RestaurantsGrotto DowntownMezzanotte Recipe

Mezzanotte Recipe

Inspired by Grotto Downtown
Time1h 30m
Serves12

Dark chocolate cake, rich chocolate filling, chocolate ganache, semi-sweet chocolate curls

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Ingredients

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Cake and Filling

Method

Preparation

1

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water until well combined.

2

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3

Make the Chocolate Filling

In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and heavy cream. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly before using.

4

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread the chocolate filling evenly on top. Place the second cake layer on top of the filling.

5

Prepare the Ganache

Use the remaining heavy cream and chocolate to make a ganache. Heat the cream until just simmering, then pour it over the remaining chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth.

6

Finish the Cake

Pour the ganache over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Garnish with semi-sweet chocolate curls before serving.