Crème de Cacao Torte

Crème de Cacao Torte Recipe - French Dessert with Chocolate Ganache Glaze

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Crème de Cacao Torte, a delightful dessert that is sure to impress your guests. This recipe combines layers of moist chocolate cake with a creamy crème de cacao filling and a luscious chocolate ganache glaze.

History

The origins of the Crème de Cacao Torte are a bit unclear, but it is believed to have been inspired by the classic combination of chocolate and liqueur. The addition of crème de cacao, a chocolate-flavored liqueur, adds a unique and sophisticated twist to this traditional dessert.

Ingredients

0.67 cup butter or margarine, softened
1.67 cup sugar
3 eggs
0.5 tsp vanilla extract
2 cup all-purpose flour
0.67 cup Hershey's cocoa
1.25 tsp baking soda
0.25 tsp baking powder
1.33 cup milk
2 tbsp crème de cacao (chocolate-flavored liqueur) optional
crème de cacao filling (recipe follows)
chocolate ganache glaze (recipe follows)

Crème de cacao filling

1 cup (0.5 pt (237 ml)) cold whipping cream
2 tbsp crème de cacao (optional)
1 tbsp Hershey's cocoa

Chocolate ganache glaze

1 Hershey's Special dark chocolate bar (7 oz (198 g)), broken into pieces
0.25 cup whipping cream
1 tbsp butter
1.5 tsp crème de cacao (chocolate-flavored liqueur) or water

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
In a large bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well blended.
In another bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and baking powder. Add this mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, blending just until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to wire racks.
Sprinkle each layer with 1 tbsp of crème de cacao and allow them to cool completely.
Meanwhile, prepare the Crème de cacao filling.
Split each cake layer horizontally into 2 layers.
Place one layer on a serving plate and spread one-third of the filling on top.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining cake and filling, ending with a cake layer.
Cover the cake tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
Prepare the Chocolate ganache glaze and spoon it on top of the chilled cake, allowing the glaze to drizzle down the sides of the cake.
Refrigerate the cake.

Crème de cacao filling

In a small bowl, beat the cold whipping cream, crème de cacao (if using), and cocoa until stiff.
Cover and refrigerate.

Chocolate ganache glaze

Combine the chocolate bar pieces, whipping cream, and butter in a medium saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Stir in the crème de cacao.
Allow the glaze to cool to lukewarm. It will slightly thicken.

Variations

For a non-alcoholic version, omit the crème de cacao and substitute with chocolate extract.
Add a layer of fresh berries between the cake layers for a burst of fruity flavor.
Top the torte with chocolate shavings or chopped nuts for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to properly grease and flour your baking pans to prevent the cake from sticking.

- Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling the torte to ensure that the layers stay intact.

- Refrigerate the assembled torte for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the filling to set.

- When making the chocolate ganache glaze, stir constantly over low heat to prevent the chocolate from burning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Crème de Cacao Torte with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the whipping cream until stiff peaks form will ensure a light and fluffy crème de cacao filling.

- Melting the chocolate and butter together over low heat will create a smooth and glossy ganache glaze.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use unsalted butter instead of margarine in the cake batter.

- If you don't have crème de cacao, you can substitute with another chocolate liqueur or omit it altogether.

Make Ahead Tips

The Crème de Cacao Torte can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance. Simply add the chocolate ganache glaze before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the Crème de Cacao Torte with chocolate curls, fresh berries, or edible flowers for a stunning presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Crème de Cacao Torte with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of coffee for a delightful end to a meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Crème de Cacao Torte in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of the Crème de Cacao Torte contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of the Crème de Cacao Torte contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of the Crème de Cacao Torte contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of the Crème de Cacao Torte contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

The Crème de Cacao Torte is a rich source of iron and calcium, thanks to the cocoa and whipping cream used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (whipping cream, butter) and eggs. It may also contain gluten due to the use of all-purpose flour.

Summary

The Crème de Cacao Torte is a decadent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.

Summary

The Crème de Cacao Torte is a luxurious dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and liqueur. With its moist cake layers, creamy filling, and decadent ganache glaze, this torte is sure to be a hit at any special occasion. Enjoy a slice of this indulgent treat with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine for a truly memorable dessert experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Crème de Cacao Torte. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, and I spent many hours by her side in the kitchen, watching and learning as she prepared delicious meals and desserts.

One day, as we were flipping through an old cookbook together, my grandmother came across a recipe for Crème de Cacao Torte. She explained to me that it was a rich and decadent dessert made with layers of chocolate cake and a creamy cacao filling. I was intrigued and excited to try my hand at making it.

We gathered all the ingredients we would need – flour, sugar, butter, eggs, cocoa powder, and of course, the star of the show, Crème de Cacao liqueur. As we began to mix and bake, my grandmother shared with me the story of how she first learned to make this delicious treat.

She told me that when she was a young woman, she had a friend who was a pastry chef at a fancy restaurant in Paris. One day, her friend invited her to come to the restaurant and watch as he prepared his famous Crème de Cacao Torte. My grandmother was mesmerized by his skill and technique, and she begged him to teach her how to make it.

Her friend agreed, and for the next few weeks, my grandmother spent hours in the restaurant kitchen, learning the ins and outs of making the perfect Crème de Cacao Torte. She practiced tirelessly, making batch after batch until she had perfected the recipe.

As she finished telling me this story, our Crème de Cacao Torte was finally ready. I watched in awe as my grandmother carefully assembled the layers of cake and filling, creating a beautiful and delicious masterpiece. When it was finally time to taste it, I was blown away by the rich chocolate flavor and the smooth cacao filling. It was truly a dessert fit for royalty.

From that day on, Crème de Cacao Torte became a staple in our family, and I continued to make it for special occasions and gatherings. Each time I made it, I remembered the time I spent with my grandmother in the kitchen, learning from her and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Now, as I pass this recipe on to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will enjoy making this delicious dessert as much as I have. Remember, cooking is not just about following a recipe – it's about creating something beautiful and delicious to share with the ones you love. And with each bite of Crème de Cacao Torte, you'll be tasting a little piece of our family history and the joy of learning and cooking together.