Chocolate Hazelnut Gateau

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of the Chocolate Hazelnut Gateau, a rich and fancy French dessert that boasts a dense chocolate texture with just the right amount of sweetness. Hailing from Torrance, California, Michelle Krzmarzick presents this delectable cake, known as “gateau” in French, as a perfect treat for those with a discerning sweet tooth.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2/3 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 eggs, separated
• 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2/3 cup ground hazelnuts, toasted

GLAZE:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

GARNISH:

• Toasted slivered almonds
• Fresh mint leaves

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks, melted chocolate, and vanilla. Gradually add the flour and salt alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Stir in the toasted hazelnuts.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, and then gently fold them into the batter. Spread the mixture into a greased 9-inch springform pan, and place the pan on a baking sheet.
3. Bake the gateau at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake and remove the sides of the pan. Let the gateau cool completely.
4. Prepare the glaze by bringing butter, corn syrup, and water to a boil in a saucepan while stirring constantly. Remove from heat, add chocolate chips, and stir until smooth. Cool the glaze to room temperature before spreading it over the top and sides of the gateau. Garnish with toasted slivered almonds and fresh mint leaves.

YIELD: 12 servings

PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Be gentle when folding the beaten egg whites into the batter to retain the gateau’s light and airy texture.

TIPS:

• Serve the Chocolate Hazelnut Gateau with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra luscious experience.

The Chocolate Hazelnut Gateau is a delightful French creation, lovingly crafted by Michelle Krzmarzick of Torrance, California. Its richness and decadence make it a standout treat for any dessert connoisseur seeking an extraordinary and sweet experience.

The recipe begins with a harmonious blend of softened butter, sugar, egg yolks, melted chocolate, and vanilla extract, resulting in a lusciously creamy batter. The addition of all-purpose flour, salt, and milk complements the mixture, while the toasted hazelnuts infuse a delightful nutty flavor.

The cake’s airy texture comes to life with the incorporation of stiffly beaten egg whites, making the Chocolate Hazelnut Gateau a truly indulgent delight. The batter is then spread into a springform pan and baked to perfection.

A sumptuous glaze is prepared with butter, corn syrup, water, and semisweet chocolate chips, lending a glossy finish and a deep chocolate flavor to the gateau. The final touch consists of a garnish of toasted slivered almonds and fresh mint leaves, adding a delightful crunch and a burst of freshness to the cake.

The Chocolate Hazelnut Gateau epitomizes the French concept of “gateau,” a rich and fancy cake that delights the senses. The combined flavors of chocolate and hazelnuts, mingling with the sweetness of the glaze, create a dessert that captures the heart and soul of French pastry craftsmanship.

Embrace the art of indulgence with the Chocolate Hazelnut Gateau, a captivating creation that transports you to the charm of French patisseries. This elegant and exquisite treat promises to captivate your taste buds and leave you yearning for another slice.