Dense and dark, bittersweet chocolate. Small wedges of this decadent cake go a long ways and the whipped cream mixed with Frangelico liqueur is a perfect accompaniment for the dessert. The chocolaty cake is easy to make and the key to success is patience. Baking time is 1 1/2 hours and refrigeration time is a minimum of 3 hours. If I am going to host a dinner party and serve this dessert, then the timing is perfect because the cake can be made ahead of time. If I am in a rush for some serious chocolate mood adjustment. . .I need to move on to a different quick fix remedy! I would say that a group of 12 people could easily be fed this cake because it is soooo rich.Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
Ingredients:
12 ounces 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate, chopped
3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into chunks
6 large eggs
1 c. (packed) golden brown sugar
1/2 c. Frangelico or other hazelnut liqueur, divided
1 c. finely ground hazelnuts (ground in processor; about 5 ounces)
1 t. coarse kosher salt
1 c. chilled heavy whipping cream
Chopped toasted hazelnuts
Directions:
Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Butter 9-inch diameter spring form pan. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper round. Wrap outside of pan tightly with 3 layers of heavy-duty foil. Combine chocolate and butter in medium metal bowl set bowl over saucepan of simmering water. Whisk until mixture is melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water.
Whisk eggs, golden brown sugar, and 1/4 cup Frangelico in large bowl to blend. Add chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth. Stir in ground hazelnuts and 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt. Transfer batter to prepared pan. Place spring form pan in large roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into roasting pan to come halfway up sides of spring form pan. Pl;ace in oven and tent spring form pan loosely with foil Bake until cake is set in center and top is dry to touch, about 1 1/2 hours (top of cake will remain shiny). Remove cake from roasting pan; remove foil from top and outside of pan. Cool cake in pan on rack. Chill cake until cold, about 3 hours.
DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and keep chilled.
Using electric mixer, beat whipping cream and remaining 1/4 cup Frangelico in medium bowl until soft peaks form. Run knife around pan sides to loosen cake. Release pan sides. Cut cake into wedges. Transfer to plates. Top with whipped cream; sprinkle with chopped toasted hazelnuts.
This recipe came from the 08' Bon Appetit Magazine.
