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Chocolate Terrine Cake Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-inspired

Description

This Chocolate Terrine Cake is a decadent dessert combining rich, smooth chocolate terrine slices layered between moist chocolate cake and covered in a glossy chocolate ganache. Perfect for chocolate lovers, it features a luscious double chocolate experience with a creamy terrine and tender cake layers, finished with fresh raspberries and chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Terrine

  • 1 pound (450g) bittersweet chocolate (70% cacao), finely chopped
  • 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 6 large eggs, separated
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Chocolate Cake Layers

  • 1 1/2 cups (192g) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) boiling water

Chocolate Ganache

  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 12 ounces (340g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Garnishes (Optional)

  • Fresh raspberries
  • Chocolate shavings
  • Powdered sugar


Instructions

  1. Melt the Chocolate and Butter: Set a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water. Combine the chopped bittersweet chocolate and cubed butter, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Separate the Eggs: Carefully separate eggs, placing yolks in one bowl and whites in another to avoid yolk contamination.
  3. Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar: Add half the granulated sugar (100g) to yolks and whisk vigorously until pale yellow and thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Incorporate the Chocolate Mixture: Gradually whisk the cooled melted chocolate into the yolk mixture to combine, avoiding cooking the yolks.
  5. Add Cocoa Powder and Vanilla: Sift cocoa powder into the mixture and stir in vanilla until smooth and lump-free.
  6. Whip the Egg Whites: Add a pinch of salt to whites and beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar (100g), continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  7. Fold in the Egg Whites: Gently fold one-third of whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it, then fold in remaining whites in two additions carefully to maintain airiness.
  8. Prepare the Terrine Mold: Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  9. Pour into Mold and Chill: Transfer the terrine mixture into the pan, spread evenly, tap to release air bubbles, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  10. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease, flour, and optionally line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment.
  11. Whisk Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl to evenly distribute leavening agents.
  12. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla until well blended.
  13. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add wet ingredients to dry on low speed mixing just until combined; avoid overmixing.
  14. Add Boiling Water: Pour boiling water into batter carefully; mix until smooth. Batter will be thin, which is normal.
  15. Divide Batter and Bake: Evenly divide batter between pans and bake 30-35 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
  16. Cool the Cakes: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
  17. Level the Cakes (Optional): Trim cake tops with serrated knife for even layers once completely cool.
  18. Heat the Heavy Cream for Ganache: Warm cream in a saucepan over medium heat until just simmering; do not boil.
  19. Pour over Chocolate: Place chopped semi-sweet chocolate in heatproof bowl, pour hot cream over and let sit 1 minute.
  20. Stir Until Smooth: Gently stir from center outward until ganache is glossy and even.
  21. Add Butter: Stir in softened butter until fully melted and incorporated for richness and shine.
  22. Let Cool Slightly: Allow ganache to thicken at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, reaching spreadable consistency.
  23. Release the Terrine: Lift terrine from loaf pan using plastic wrap overhang; place on cutting board.
  24. Slice the Terrine: Slice terrine into 1/2-inch slices, yielding about 8-10 slices.
  25. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous layer of ganache over it.
  26. Arrange Terrine Slices: Lay terrine slices evenly over ganache, slightly overlapping.
  27. Add Second Cake Layer: Carefully place the second cake layer atop terrine slices.
  28. Frost the Cake: Cover entire cake with remaining ganache, smoothing or creating texture as desired.
  29. Chill the Cake (Optional): Refrigerate assembled cake for at least 30 minutes for firmer ganache.
  30. Garnish (Optional): Decorate with fresh raspberries, chocolate shavings, or powdered sugar.
  31. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve this rich, multi-textured chocolate dessert to delight your guests.

Notes

  • Ensure no yolk is mixed into egg whites to achieve proper meringue peaks.
  • Be gentle when folding egg whites to keep the mixture airy and light.
  • Chilling the terrine overnight enhances the texture and flavor.
  • Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor and texture.
  • The boiling water in the cake batter enhances cocoa flavor and moistens the cake.
  • Ganache consistency is key; cool to spread but not too thick to work with.
  • Terrine slices can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Optional garnishes add visual appeal and a fresh contrast to the rich cake.