Green Tea and Chocolate Cake: A Decadent Dessert for Any Occasion
This Green Tea and Chocolate Cake is a delightful fusion of delicate flavors, combining the earthy notes of green tea with the rich depth of chocolate. The layers are complemented by a velvety mousse and a crunchy praline topping, making it an unforgettable treat that will impress your guests. Perfect for a special gathering or as a showstopper at a celebration, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweetness and sophistication.
Category: Desserts
Serves: 10
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Almond flour | 100g |
| Butter (softened) | 100g |
| Eggs | 110g |
| Brown sugar | 70g |
| Fine salt | 2g |
| Fresh cream | 90g |
| Green tea leaves | 6g |
| Rice flour | 50g |
| Baking powder | 3g |
| Dark chocolate (55%) | 120g |
For the Ganache:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dark chocolate (55%) | 120g |
| Fresh cream | 120g |
For the White Chocolate Mousse:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White chocolate | 150g |
| Fresh cream | 450g |
| Green tea leaves | 12g |
| Gelatin sheets | 8g |
For the Praline:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Almonds | 50g |
| Sugar | 50g |
| Water | 20g |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Green Tea and Chocolate Cake
- Begin by placing the fresh cream and green tea leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Use an electric whisk to beat them together for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, strain the cooled cream and green tea mixture through a fine sieve into the bowl, ensuring that the tea leaves are removed.
- Whisk everything together until smooth and well incorporated. Then, sift in the rice flour and baking powder, mixing until fully combined.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place a 22cm diameter pastry ring in the center, also lined with parchment paper.
- Pour the batter into the pastry ring, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake in a preheated static oven at 180°C for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the fridge for about 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Dark Chocolate Ganache
- Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl.
- In a saucepan, bring the cream to a boil, then pour it over the chopped chocolate.
- Stir with a spatula until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
- Set aside and allow the ganache to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the White Chocolate Mousse
- Finely chop the white chocolate and place it in a bowl.
- Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water to soften them.
- In a small saucepan, bring 100g of cream and the green tea leaves to a gentle simmer. Strain the cream mixture over the chopped white chocolate, ensuring the tea leaves are removed.
- Stir the mixture until smooth, and then blend with a hand blender until the mousse is velvety and uniform in texture.
- Allow the mousse to cool slightly, and then pour it over the chilled cake layer.
Step 4: Prepare the Praline Decoration
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and begins to caramelize.
- Once the syrup is golden, add the almonds to the pan and stir to coat them in the caramelized sugar.
- Continue cooking for a minute until the sugar crystallizes, and then transfer the praline-covered almonds to a container to cool.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Once the mousse has set, carefully remove the pastry ring from the cake.
- Decorate the top with the praline almonds, arranging them in a beautiful pattern.
Serving and Storing:
- This Green Tea and Chocolate Cake is best served chilled, allowing the mousse to maintain its smooth, creamy texture.
- It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~380 kcal |
| Protein | ~5g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30g |
| Fat | ~25g |
| Saturated Fat | ~10g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sugars | ~22g |
| Sodium | ~60mg |
Pro Tips for Success:
- Make sure the green tea is well-infused into both the cake batter and the ganache for a balanced flavor profile.
- If you prefer a smoother texture for the mousse, you can strain it after blending.
- For extra crunch, you can add a thin layer of crushed almonds or pistachios to the mousse before it sets.
This Green Tea and Chocolate Cake offers the perfect blend of flavors and textures, and will undoubtedly be a hit at your next event. Whether it’s a family gathering or a formal occasion, this dessert will certainly leave a lasting impression!
