This cake is dense and rich. One can only eat little slivers. Although this cake will make 10 generous slices, more can eat from it depending on the age group. A bowl of fresh berries, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, a cup of coffee all go well with it.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- •200 grams (7 ounces) butter
- •200 grams (7 ounces) dark chocolate
- •9 large egg yolks, at room temperature
- •198 grams (1 cup) fine white sugar*
- •6 large egg whites, at room temperature
For the ganache:
- •237 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- •15 ml (1 tablespoon) butter
- •15 ml (1 tablespoon) granulated sugar
- •375 grams (12 ounces) dark chocolate
- •A few drops of cognac or rum, optional **
*If your sugar is slightly large, run it through a grinder you may have.
**I often like to add a few drops of cognac or rum in my chocolate ganache. It cuts the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Add this after it has all melted and before you allow it to cool and turn into the right consistency to become a ganache.
Preparation
- For the cake: Preheat oven to 177°C (350°F). In a double-boiler or in a pan over the lowest heat, melt together the butter and chocolate; it should not boil. Set aside.
In a large metal bowl whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light in color and it leaves ribbon-like trails, about 8 minutes. In another large bowl beat the egg whites until soft peaks form (see Note).
Pour the melted chocolate into the egg yolks. Once it is all mixed in, start folding the egg whites in thirds. Start with one third and gently and lightly fold them into the egg yolk-chocolate mixture. Repeat with the remaining two thirds. Pour into the prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 22 minutes. While the cake is baking prepare the ganache.
For the ganache: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the cream, butter and sugar. Heat until just warm; do not allow to boil. Add the pieces of chocolate into it. Cover, remove from heat, and and leave to melt for 10 minutes. If desired, add cognac or rum. Mix lightly just until smooth. Allow to cool until it is thick yet soft enough to apply on the cakes.
Once the cakes are cooled, loosen the sides, overturn on a cake plate and pour one third of the ganache over the cake. Place the second cake over the ganache and continue to ice the cake with the remaining chocolate ganache.
Refrigerate if the cake is for the next day. Remove for at least an hour or two before serving.
The cake will be dense, yet soft to eat.
Note: Egg whites must be clean as a whistle. Even a drop of egg yolk will not allow them to beat well. The bowl and the beaters must be clean for success.