CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT CAKE

Ouadie Rhabbouron

  • Serving Suggestions:

    • Serve chilled as a dessert

    • Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate

    • Serve with vanilla ice cream on the side

    • Garnish each slice with an additional cherry and chocolate curl

    • Dust with powdered sugar before serving

    • Serve at dinner parties for an impressive presentation

    Variations:

    Cherry Variations:

    • Use fresh raspberries instead of cherries

    • Mix different berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

    • Use black cherry liqueur for deeper flavor

    • Add 1 tbsp kirsch (cherry brandy) to the cherries

    • Use homemade cherry jam as the filling

    Chocolate Variations:

    • Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to the cocoa powder for mocha flavor

    • Use dark chocolate shavings instead of milk chocolate

    • Add white chocolate shavings for contrast

    • Make a chocolate ganache instead of whipped cream (heat 1/2 cup cream and 4 oz chocolate)

    Cream Variations:

    • Use mascarpone cream mixed with whipped cream for richness

    • Add 1 tbsp cherry liqueur to the whipped cream

    • Use pastry cream instead of whipped cream

    • Make a crème fraîche filling by folding crème fraîche into whipped cream

    Topping Ideas:

    • Chocolate ganache drizzled over the outside

    • White chocolate shavings

    • Crushed macarons

    • Edible glitter

    • Pistachio crumbs

    • Additional fresh berries on top

    Troubleshooting:

    If the cake cracks when rolling:

    • You may have overbaked it - keep baking time to exactly 12 minutes

    • The cake may have cooled too much - roll while still warm

    • Don't worry - the filling and decoration will cover any cracks

    If the cream leaks out when rolling:

    • Too much filling was added

    • The cream may not have been whipped enough

    • Apply less pressure when rolling

    • Chill the filled roll in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving

    If the cake is dry:

    • It was overbaked - reduce baking time slightly next time

    • The oven temperature may be too high - check with an oven thermometer

    • Make sure not to leave it on the counter exposed

    If the cream doesn't hold its shape:

    • It wasn't whipped enough - whip longer

    • The bowl and beaters weren't cold enough

    • The room temperature is too warm - keep in the fridge until serving

    NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Slice - approximately 10 slices)

    • Calories: ~280-320

    • Protein: ~4g

    • Carbs: ~32-36g

    • Fat: ~15-18g

    • Cholesterol: ~95mg

    KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEEDED

    • 10x15-inch jelly roll pan

    • Parchment paper

    • Electric mixer

    • Whisk or spatula for folding

    • Clean kitchen towel

    • Measuring cups and spoons

    • Sifter or fine mesh strainer

    • Chilled mixing bowl for whipping cream

    • Vegetable peeler or grater for chocolate shavings

    • Sharp knife for slicing

    • Serving platter

    CHEF'S NOTES

    This elegant Swiss Roll combines the delicate sponge cake of a Swiss roll with the rich, decadent flavors of a Black Forest cake. The result is a show-stopping dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly achievable at home.

    Key Success Factors:

    1. Proper egg-sugar beating for light, airy cake

    2. Gentle folding to maintain airiness

    3. Rolling while warm for flexibility

    4. Chilling the whipped cream bowl for stability

    5. Careful assembly to prevent filling from leaking

    6. Proper chilling time before serving

    The combination of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream creates a sophisticated dessert perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or when you want to impress your guests.

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