Chocolate Cream Squares

This super-rich dessert contains chocolate whipped cream between layers of bittersweet chocolate cake topped with a fudgy chocolate glaze.

Ingredients:

CAKE

• 1/2 pound bittersweet chocolate, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder dissolved in 1/3 cup hot water
• 6 large eggs, separated
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

FILLING

• 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

GLAZE

• 1 tablespoon solid vegetable shortening
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°. Butter an 18-by-12-inch large rimmed baking sheet and line the bottom with parchment or wax paper. Butter the paper and dust with flour, tapping out any excess.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the chocolate with the dissolved espresso and cook

over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted, about 2 minutes. Let cool slightly.

In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks at high speed until pale, 2 to 3 minutes.

At medium speed, gradually beat in 1/3 cup of the sugar. Increase the speed to high and beat until very thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Add the vanilla and the chocolate mixture and beat at low speed until blended.

In a large bowl, using clean beaters, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form.

Gradually add the remaining 1/3 cup of sugar and beat at high speed until the whites are stiff and glossy. Using a large rubber spatula, fold the chocolate mixture and the flour into the whites in 2 batches, until no streaks remain. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 12 minutes, or until the cake has risen and is slightly springy. Transfer to a rack and let cool.

Run the tip of a knife around the cake and sift cocoa over the surface.

Cover the cake with wax paper and top with a cutting board. Invert the cake onto the cutting board. Lift off the pan and peel off the paper. Cut the cake in half crosswise, forming 2 rectangles.

Chill until firm, about 30 minutes.

In a small saucepan, combine the chocolate with the butter and water.

Cook over very low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and shiny. Scrape into a bowl and let cool. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream with the confectioners' sugar and vanilla until firm.

Using a rubber spatula, fold in the cooled chocolate.

In a small saucepan, combine the shortening with the granulated sugar and water and bring to a simmer.

Off the heat, add the bittersweet and unsweetened chocolate and let stand until melted, 2 minutes. Whisk in the vanilla. Let the glaze cool until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes.

Spread the cream filling over one half of the cake and top with the other half, cocoa side up. Press down lightly and run a cake spatula all around to smooth the edges.

Pour the glaze down the center of the cake and gently spread it so that it covers the top and drizzles down the sides. Freeze the cake for 4 hours or overnight.

Let stand at room temperature until just soft enough to cut.

Cut the cake into 3 long strips, then cut each strip into 6 squares. Transfer to plates and serve.

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