This is one of those cakes that requires some time and effort, but the end result is worth it. I made the cake layers yesterday and thought I would also make the buttercream frosting, but I didn't have enough butter. After a trip to the store late in the day I was then too tired to attempt the frosting last night, so I ended up finishing the cake this morning.
I started making the buttercream at 7:30 and when my husband woke up he helped me smooth the frosting, and weigh the chocolate for the ganache. When my son woke up, he helped with the ganache layer. I poured the chocolate while he used the offset spatula to direct it to the edge so it would drip down the cake. It was truly a family affair. We admired the cake for a few hours, and then after lunch we cut into it. The chocolate cake is a nice dark chocolate and the buttercream frosting has just the right amount of coffee flavor. I didn't have coffee extract, so I used 3 tablespoons of instant espresso coffee diluted with about 2 teaspoons of hot water. The chocolate ganache gives this cake an elegant touch not only in appearance, but also in taste. It is rich cake (don't even ask how many sticks of butter are in it), but it is not too sweet. I will definitely be making this one again.
Visit BAKED Sunday Mornings to see what the rest of the group thought about this recipe. You can also find the recipe there.
looks perfect! and very cool how you got the family involved... mine only comes around when it's time to eat cake!
ReplyDeleteI knew I would find an elegant and perfect looking cake on your site. Beautifully done. And how fun to involve your family. The inside of your cake looks so decadently delicious...it is a showstopper! I don't know how you waited until after lunch to try it out except that it is almost too beautiful to cut.
ReplyDeleteWoo Hoo! What a stunning presentation Elaine - kudos to your pastry skills! I'm sure everyone loved it - it is such a decadent cake. I made this last year and yes, a lot of work - but so worth it. Looks beautiful atop the MS cake stand!
ReplyDeleteJust perfect, Elaine! We loved this one, too. It's definitely a special occasion cake - but the chocolate cake is the best I've ever made.
ReplyDeleteI love that this cake project was a family affair, it sounds like a lot of work but from the looks of your cake, it was all worth it!
ReplyDeleteElaine your cake is gorgeous and I love the family involvement. My cake is all gone now but after seeing yours I could go for another slice!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cake! This is definitely best enjoyed without knowledge of how much butter goes into it... but it's totally worth every calorie. Your cake is perfect!
ReplyDeleteThat cake looks stunning!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! (I mean, wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!) I agree that it is stunning, and I love that it was a family affair. I can almost taste the flavors. It's beautiful, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteThat is dedication! Waking up early to make frosting. Yum! Your cake looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteseeing your cake makes me want to attempt this project again!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, your cake is gorgeous! It looks professionally made and very delicious!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteElaine, Such a gorgeous cake! It looks so moist and delicious…Beautiful presentation!
ReplyDeleteWow- impressive work! Your cake turned out beautifully! I'll bet it tasted as good as it looks, too. Sounds like a lot of effort but worth it in the end.
ReplyDeleteThis cake looks better than store bought - what an exquisite dessert!
ReplyDeleteCheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Hi, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteI've given you the "Versatile Blogger Award!" Please stop by my blog to "Pick it up." http://www.createamazingmeals.com/2012/03/versatile-blogger-award.html
Congratulations!
What a stunning cake! Sometimes it's worth all the extra effort to get a dessert that's so awesome.
ReplyDeleteOMG - this looks amazing!!
ReplyDeleteThis looks absolutely incredible. I'm so impressed. It looks like it could be from a bakery!
ReplyDeleteThat looks gorgeous, Elaine! I definitely need to pull that book off the shelf and make more stuff from it.
ReplyDelete