Decadent Chocolate Chestnut Truffle Cake
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of this Decadent Chocolate Chestnut Truffle Cake, a truly heavenly dessert that captures the essence of chocolate in its smoothest form. With the luxurious combination of dark chocolate and chestnuts, this cake delivers an enchanting experience that sits beautifully between a cake and a chocolate truffle. Perfect for those who seek an alternative to traditional holiday desserts, this cake's rich flavor profile and dense texture guarantee that it will steal the spotlight at any gathering. Best prepared a day in advance, its depth of flavor only improves with a night in the refrigerator. The optional brandy adds a subtle sophistication, while the whipped cream topping provides a light contrast to its richness. Serve it chilled for an exquisite treat that your guests will remember long after the last crumb is enjoyed!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
good quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
200 g (chopped)
butter
200 g (cubed)
vacuum packed cooked and peeled chestnuts (or fresh)
200 g (chopped)
sugar
200 g (granulated)
milk
200 ml (room temperature)
eggs
3 (large, at room temperature)
brandy
1 tablespoon (optional)
pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons
instant coffee granules
1 teaspoon
double cream (heavy)
200 ml (whipped)
confectioners' sugar (icing)
2 tablespoons
additional brandy
1 tablespoon (optional)
pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Chocolate Chestnut Truffle Cake?
It is a rich, velvety dessert that combines dark chocolate and chestnuts, offering a texture that sits between a traditional cake and a chocolate truffle.
What makes this cake unique?
The inclusion of vacuum-packed or fresh chestnuts provides a luxurious, dense texture and a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from standard chocolate cakes.
Is this cake suitable for the holidays?
Yes, it is specifically described as a perfect alternative to traditional holiday desserts and is ideal for Christmas or other festive gatherings.
Does the cake contain flour?
Based on the ingredients and tags, this is a flourless cake, making it a great option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, it is best prepared a day in advance as its depth of flavor improves after sitting in the refrigerator overnight.
What is the best temperature to serve this cake?
For the most exquisite experience, the cake should be served chilled.
What kind of chocolate should I use?
The recipe calls for 200g of good quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content.
What type of chestnuts are required?
You can use 200g of either vacuum-packed cooked and peeled chestnuts or fresh chestnuts, provided they are chopped.
Is alcohol an ingredient in this cake?
The recipe includes an optional tablespoon of brandy in the cake and an optional tablespoon in the whipped cream topping for added sophistication.
What purpose does the instant coffee granules serve?
One teaspoon of instant coffee granules is included to enhance and deepen the rich flavor of the dark chocolate.
How many eggs are needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires three large eggs at room temperature.
What type of sugar is used in the batter?
The cake batter uses 200g of granulated sugar.
How is the whipped cream topping prepared?
The topping is made by whipping 200ml of double cream with 2 tablespoons of confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and optional brandy.
What amount of butter is used?
The recipe requires 200g of cubed butter.
Does the milk need to be at a specific temperature?
Yes, the 200ml of milk should be at room temperature for proper mixing.
Is vanilla used in more than one part of the recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons are used in the cake batter and an additional 1 teaspoon is used in the whipped cream topping.
What kind of cream is best for the topping?
Double cream (heavy cream) is used to ensure it is thick enough to be whipped properly.
How much confectioners' sugar is needed for the cream?
Two tablespoons of confectioners' (icing) sugar are used to sweeten the whipped cream.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total used to make the cake and its topping.
What is the texture of the cake described as?
The texture is described as dense, rich, and velvety.
Can I substitute the brandy?
The brandy is optional, so it can be omitted entirely without needing a direct replacement.
Should the chestnuts be whole?
No, the chestnuts should be chopped before being added to the recipe.
How much milk is required?
The recipe calls for 200ml of milk.
Is this cake very sweet?
While it contains sugar, the use of 70% dark chocolate and coffee granules suggests a sophisticated, rich flavor rather than an overly sugary one.
Can I use granulated sugar for the topping?
The recipe specifies confectioners' sugar for the topping to ensure a smooth, light texture in the whipped cream.
Does the cake improve with time?
Yes, a night in the refrigerator allows the flavors to develop and the texture to set perfectly.
What is the recommended preparation for the butter?
The butter should be cubed before being incorporated into the recipe.
Is this recipe difficult?
While decadent and sophisticated, the recipe uses straightforward ingredients and simple preparation methods like whipping and chopping.
Can I use smaller eggs?
The recipe specifically recommends three large eggs to achieve the correct consistency.
What provides the light contrast to the cake's richness?
The whipped cream topping provides a light and airy contrast to the dense chocolate and chestnut base.