Heavenly and Fiery Delight: Peanut Butter Ganache Heaven and Hell Cake

Overview:

Indulge in the celestial delight of the Heaven and Hell Cake, a culinary marvel that juxtaposes the ethereal lightness of angel food cake with the decadent richness of devil’s food cake, unified by a luscious layer of peanut butter mousse and crowned with a heavenly peanut butter ganache. Inspired by Claire’s tantalizing post, this recipe is a fusion of flavors and textures, promising a divine experience with every bite. Perfect for dessert enthusiasts and special occasions alike, this masterpiece is bound to impress even the most discerning palates.

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
• Servings: 16 slices
• Calories per serving: 1027.5 kcal

Ingredients:

For Angel Food Cake:

• 2/3 cup cake flour
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 large eggs
• 1/2 cup cake flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

For Devil’s Food Cake:

• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups cake flour
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup hot coffee

For Peanut Butter Mousse:

• 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 cups peanut butter
• 3/4 cup heavy cream

For Peanut Butter Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions:

Angel Food Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut a circle of parchment paper to fit the bottom of a 9″ cake pan.
3. Sift together cake flour and powdered sugar, then set aside.
4. In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites slowly, adding salt and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
5. Increase speed, gradually adding sugar, then beat for another 1-1/2 minutes.
6. Fold in vanilla extract and almond extract.
7. Sprinkle half of the powdered sugar-flour mixture and fold gently.
8. Spoon the mixture into the pan and bake for 40-50 minutes until golden brown.
9. Avoid overbaking to prevent sinking.

Devil’s Food Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Oil and flour a round 9-inch cake pan.
3. Sift cocoa powder into a mixing bowl, then whisk in hot coffee to form a smooth paste.
4. In a separate bowl, beat shortening, sugar, vanilla, and eggs for 2 minutes.
5. Sift together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
6. Alternately add cocoa-coffee mixture and flour mixture to the sugar-egg mixture, beating until incorporated.
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Test for doneness before removing from the oven.

Peanut Butter Mousse:

1. In an electric mixer bowl, whip cream cheese until creamy.
2. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, then add peanut butter.
3. If lumpy, add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream.
4. Whip until fluffy.
5. In another bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff.
6. Carefully combine both mixtures until thoroughly incorporated.

Peanut Butter Ganache:

1. In a saucepan, bring cream to a boil and stir in chocolate chips.
2. Remove from heat, cover, and let the chocolate melt.
3. Whisk until smooth and let cool to room temperature.

Assembling Heaven and Hell Cake:

1. Once both cakes have cooled, slice them horizontally into four layers.
2. Place one layer of devil’s food cake on a cake plate and spread 1/3 of the peanut butter mousse.
3. Top with a layer of angel food cake and another 1/3 of the peanut butter mousse.
4. Repeat layering until you have four layers of cake and three layers of mousse.
5. Spread the ganache generously over the top and sides of the cake.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.
7. Slice thinly for a rich and heavenly experience.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve chilled for the ultimate indulgence.
• Accompany with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Garnish with chocolate shavings or chopped nuts for added texture and visual appeal.

Conclusion:

Unleash your culinary creativity and treat yourself to the divine fusion of flavors with this Peanut Butter Ganache Heaven and Hell Cake. Whether it’s a special occasion or a craving for something extraordinary, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert game to heavenly heights. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression. Dive into each slice and savor the symphony of textures and flavors that make this cake a true masterpiece.