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
Scale
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.