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    8 Sensational Small-Batch Bakes

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    Whether you’re enjoying a solo cozy night in or celebrating a special occasion with a few friends, small-batch bakes are perfect for baking for a smaller crowd. From savory breads to dark chocolate cakes, these eight scaled-down recipes are sure to satisfy in their perfect portions.

    Cakey on the outside and filled with a mouthwatering center of molten dark chocolate, these lava cakes are the ultimate romantic dessert for two—just in time for Valentine’s Day.

    To share with a smaller crowd, we scaled down our Four-Cheese Pull-Apart Milk Bread to produce two mini-loaves. This recipe is a savory twist on Japanese milk bread, with a quartet of melted mozzarella, provolone, fontina, and cream cheese stuffed between buttery pull-apart layers. 

    In a 1997 episode of Julia Child’s Baking with Julia, Nancy Silverton baked a brioche tart that was so good it made Julia cry. In our take on this groundbreaking dessert, we filled a pillowy brioche “crust” with velvety cream cheese custard and swirled it with fruit preserves. Finished off with crunchy pearl sugar, this stunner might just make you shed a tear, too.

    There’s something so nostalgic about yellow cake with chocolate frosting, and sometimes, there’s just nothing better! These mini cakes will add a pop of color and sweetness to any celebration. 

    We’ve scaled down our Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars from a large rectangle pan to fit in a smaller square pan for those occasions when you want the classic carrot, pecan, and spiced flavor of carrot cake but need a recipe for a slightly smaller crowd.

    For these Coffee Tres Leches Cakes, luscious mini pound cakes get soaked in the classic trinity of milks, with shots of espresso and coffee liqueur added in for good measure. Topped with meringue and a sticky coffee syrup drizzle, this cake offers custard-like texture with oodles of coffee flavor.

    Seamlessly blending sweet and savory ingredients, this Small-Batch Fig and Onion Focaccia is perfect for dipping in your favorite olive oil, serving alongside pasta, or eating on its own.

    Cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookie fans, this Black Cocoa Cookies and Cream Cake is for you! Rich black cocoa mixes with espresso powder for a delightful chocolate kick, and a creamy cookie-filled frosting sweetly finishes it. Find the Nordic Ware Charlotte Cake Pan and our book, Another Bundt Collection, in our store here! LEGGI TUTTO

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    • in Recipes

      Death by Chocolate Cake

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      This Death by Chocolate Cake is the epitome of dessert luxury! Dark chocolate cake layers are filled with chocolate pudding mousse and covered in double chocolate frosting. One bite and you’ll say goodbye forever to restraint!

      It’s nice when one project inspires another. I mentioned earlier that I’ve been working on holiday content for another website. One assignment, (which you should totally check out here) led me to make classic “Death by Chocolate”. Ever heard of it? It’s a trifle assembled with layers of Kahlua-soaked dark chocolate brownies, chocolate pudding, and crushed toffee bars. After tasting it, I instantly knew those flavors were destined for an over-the-top layer cake.

      Begin with dark chocolate cake layers.
      Start with my all-time favorite chocolate cake recipe. I’ve used it in so many other recipes (like this one!). It delivers everything you’d want from a chocolate cake. Such as, deep chocolate richness, a tender texture, and moist crumb. Check out the video at the end of this post to see exactly how it’s made!

      Brush on some Kahlua.
      The cakes are all brushed with undiluted Kahlua. Which may sound bold but the amount is not overwhelming. This slight amount not only compliments the dark chocolate flavor – it also intensifies it!

      2 Ingredient chocolate pudding mousse filling.
      Remember the classic trifle version I mentioned? It’s made with chocolate pudding. So I was really excited to find a shortcut recipe for chocolate pudding mousse! It just requires two ingredients: boxed chocolate pudding mix and heavy cream. That’s it! I was skeptical at first. But I was truly amazed at how two simple ingredients transform into something akin to homemade chocolate mousse.
      One thing to remember when mixing this filling together, is that it sets quickly! Have your cake layers cooled and ready to fill before you start mixing up the mousse.

      Double chocolate frosting.
      Yes, it’s twice as nice as regular chocolate frosting! Believe it or not, this recipe has a mere 6 tablespoons of powdered sugar in it. Instead of loads of sugar, it depends on melted semisweet chocolate to sweeten and thicken it. You’ll also use a little cocoa powder in the formula. Which helps give the frosting body and more chocolate flavor.

      White chocolate cream cheese frosting.
      Before I get the the white chocolate frosting, let’s talk ganache. It’s so easy to make so I couldn’t resist adding a thick drape to the top of the cake. (Another 2-ingredient fix!) Let it thicken slightly before you pour it on top of the cake. This way you’ll get the draping effect you see above.
      Use the leftover double chocolate buttercream to pipe large swirls on the top edge of the cake. Then, alternate with my homemade white chocolate cream cheese frosting for contrast in flavor and color. It’s so creamy and delicious! The formula uses a surprise ingredient – a little lemon juice – to balance the sweetness of the overall frosting. The contrast it brings to this cake is so nice, and needed. It’s an extra step but I promise it’s worth the effort.

      Chocolate cake toppings – overload!
      It looks as if I went a little overboard on the toppings. But it’s just one box of assorted Belgian chocolate cookies. I used Delacre cookies, which can be found in the international section at most US grocery stores.
      However, you could forgo all of the cookies. Just opt for the crushed toffee bars, which are original to the classic inspiration recipe. In addition to the cookies, I added them last, to the top of the finished cake.

      Death by Chocolate Cake? More like LIFE by Chocolate Cake. Because all of that chocolate is giving me life right now. I wish I could virtually dole out slices to all of you!

      I made a little banner for the cake simply by printing out ‘Death by Chocolate Cake‘ in script font and attaching it to a cocktail pick. My friends and family thought it was so cute, and I think it made everyone even more excited to try it! This cake is extremely rich, but not the sugar rush you might expect. It’s well worth the indulgence!
      This confection would be perfect for a Murder Mystery Dinner Party, which was the project that inspired this cake! Definitely check out my article on HGTV.com How to Throw a Murder Mystery Game Dinner Party. (And be sure to look for the trifles served in martini glasses that inspired this cake!)
      One more thing – this baking project requires several steps, which may seem like a total production. But it’s not that bad. I’ve made a video to help you along the way. Enjoy!

      Death by Chocolate Cake

      Heather Baird

      Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or surprising the chocoholic in your life with a sweet birthday treat, this cake is the ultimate way to satisfy any chocolate craving. This luscious dessert consists of four moist and rich dark chocolate cake layers, sandwiched together with a simple 2-ingredient chocolate pudding mousse. The entire cake is generously smothered in a silky double chocolate frosting that is pure chocolate bliss! Alternating swirls of double chocolate and white chocolate buttercream are piped around the cake’s top edge, and then topped with a scattering of chocolate-covered toffee bars. Take note that the chocolate cake layers bake at a reduced temperature, 300F instead of the usual 350F. This keeps the cake moist and the layers won’t crown, so there’s no leveling to do after baking.The toppings for this cake can be widely varied, but the chopped chocolate-covered toffee bars are non-negotiable, as they are original to the cake’s inspiration trifle dessert – Death by Chocolate. I used a variety of Belgian chocolate cookies, but you could tailor the toppings to your taste or to the recipient’s favorite chocolate treats.

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      Prep Time 1 hour hrCook Time 50 minutes mins40 minutes cooling and setting time 40 minutes mins

      Course DessertCuisine American

      Servings 12

      Ingredients  Dark chocolate cake layersFlour-based baking spray for the pans1 1/2 cups hot water almost boiling3 tablespoons espresso powder3 oz. semisweet chocolate finely chopped about 1/2 cup2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour2 1/2 cups granulated sugar1/2 cup light brown sugar1 1/2 cups unsweet dark cocoa powder sifted2 teaspoons baking soda3/4 teaspoons baking powder1 1/4 teaspoons fine grain salt3 large eggs3/4 cup vegetable oil1 1/2 cups sour cream2 teaspoons vanilla extract2/3 cup Kahlua liqueurChocolate Pudding Mousse2 cups heavy whipping cream1 box instant chocolate pudding mix, 3.9 oz. dry mixDouble chocolate frosting¼ cup unsweet cocoa powder¼ cup boiling water1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature6 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar siftedPinch of salt12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips 2 cups melted and cooledGanache Drip1 cup semisweet chocolate chopped½ cup heavy creamWhite chocolate buttercream4 oz. cream cheese3 oz. white chocolate melted and cooled slightly1/3 cup unsalted butter at room temperature½ tablespoon lemon juice1/3 cup confectioners’ sugarToppings2 whole chocolate-covered toffee bars chopped (such as Heath bars)Assorted Belgian chocolate cookies optional2 tablespoons chocolate sprinkles optional
      Instructions Dark chocolate cake layersPreheat oven to 300°F.Coat four 8-inch round cake pans with the flour-based baking spray. Alternatively, grease and flour the pans.Place the hot water in a large glass measure with a pour spout. Stir in the espresso powder. Add the chopped chocolate and let stand for 2 minutes. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.Sift together the flour, sugars, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl.In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whip attachment, beat the eggs on high speed until they are pale and thick, about 3 minutes. Add the oil, sour cream, vanilla extract, and the melted chocolate-espresso mixture. Add the flour mixture and mix on medium speed until combined.Divide the batter between the four prepared pans, about 2 cups per pan (batter will be thin). Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the middles are slightly puffed and spring back when pressed in their centers. The layers won’t crown much so you shouldn’t have to level the cakes.Let the cakes cool in the pans 5 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely. Poke holes in the cakes using a toothpick. Brush each cake with the Kahlua using a pastry brush. The cake layers can be made 1 day ahead and kept, wrapped well in plastic wrap.Chocolate pudding moussePlace the heavy cream and dry pudding mix in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is smooth and consistent. It will thicken quickly, so have the cake layers close to hand and ready to fill. Place a cake layer on a serving platter or cake board. Cover with 1/3 of the pudding mousse. Repeat twice more, ending with the final cake layer on top. Refrigerate the cake while you prepare the other elements.Double chocolate frostingIn a small heatproof bowl, whisk together the cocoa and hot water until the cocoa is dissolved. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt on high speed until fluffy. Reduce speed to low and add the melted and cooled chocolate. Beat until well combined. Add cocoa mixture and beat until completely smooth.Cover the cake with a layer of buttercream and smooth with a bench scraper or cake leveler. Transfer the remaining frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large closed star tip. Refrigerate the cake while you prepare the other elements. Keep the bag of frosting at room temperature.Ganache dripCombine the chocolate and heavy cream in a large microwavable bowl. Heat for 1 minute at 100% power. Let stand 1 minute. Whisk together until the ganache is thick and smooth. Let stand until cooled and slightly thickened.Remove the cake from the refrigerator and pour ½ of the ganache on the top center of the cake. Push the ganache to the edges of the cake using the back of a spoon. Pour the remaining ganache around the top edge of the cake and again, push over the edges of the cake so that thick drapes of ganache form. Refrigerate while you prepare the white chocolate buttercream.White chocolate buttercreamIn the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on high speed for 2 minutes. Add the white chocolate and beat until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.Add the butter and lemon juice; beat well to incorporate. Reduce speed t low and add the confectioners’ sugar a little at a time until well blendedTransfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large closed star tip.ToppingsPipe tall mounds of the buttercream on the top edge of the cake, alternating with the reserved piping bag of double chocolate frosting.Sprinkle on the two chopped chocolate-covered toffee bars. Add Belgian chocolate cookies and chocolate sprinkles, if using.Store the cake covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature about 2 hours before serving for best flavor and texture.
      NotesWhat to expect:
      This is a supremely moist chocolate cake. The layers are tender and the flavor is dark, and the Kahlua brushed on the cakes after baking intensifies the chocolaty flavor.
      The 2 ingredient mouse filling is rich and creamy, and its firm texture makes for beautiful cake slices. Choose a brand name pudding, such as Jello brand instant pudding mix for best flavor. Dove and Godiva pudding mixes are also excellent choices for the mousse.

      Keyword Belgian chocolate cookies, chocolate cake, chocolate sprinkles, chocolate-covered toffee bars, dark chocolate cake layers, Death by Chocolate Cake, double chocolate frosting, kahlua, ulitmate chocolate layer cake, white chocolate frosting

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    • in Recipes

      Chocolate Fortissimo Cake

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      Chocolate Fortissimo Cake holds a symphony of bold flavors. It’s music for your taste buds! Coffee liqueur turns up the volume on its chocolate notes.

      Quite a long time ago, when I was a little kid taking music lessons, I first learned the meaning of the word fortissimo. In music, it means to play loudly. While browsing one of my European cake books I was surprised to see the word describe a chocolate cake. I just had to know – exactly how ‘loud’ is this chocolate cake?
      Turns out, Chocolate Fortissimo Cake is loud, yet refined. It has balance just like any good piece of music. Coffee liqueur such as Tia Maria (or Kahlua) is the ingredient that intensifies all of its chocolate components without making it heavy or too sweet. The genoise is light, the mocha buttercream silky. The barely sweet chantilly filling gives harmony to the score.

      Genoise, the foundation.
      Start by making a genoise sponge. The recipe in the cake book was so similar to my own chocolate genoise, I opted for my tried and true recipe. Never made genoise? You’re in luck! There’s a video at the end of this post that will show you how to properly whip the eggs to ribbon stage. Also, you can see the batter-folding technique in action, which is essential to making a well-risen sponge.

      Truffles for cake toppers.
      While the genoise cools, make the truffles. Yes, this cake is topped with rich, deeply chocolaty cocoa-dusted orbs of deliciousness. In my opinion, this is the ‘loudest’ part of the cake. The mixture stirs up quickly and requires 40 minutes to chill.

      Crème Chantilly.
      In the meantime, whip up the chantilly. This barely sweet whipped cream has just 2 teaspoons of powdered sugar added. Pour in a tablespoon of coffee liqueur and beat to stiff peaks. Cover and chill this 3 ingredient wonder while you prepare the remaining components.

      Mocha buttercream.
      This European style of buttercream was a bit of a revelation for me. Its base is heavy on the extra-creamy salted butter (82% milkfat) to just just 1 cup of powdered sugar. Beaten to its lightest, fluffiest texture, its silkiness rivals any meringue-based buttercream. Melted chocolate and espresso impart the mocha flavors.

      The construction.
      Torte the cooled genoise into three layers. They don’t necessarily have to be even, and the top layer can be on the thin side. Coat each layer with a little coffee simple syrup. Fill the first layer with 1/2 inch of the mocha buttercream, and the second with all of the chantilly. Next you’ll cover the cake with more of the mocha buttercream.

      Remember those truffles? Place the in a ring on top of the cake. These buttery, creamy gems could be a stand-alone dessert. They are rich and totally gift worthy in a pretty tin.

      A special garnish.
      Long-time readers will recognize this as one of my favorite decorating techniques. I figured it out on my own a long time ago when I made these Poured Fondant Honey Cupcakes. You can find a video tutorial for the technique in that blog post. I thought this cake deserved a garnish worthy of its name.

      Place the remaining mocha buttercream in a piping bag and pipe stars between the truffles. Then, stand the chocolate seals upright into each star.

      This cake is pretty special. It reminds me a little of another music-inspired confection – Classic Opera Cake. But this version is lighter with a genoise sponge.

      This cake offers bold grown-up flavors, yet still retains lightness. It’s so special occasion-worthy. Don’t hesitate to give it a try! And check out my video of the entire process, if you have questions. It’s more than 3 minutes long (which, the internet tells me is too long to hold your attention). I’m sure some may find it a bit tedious to watch. But I made it for beginners that would appreciate some visual instruction.

      Chocolate Fortissimo Cake

      Heather Baird

      In music terminology fortissimo means to play a passage of music loudly. True to its namesake, this cake has bold chocolate flavor, yet it retains lightness with its sponge base, silky buttercream and chantilly fillings. Overall, a symphony of really beautiful flavors and textures. This cake has several components and steps, but each is pretty straight forward. It is of intermediate skill level, and bakers with knowledge of making genoise sponge will have no trouble. If you’re a beginner baker, use the genoise recipe along with the video provided in the blog post for success. This cake hinges on a well-risen sponge because it is torted in three layers and must be tall enough after baking to do so.Tia Maria is the suggested coffee liqueur to use in this recipe, but Kahlua is a fine substitute. For the buttercream, use salted (yes, salted!) butter with 82% milkfat. This is sometimes labeled as ‘extra-creamy’ or ‘European-style’. Imported French butters are among those with higher milkfat.

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      Prep Time 45 minsCook Time 30 mins40 minutes chill time 40 minsTotal Time 3 hrs 15 mins

      Course DessertCuisine European

      Servings 12

      Equipment8×3 inch round cake pan, or springform panparchment paperwax seal stamp with music motif, such as treble clef or music notes
      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Chocolate genoise3 large eggs3 large egg yolks3/4 cup granulated sugar1/8 teaspoon salt1/3 cup cake flour1/3 cup cornstarch1/4 cup dark unsweet cocoa powderTruffles2 teaspoons instant espresso powder2 tablespoons coffee liqueur4 oz. semisweet chocolate chopped you can also use chips4 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar sifted1 tablespoon heavy cream1/4 cup unsweet cocoa powder not darkCrème Chantilly2/3 cup heavy cream2 teaspoons confectioners’ sugar1 tablespoon coffee liqueurMocha buttercream2 teaspoons instant espresso powder2 teaspoons unsweet cocoa powder4 oz. semisweet chocolate chopped fine (can use mini chips)3 tablespoons boiling water2 cups european style salted butter with 82% milkfat such as Land-O-Lakes extra creamy1 cup confectioners’ sugarCoffee syrup6 tablespoons water3 tablespoons sugar3 tablespoons coffee liqueurChocolate seals2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chipsCrushed ice
      Instructions Chocolate GenoisePreheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch round baking pan. Line the bottom with a round of parchment paper.Set a medium saucepan filled 1/3 with water over medium heat.In a heat-proof bowl, preferably stainless, beat together the whole eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt, using an electric hand mixer at high speed. Place the bowl over the pan of simmering water and continue beating with the hand mixer until the mixture reaches ribbon stage, about 5 minutes. Ribbon stage is when the batter increases in volume, lightens, and the batter leaves a thick trail or ribbon when the beaters are lifted from the bowl. To get this right, set a timer for 5 minutes once you start mixing over the simmering water.Remove the bowl from the water. Sift the cake flour, cornstarch, and cocoa over the egg mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Do this carefully as to not deflate the batter too much. This may take about 5-7 minutes of careful mixing. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched with a finger. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Invert the cake onto the wire rack and peel away the parchment paper. Let cool while you make the truffles.TrufflesDissolve the instant espresso in the coffee liqueur. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate with the dissolved coffee in the microwave, about 1 minute at 100% power. Stir well until smooth. Let cool slightly.In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and sugar (I did this with a whisk, but you could use a hand mixer). Beat in the chocolate mixture and the cream. Whisk vigorously to combine. Chill for 40 minutes. Shape the mixture into 8 even-sized balls (use a small cookie scoop 4 teaspoon capacity). Dust in the cocoa powder and chill while you prepare the remaining cake components.Crème ChantillyIn a large bowl, whip together the cream and sugar with an electric hand mixer. Beat in the coffee liqueur. Beat on high speed to stiff peaks. Cover and chill.Mocha buttercreamStir together the instant espresso powder and cocoa powder in a small microwave-safe bowl. Pour in the chopped chocolate. Add 3 tablespoons boiling water and let stand 1 minute. Whisk together until smooth. If lumps of chocolate remain after whisking well, microwave for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth. Let cool until thickened but not set, about 5-7 minutes.In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and confectioners’ sugar together for 5 minutes until fluffy and lightened in color. Add the chocolate mixture and beat again until well combined. Scrape down the bowl and beat again until lightened, thick and fluffy. Cover bowl with a damp towel and set aside at room temperature.Coffee syrupIn a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the water and sugar. Heat in the microwave at 100% power for 45 seconds to 1 minute. Stir until the sugar is melted. Stir in the coffee liqueur. Let cool.Chocolate sealsGently heat chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave at 30 second intervals; be careful to not over heat. Stir smooth.Transfer chocolate to a clean bowl. Let it stand 3-5 minutes or until it’s barely warm to the touch. It’s important the chocolate is not too hot when you make an impression with the stamp. The heat from the chocolate will warm the metal stamp and it will cause the chocolate to smear.Place metal wax seal stamps in the cup filled with crushed ice. The stamp bottoms need to be thoroughly chilled.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop dime-size amounts of chocolate onto the parchment paper. Remove a stamp from the ice and quickly wipe it free of water droplets with a towel. Place the stamp onto a mound of chocolate. Let the stamp stand pressed in the chocolate for 3-5 seconds, or until the edges of the chocolate turn matte. Press down very gently but firmly and lift the stamp (see instructional video for clear visual). You should be left with a clear impression in the chocolate. Replace metal wax stamp into the crushed ice until it is thoroughly chilled and repeat with remaining melted chocolate. You’ll need 8 seals for this cake’s décor. Make more than you need, and pick out the best 8. Refrigerate finished chocolate seals until firm.AssembleSlice the genoise cake into 3 layers using a wire cake leveler or a serrated knife. Sprinkle or brush on the coffee syrup onto each cake layer. Place one cake layer on a plate or cake board. Fill with about 1/2 inch thickness of the mocha buttercream. Spread evenly. Top with another cake layer. Fill with all of the Chantilly cream. Spread evenly. Cover with the remaining cake layer.Remove about 1/2 cup of the mocha buttercream frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large closed star tip. Set aside. Cover the entire cake with a thick layer of the remaining mocha buttercream. Place the chilled truffles on top of the cake, well-spaced. Pipe stars of buttercream between each truffle. Stand chocolate seals into the buttercream stars upright.Serve cake slightly chilled or at room temperature. This cake improves over 24 hours, as the flavors marry and syrup brushed crumb settles. Leftovers keep for 1 week in the refrigerator.
      NotesOrigins: This is an abbreviated version of Chocolate Fortissimo from the book Ultimate Cake by Barbara Maher. The original has the same components but is made with two genoise cakes. I developed this single layer genoise version to save a little time on an even lengthier recipe.
      Longevity: Improves over 24 hours in the refrigerator. Keeps for 1 week refrigerated. Freezes for 1-2 months, undecorated.
      Make ahead: The truffles and coffee syrup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. The genoise can be made and frozen for future assembly.

      Keyword chantilly cream, chocolate buttercream, chocolate genoise, chocolate truffles, european desserts

      You may also enjoy: LEGGI TUTTO

    • in Recipes

      Giant Hostess Cupcake Cake

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      What’s better than a Hostess Cupcake? A super-sized one! This Giant Hostess Cupcake Cake is three chocolate layers with a cream-filled center and rich ganache frosting.

      Nostalgic childhood treats prove to be a very rich well of inspiration for me. You may remember this Snowball Cake that I made all the way back in 2012. It’s still such a favorite! Well, today I’m adding a new one to the recipe index. This Giant Hostess Cupcake Cake has been a while in the making, with repeat testing and even a few fails along the way. Now it’s just right. I’m totally obsessed with the texture of these cake layers. And, there’s a literal core of cream filling inside!

      It’s easy to complicate things when developing a recipe. Usually the secret to success is to keep things as simple as possible. I had to remind my self of that after a few setbacks. This recipe has three main components, each fairly simple. The first is really great chocolate cake. It freezes well and has a firm yet moist crumb. Second – whipped filling that’s actually a frosting your grandma might have made. Seven minute frosting is so light it’s almost like marshmallow. And third is good ol’ trusty ganache. You just can’t go wrong here!

      It’s what’s inside that counts.
      The filling little more than cooked egg whites and sugar with the whipping power of an electric mixer. It’s so easy. Always keep in mind that the enemy of meringue is fat. Always make sure your mixing bowl and whip is without a trace. To be sure, cut a lemon in half and wipe down the bowl with it. Do the same to the whip then wipe them down with a paper towel. This removes any trace of fat or grease.

      The word billowy comes to mind! Other frostings were attempted, but this one was the lightest and best contrasted all of that chocolate.

      The buttermilk cake layers don’t really puff up much during baking, so I didn’t even have to level them (who doesn’t love that?!). Cut out the centers of the bottom two layers using a large round cutter, or just free-hand it with a serrated knife.

      Fill the cake all the way to the top with that amazing fluff!

      Removing a cake slice reveals the creamy center, which will sigh down slightly, but won’t totally spill out of the cake. It just kind of relaxes.

      See? I feel relaxed just looking at it (wink). A slice of this cake will definitely remind you of the flavors of a Hostess Cupcake. The soft outer covering of creamy ganache just seals the deal. The creamy center makes this so decadent. I wish I could teleport a slice to each and every one of you!

      Serve slices on their sides instead of upright. They’ll be a little top heavy and the cream filling will ooze out otherwise. The flavor and texture of the chocolate cake is just outstanding. I refrigerated my layers overnight and I think this made the texture even better. Enjoy!

      Giant Hostess Cupcake Cake

      Heather Baird

      This Giant Hostess Cupcake Cake is three chocolate cake layers with a cream-filled center and rich ganache frosting. It’s a great all-purpose cake for nearly any special occasion. Save the cut-out cake centers. You’ll have a little leftover cream filling and can assemble your own personal-sized mini cake with the scraps and leftovers.

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      Prep Time 45 minsCook Time 35 minsTotal Time 1 hr 20 mins

      Course DessertCuisine American

      Servings 15

      Equipment8 inch round cake pans (3)
      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Cake layers1 cup unsweet cocoa powder1 cup hot water1 cup unsalted butter room temperature2 cups granulated sugar4 large eggs room temperature1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon fine grain salt1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder1 cup full fat buttermilk3 cups all-purpose flourGanache3 cups semisweet chocolate chips1 1/2 cups heavy creamCream filling1/2 cup egg whites about 2 1/2 egg whites, I used carton egg whites1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar1/2 teaspoon vanilla extractConfectioners’ glaze for décor1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar plus more if needed1-2 teaspoons of milk or cream plus more if needed
      Instructions Cake layersPreheat the oven to 350F. Grease three 8-inch round cake pans with flour-based baking spray.Combine the dark cocoa powder and hot water in a small bowl and whisk together until smooth and dissolved. Set aside.In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, combine the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs one at a time. Scrape down the bowl and mix again. To the creamed mixture add the baking soda, salt and baking powder. Mix again briefly.In a 4 cup or larger glass measure with a pour spout, combine the dissolved cocoa mixture and buttermilk. Whisk until combined.Mix in the flour in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk/cocoa mixture (Order: 1/3 of the flour, 1/2 the liquid, 1/3 flour, remaining liquid, remaining 1/3 flour). Mix on low speed until each is incorporated.Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick tester inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool cakes in the pans for 5 minutes, then turn out to cool completely on wire racks. When cakes are cool, cut out and remove a 3.5 inch circle from two of the cakes. Save cake scraps for snacks, cake pops, or for a quick hot fudge sundae.GanachePour the chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add the cream and tamp the chips down into the cream so they are all covered. Microwave at 100% power for 2 minutes. Let mixture stand for 1 minute then whisk together until a shiny, thick ganache is formed. Transfer to the refrigerator to firm. Stir ganache intermittently until mixture is of soft spreading consistency, like buttercream, which should take about 20-30 minutes.Cream fillingBring a pot with 2 inches of water to a simmer. Place egg whites, cream of tartar and sugar into a stainless-steel mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Set the bowl on top of the simmering water and whisk constantly until the mixture is hot and sugar is dissolved. Check by rubbing a little of the mixture between your fingers. If the mixture is still grainy, keep whisking and cooking. Mixture is ready when the sugar is melted and an instant-read thermometer registers 160F.Remove the bowl from the simmering water and pour into an electric stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment. Beat for 5-7 minutes on medium high until the mixture is thick and billowy, and holds stiff peaks. Beat in the vanilla extract.Place a cake layer with a hole in the center on a cake board or server. Frost top edges with ganache. Top with the second cake layer with a hole in the center. Frost top with ganache. Pour cream filling into the center, filling the hole all the way to the top of the hole (You will have a little cream filling left over). Top with the final cake layer without a hole. Frost the entire cake with a crumb coat of ganache. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.Ganache will set, so re-heat, if necessary, in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until loosened. Remove cake from the refrigerator and apply a second thick coat of ganache.Confectioners’ glazeMix the confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon of milk in a small bowl. Whisk together until a very thick paste is formed. It should hold in the balloon of the whisk and very slowly fall out. Use more or less of each of the sugar and milk to reach this correct consistency. Remove to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a small hole snipped in the corner. Pipe a series of consecutive loops on top of the cake in Hostess Cupcake fashion.Serve slices of cake on their sides instead of standing upright. The filling will fall out of the cake slices otherwise. Serve with ice cold glasses of milk for an extra dose of childhood nostalgia.Cover cake leftovers with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.
      NotesIf you’re not using carton egg whites as I did, beat three whole egg whites lightly in a bowl, then pour into a 1/2 cup measure. 

      Keyword buttercream filling, chocolate cake, ganache frosting

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    • in Recipes

      Old Fashioned Chocolate Cobbler

      ha scritto per te

      Made with mostly pantry staples, this chocolate cobbler comes together quickly for a warm and comforting dessert. Serve with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream.

      Chocolate cobbler is one of those old-school recipes that has endured for decades because of its genius simplicity and seemingly magical transformation in the oven. It is also one of the most deliciously warm and comforting desserts you’ll ever find. It’s easy enough to throw together on a weeknight, but you’ll want to make it for company. It’s good any time of year, but it’s especially good to tuck into on a cold winter’s night.

      This cobbler is made using lots of dry pantry staples, milk, and butter. Eggs are conspicuously missing, but that’s what makes this dish cobbler instead of cake. 

      If you have considerations for Veganuary (which is a popular thing, I hear!) this recipe can easily be altered. Butter could be swapped for Earth Balance ‘buttery sticks’ (margarine) and milk for oat or another plant-based milk. Also be sure your chocolate chips are a dairy-free brand such as Enjoy Life.

      The first step is easy enough and familiar to studied cobbler makers – melt the butter in the baking dish in a preheated oven. Next you’ll stir together the base ingredients predictably enough: add wet to dry. It’s the moment when you remove the dish from the oven and begin dolloping the batter over the butter that you may start to question things. 

      Yes, it’s a lot of butter.  No, you’re not doing anything wrong. My advice is to be at peace with this step and know the end result will make you happy and feed your soul. 

      Another layer, a dry mixture of sugar and cocoa is sprinkled over the batter and will help form the cobbler crust. 

      The final step before the cobbler bakes is to pour boiling water over everything in the dish, which sounds totally bananas, but it works. No stirring allowed! All of those layers will transform in the oven to a crackled, chewy crust with chocolate pudding hidden underneath.

      There will be a bit of jiggle to the cobbler when it comes out of the oven, and you don’t have to worry about the middle being underdone – remember, there are no eggs in this dish. It’s supposed to be completely ooey-gooey underneath that crackled crust.

      The cobbler will need to cool slightly before digging in. The pudding underneath will be molten and too hot to eat at first. This dish is best served warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream which cuts the richness and creates pools of cold cream over the warm chocolate pudding (swoon). If you don’t have any ice cream, then freshly whipped cream is lovely, too. 

      [click to print]
      Old Fashioned Chocolate Cobbler
      Yields 8-10 servings3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks, 185g) salted butter
      1 cup (120g) self-rising flour *see recipe notes
      1/2 cup (3 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips
      3/4 cup (160g) packed light brown sugar, divided
      1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
      7 tablespoons (67.5g) unsweet dark cocoa powder, divided
      1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
      1 tablespoon vanilla extract
      1 1/2 cups (360 ml) boiling water
      Vanilla ice cream to servePreheat the oven to 350°F.Place the butter in an 11×7-inch baking dish (or similar size such as 8×8 square, I used a 1 1/2-quart round dish). Place the dish in the oven until the butter melts completely, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the oven.In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, chocolate chips, 1/2 cup (105 g) of the brown sugar, 1/3 cup (65g) of the granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons (30g) of the cocoa. In a separate measuring pitcher with a pour spout, combine the milk and vanilla; mix well. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until batter forms with no streaks of flour remaining.Dollop the batter over the melted butter in the pan but do not stir. The batter will sink and the butter will pool to the top.In a medium bowl, stir together the remaining 5 tablespoons (37.5 g) of cocoa, 1/4 cup (55g) of brown sugar, and 2/3 cup (135g) of granulated sugar. Whisk to combine. Sprinkle evenly over the batter in the baking dish. Do not stir.Gently pour the boiling water over the layered mixture in the pan. Do not stir.Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is formed and set on top. Cobbler may jiggle a little when removed from the oven, this is normal. Let cool slightly before portioning warm cobbler to dishes; top with scoops of vanilla ice cream.Cover leftovers and store in the refrigerator. Re-warm bowls of cobbler in the microwave, or reheat ramekins of cobbler in a preheated oven for 10 minutes.Notes:
      If you don’t have salted butter, add a pinch of salt to the batter.If you don’t have self-rising flour on hand, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Whisk to combine. Use in place of self-rising flour in this recipe.
      link Old Fashioned Chocolate Cobbler By Heather Baird Published: Tuesday, January 12, 2021Tuesday, January 12, 2021Old Fashioned Chocolate Cobbler Recipe LEGGI TUTTO