Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup hazelnut meal
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Special equipment needed:
- Piping bag
- Pastry tips (star and round)
- Cake stand or platter
- Toothpicks
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, hazelnut meal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the coffee and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing it.
7. Cut the cake into three equal layers.
8. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it simmers. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
9. Place the bottom layer of the cake on a cake stand or platter. Spread a thin layer of the chocolate ganache on top. Repeat with the second layer.
10. Place the top layer on the cake and pipe rosettes of mocha buttercream on top using a star tip.
11. Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top of the buttercream and drizzle with the remaining chocolate ganache.
12. Pipe dots of mocha buttercream around the base of the cake using a round tip.
13. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
5. Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Serving size:
This recipe serves 8-10 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 420
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 270mg
Sugar: 24g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use almond meal instead of hazelnut meal.
- You can use brewed espresso instead of strong coffee.
- You can use semisweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips.
Variations:
- You can add a layer of hazelnut praline between the cake layers.
- You can use a different frosting instead of mocha buttercream, such as whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before cutting it into layers.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the cake into layers.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator before piping the buttercream to make it easier to handle.
- Use toothpicks to hold the layers in place while frosting the cake.
Storage instructions:
Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the cake on a cake stand or platter and garnish with fresh berries or chocolate shavings.
Garnishes:
Chopped hazelnuts, chocolate shavings, fresh berries.
Pairings:
Serve with a cup of coffee or espresso.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add more coffee or milk to the batter.
- If the cake is too moist, reduce the amount of liquid in the batter.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use pasteurized eggs to avoid the risk of salmonella.
Food history:
Pièce Montée is a French dessert that translates to "mounted piece." It is traditionally made with cream puffs and caramelized sugar, but this recipe puts a twist on the classic by using cake layers and chocolate ganache.
Flavor profiles:
This dessert has a rich and decadent flavor profile with notes of chocolate, hazelnut, and coffee.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this dessert as a showstopper at your next dinner party or special occasion.
Related Categories
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Region: French
Taste: Rich, Sweet, Chocolatey, Nutty, Creamy