. Combining a rich, smooth chocolate terrine with moist chocolate cake layers and a luscious chocolate ganache, this elegant dessert is perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a luxurious treat. The cake features layers of fluffy chocolate cake sandwiching slices of creamy terrine, all enveloped in a glossy ganache and garnished with fresh raspberries and chocolate shavings for a stunning presentation.
Ingredients
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			Chocolate Terrine
- 1 pound (450g) bittersweet chocolate (70% cacao), finely chopped
 - 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
 - 6 large eggs, separated
 - 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
 - 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 - Pinch of salt
 
Chocolate Cake
- 1 1/2 cups (192g) all-purpose flour
 - 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
 - 3/4 teaspoon salt
 - 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
 - 3/4 cup (180ml) vegetable oil
 - 1 1/2 cups (360ml) buttermilk
 - 2 large eggs
 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
 - 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
 
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
 - 12 ounces (340g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
 
Garnish
- Fresh raspberries
 - Chocolate shavings
 - Powdered sugar
 
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler), combine chopped bittersweet chocolate and butter cubes. Stir occasionally until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
 - Separate the Eggs: Carefully separate yolks and whites into separate bowls, ensuring no yolk contaminates the whites.
 - Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: Add half the granulated sugar (1/2 cup or 100g) to yolks and whisk vigorously until pale yellow and thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
 - Incorporate Chocolate Mixture: Slowly pour the cooled melted chocolate mixture into yolk mixture, whisking constantly to combine without cooking the yolks.
 - Add Cocoa Powder and Vanilla: Sift cocoa powder into the chocolate mixture and stir in vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free.
 - Whip Egg Whites: Add a pinch of salt to the whites and beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar and continue beating to stiff, glossy peaks.
 - Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold one-third of the whipped whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten, then fold in remaining whites in two additions, maintaining airiness.
 - Prepare Terrine Mold: Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving overhang for easy removal.
 - Pour and Chill: Pour terrine mixture into prepared pan, tap to release air bubbles, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to set.
 - Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, optionally lining bottoms with parchment paper.
 - Whisk Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
 - Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
 - Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add wet mixture to dry, mixing on low speed until just combined without overmixing.
 - Add Boiling Water: Carefully stir in boiling water until batter is smooth and thin.
 - Bake Cakes: Divide batter evenly between pans and bake 30-35 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
 - Cool Cakes: Let cakes cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
 - Level Cakes: If needed, level the cake tops with a serrated knife for even layers.
 - Prepare Ganache: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a bowl and let sit 1 minute.
 - Stir Ganache: Stir mixture until smooth and glossy, then add softened butter and stir to combine fully.
 - Cool Ganache: Let ganache cool at room temperature 15-20 minutes until spreadable but not runny.
 - Release Terrine: Lift terrine out of pan using plastic wrap and slice into 1/2-inch thick slices (8-10 slices).
 - Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread a generous layer of ganache on top.
 - Arrange Terrine Slices: Lay chocolate terrine slices over ganache, slightly overlapping.
 - Add Second Cake Layer: Place second cake layer on top of terrine slices.
 - Frost Cake: Cover entire cake with remaining ganache, smoothing with a spatula or knife.
 - Chill Cake: Optionally refrigerate assembled cake for at least 30 minutes for a firmer ganache finish.
 - Garnish: Decorate with fresh raspberries, chocolate shavings, and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
 - Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve this rich, luxurious chocolate terrine cake that’s sure to impress!
 
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are free of any yolk to achieve proper whipping and volume.
 - Let melted chocolate cool slightly before mixing with egg yolks to prevent cooking them.
 - Use parchment paper in cake pans for easy removal and clean edges.
 - Allow the terrine to chill fully for best texture and sliceability.
 - Use a serrated knife to level cakes to avoid tearing.
 - Ganache must cool to spreadable consistency to avoid running off the cake.
 - Chilling the assembled cake helps the ganache set and makes slicing cleaner.
 - Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
 
		