Email to Buny      

Chocolate: Mexican Chocolate Icebox Cake

Source of Recipe

Bon Appetit August 1999


Recipe Introduction

(*Note: Some reviewers brushed the ladyfingers with liqueur, such as Kahlua, or with strong coffee) Original poster's notes: TRIED AND TRUE. This is absolutely one of the best desserts I've ever eaten! Rich, luscious, creamy, deep chocolatey, and beautiful looking! "There's a hint of cinnamon in the chocolate filling and the whipped cream topping." Perfect for those extra special occasions.

List of Ingredients

60 sponge-cake-type ladyfingers (from three 3-ounce packages - use the ones that are split in half)
2 3/4 cups chilled whipping cream (preferably heavy cream)
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 ounce semisweet chocolate, grated (I use 1 1/2 - 2 ounces)


Recipe

Line bottom of 9-inch-diameter springform pan with ladyfingers. *(See note below). Line sides of pan with ladyfingers, standing ladyfingers side by side and rounded side out.

Stir 3/4 cup whipping cream, unsweetened chocolate and 1/4 cup sugar in heavy small saucepan over low heat until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove saucepan from heat and cool to room temperature. Using electric mixer, beat 1 cup powdered sugar, butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla in large bowl until blended. Beat in cooled chocolate mixture.

(Tip: Chill clean dry beaters and a second large mixer bowl in freezer until cold before whipping cream.) Combine remaining 2 cups cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla and cinnamon in chilled large mixer bowl. Using clean dry beaters, beat until firm peaks form.

Fold half of whipped cream mixture into chocolate mixture. Spread half of chocolate filling in ladyfinger-lined pan. Top with layer of ladyfingers, then remaining chocolate filling.

Pipe or spread remaining whipped cream mixture over filling. Sprinkle with grated semisweet chocolate. Refrigerate until firm, at least 3 hours. (Note: 3 hours is not long enough for the cake to set - I recommend chilling overnight). (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated.) Remove pan sides from cake and serve.

Serves 12.