Chocolate Cake with Espresso Glaze
I will admit that I have a weakness for any dessert containing coffee and chocolate. It is one combination I simply can’t resist. This cake is incredibly moist and flavorful. The espresso really comes through, but not so much that it overpowers the chocolate. The glaze is pure bliss. The only complaint that I have about this cake is that I felt the need to explain that it was supposed to look the way it did. This cake was delicious and so simple to bake. I’ll definitely be making this again.
- YIELD: 8 slices
For the cake:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for pan
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
6 large eggs, separated, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons instant espresso powder
¼ teaspoon coarse salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1½ tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
⅓ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
¼ teaspoon coarse salt
- 1
Make the cake: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, and line with parchment cut to fit.
Melt butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. With a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg yolks with ½ cup sugar until thick and pale, about 3 minutes. Add espresso and salt, and beat for 1 minute. Add vanilla and chocolate mixture, and beat for 1 minute.
- 2
In a clean bowl and with a whisk attachment, beat egg whites until foamy. Slowly add remaining ½ cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Fold whites into chocolate mixture in 3 additions.
- 3
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake until set, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool completely in pan on a rack. Remove pan sides. Carefully lift cake with a spatula, and remove parchment.
- 4
Make the glaze: Place chocolate, butter, and vanilla in a bowl. Bring remaining ingredients to a boil, stirring, and pour over chocolate mixture. Whisk until smooth.
Serve glaze warm with cake.
Wow! Looks amazing Courtney! I could use a slice of that now with a latte! 🙂
Thanks, Joelen! I will have to make sure I have a latte to accompany it next time I make it. 🙂
Looks beautiful, I wish I could a big slice from you right now!!!!! I love the flavor combos of chocolate and espresso, it’s the perfect combo. I also love that you needed to make room and play some Wii before dessert, too!! LOL. I’ll use any excuse that I can to play on the Wii!!