Chocolate Chestnut And Cherry Cake
Published December 18, 1993
- Total Time
- 45 minutes
- Rating
- Comments
- Read comments
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Ingredients
1 pound bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
10 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup heavy cream
½ cup sweetened chestnut puree
5 eggs, separated
1 cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped
¼ cup sugar
Whipped cream, for garnish
Preparation
- Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 10-inch springform pan and set aside. Place the chocolate and butter in a double boiler, over barely simmering water. Heat, stirring from time to time, until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in the cream and the chestnut puree.
- Step 2
Place the egg yolks in a large bowl and whisk until yolks have thickened and turned a pale yellow color. Spoon the chocolate mixture into the bowl with the yolks and whisk until smooth. Stir in the dried cherries.
- Step 3
Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar. Stir ⅓ of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten. Fold in the remaining whites. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan.
- Step 4
Bake until the cake just springs back when touched in the center, 20 to 25 minutes. Place on a rack to cool completely. Cut into wedges and serve with softly whipped cream.
Private Notes
Comments
Wow, I am surprised that I am the first one to write about this great recipe. I had chestnut puree and didn't know what to do it, so made this cake. Flourless was not my goal, but it is gluten free, and the handful of required ingredients all shined through. It mimics Gâteau du Chocolat, but slightly lighter and more interesting and balanced with dried cherries. More complex than brownies. Love it!
Intense chocolate dominates chestnut & cherries. Serve small pieces.
Some advice please: I’m thinking of using this as an alternative to a traditional Christmas cake - sort of lighter and more elegant. Do other cooks think it can be made ahead, if so, how long before Christmas ;-) ?
I also think walnuts would be a good addition to give a nod to the traditional Christmas cake- thoughts?
