What a cake! Twelve layers of the best chocolate cake I have ever eaten. Rich, decadent, special.
Oops, forgot to post this in November! Time flies when you’re stuffing your face.
Homemade creme fraiche
I submitted this cake for a Thanksgiving dessert contest and was determined to place! There were eight submissions, most of them delicious and visually appealing. The first place winner submitted a themed turkey for presentation; it was cute and very clearly a turkey. I was unable to try the turkey during the competition, but did appreciate the creativity. Assuming the theme and design were huge contributing factors to placing first, I cannot be too hurt.
I am grateful and satisfied with my second place victory!
The chocolate truffle cake was almost completely devoured, unlike most of the submissions. I received several compliments and actually enjoyed the cake myself. The lemon Oreo truffles were a clear delight. I also decorated with mint and regular Oreo cookies as well as cookie dough truffles. I can eat about five before I feel overwhelmed with sugar.
In case you were wondering, the third place winner was a treasured friend who deserved the win and I am so proud of her. She made a very cute and clean, yet moist and delicious carrot cake. The fresh carrots and spices make this cake a clear favorite in most crowds. For months I was eager to try her famous carrot cake and finally accomplished this goal. Can I steal the recipe? I think I must.
Take-Home Tips: If you make everything from fresh, it will take four to five days, including all the waiting for ingredients to set. It can be assembled in one day if you have all the ingredients and do not need to make the creme fraiche. The cake layers are challenging if the cake is crumbly. If you have a chocolate cake recipe you trust, feel free to substitute it but bake in the jelly-roll pans.
Scoring: 9 of 10. This cake is for a dedicated chocolate lover. It is sweet with the ganaches and the frosting, but the cake alone is moist, and pretty close to perfect.
Food of the Month 