Heavenly Chocolate Cloud Cake

"This is an exceptionally light but oh so heavenly chocolate dessert that makes a perfect ending to any dinner. The cakes can be baked a day ahead of time, wrapped in plastic and stored at room temperature. Once the cake is assembled it can be refrigerated for up to 1 day. The ganache needs to chill for at least 4 hours so prepare accordingly. This recipe was modified from the original that I clipped from an article entitled; High & Mighty: Layer Cakes by Tracey Seaman."
 
Download
photo by a food.com user photo by a food.com user
Ready In:
1hr 30mins
Ingredients:
15
Serves:
10-12
Advertisement

ingredients

Advertisement

directions

  • Preheat the oven to 350° and line two 9" X 2" round cake pans with greased wax or parchment paper.
  • Ganache; Melt half of the chopped chocolate in heavy cream over fairly low heat while stirring. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and remaining chopped chocolate until smooth. Place the ganache into a bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • Cake; Sift together the cake flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Stir together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, chocolate and 1/2 cup of water in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat and stir until smooth. Let cool slightly and occasionally stir.
  • Beat the butter and egg yolks until just blended with an electric hand mixer. Gradually add the chocolate mixture. Beat in the dry ingredients a little at a time, alternating with the milk, until smooth. Stir in the vanilla. The batter will appear thin.
  • Wash and dry the beaters. Beat the egg whites until barely firm in a medium bowl. Fold 1/3 of the whites into the batter. Fold in the remaining whites until incorporated. Pour batter into the awaiting cake pans. Bake the cakes in the bottom third of the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 15 minutes before removing from pans then place right side up on racks to cool completely.
  • Preparing Ganache for Cake; Using an electric mixer, briefly beat the well chilled ganache until thick enough to hold its shape. Over-beating will cause the ganache to be grainy; if this happens, re-melt over low heat and then beat it once more.
  • Assembling the Cake: Peel off the wax or parchment paper from the bottom of the cake layers. Place 1 layer right-side-up on a platter and cover with 1 scant cup of whipped ganache. Place the second cake layer upside-down on top of the filling. Cover the sides and top of the cake evenly with the remaining whipped ganache. You can reserve about 1/2 cup of the ganache for decorating if you are so inclined. Using a star tipped pastry bag, pipe simple stars or a scallop trim around the top or the base of the cake. Sprinkle the finely grated chocolate all over the top of the cake. To serve, slice gently with a serrated cake knife.

Questions & Replies

Got a question? Share it with the community!
Advertisement

Reviews

  1. This recipe took me 1.5 hr to prep and bake, not the 35 minutes stated in the recipe. That also did not include the cooling time for the ganache. No substitute for heavy cream in the ganache; it will not whip up. (I only had 1 cup of cream and tried to use half and half, not thinking). It would be best to make the ganache first, due to cooling time. When sliced, the layers had color changes from the middle to the edge, and edges were crispy. I worried that the chocolate/sugar mixture melted too much of the butter when blended together. I don't know if cooling the mixture more than slightly would have helped with this. I did not think the cake was intensely chocolaty, although my husband liked it. The brown sugar gave it a nice flavor, but overall not worth the effort.
     
  2. I am serving it tonight but got a chance to get a taste some of the ends, this cake is very good! I used 3 teaspoons of Mexican vanilla and increased the baking powder by 1/4 teaspoon. The ganache is just heavenly, and the cake is ready and waiting to be enjoyed tonight by all, thanks Cheryl! .... Kitten:)
     
Advertisement

RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

I live in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina on Butler Mountain. I am a mystery shopper for restaurants and retail establishments. I graduated from UNC-Asheville with a BFA in art (photography). I was just recently married in Costa Rica to KC and his 6 year old son, Ty. Our wedding was perfect and I will cherish the memories forever. Leslie, Mama's Kitchen, sassafrasnanc, Mommy Diva and Chef V attended the wedding with their husbands!! Leslie's daughter Sarah was our flower girl and her hubby Wayne was our talented musician! I had the time of my life!!! <embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w3.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/897d027c.pbw" height="360" width="480"> Our family is rounded out with 6 Bengals, 1 Jack Russell Terror named Harley, a ferret named Mason, giant gold fish, a water dragon named Crusoe, a Beautiful Appaloosa/Arabian named Sassy, a stunning Palomino Quarter Horse named Sweet Pea and a gorgeous black Standardbred named Domino! We also have added a Leopard Appaloosa rescue horse to the mix. Her name is Pebbles and she is lovely! <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/thstatenorthcara1.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/artsyfartsya1.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/buttermybutt.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/anotherdayinparadise.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/countrygirla1.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/truelove.gif"> <embed src="http://w3.photobucket.com/widgets/Bucketshow.swf" quality="high" bgcolor="ffffff" width="300" height="300" name="Bucketshow" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" flashvars="url=http://w3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/cutest of cute/&name=ourcuties"></embed> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/imengageda1.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/love31a.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/someoldnewa1.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/crazyinlovea1.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/wedding2.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/praying_for_my_bean.gif"> I love Zaar! I have so many wonderful friends here and I really enjoy being a Forum Host. I love the games in the Contest & Events Forum! The games are addictive and a great opportunity to meet the members of this community. I had a blast co-hosting the first Zaar World Tour 2005 with ~Leslie~. Zaar World Tour II doubled in size and ~Leslie~ and I were joined with co-hosts Mama�s Kitchen and kzbhansen. Zaar World Tour 3 doubled again in size and Leslie, Mama's Kitchen and I were joined with SusieD, PanNan and JustCallMeToni! We also established the "Whine and Cheese Gang" which was a wonderful team that was put together to help all the teams playing. Zaar World Tour IV will be bigger and even better!!! Click on the image below to watch the Zaar World Tour 2 recap and promo for ZWT3. <embed width="448" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/remix/player.swf?videoURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvid3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy53%2FDUCHESS13%2FZaar%2520World%2520Tour%2520II%2520%2520Video%2520Files%2F276d5ad0.pbr&hostname=stream3.photobucket.com"> I love hosting the Beverage Forum! As a former bartender and bar owner I am right at home mixing and shaking it up. I love cooking with spirits and experimenting with new drinks and making liqueurs. Stop on by the Beverage Form and see what we are up to. <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/cherylban-1.jpg"> <li><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/bb/viewforum.zsp?f=1">Recipe Request Forum Host</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/bb/viewforum.zsp?f=53">Beverages (Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic)Forum Host</a></li> <a href="http://messenger.yahoo.com/edit/send/?.target=ncmysteryshopper"> <img border="0" src="http://opi.yahoo.com/yahooonline/u=ncmysteryshopper/m=g/t=8/l=us/opi.jpg"> </a> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/Beverage%20Forum/officialmemberofthebevtaggame.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/utens1.gif"> I try to cook using only organic ingredients and fresh organic produce. Of course this is not always possible... but I do make the effort. I love experimenting with new cuisines and love fusion! I like most foods and most cuisines... Spices and Sauces are my forte! I am most known for cooking with all kinds of wine and liquor. I am always on the hunt for the perfect blend of flavors.... the dish whose first bite makes you put your fork down and relish the mouthful. Sushi, Spicy Foods, Mussels, Shrimp, Lobster, Stone Crabs, Artichokes, Traditional Thai Food, Middle Eastern, Moroccan, French, Mexican, Indian, Asian, Turkish, and the list goes on and on..... <a href="http://www.amazingcounter.com"><img border="0" src="http://c7.amazingcounters.com/counter.php?i=1582062&c=4746499" alt="web page hit counter"></a><a href="http://www.smartdiets.info/coupons/weight-watchers.html"></a> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/BarStarOnWireLine.gif"> Zaar Chefs that have passed away and live on forever in my heart! In loving memory of...... <li><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/member/185105"> Stacky5</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/member/86764">Redneck Epicurean</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/member/87023">Latchy</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/member/104600">Cool Monday</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/member/372295">Chef I Am</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/member/23302"> Mille® ™</a></li> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/BarStarOnWireLine.gif"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/NotDS.gif" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/World%20Tour/PartAwards.gif"> <img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg271/MrsTeny/ParticipationBanner.jpg"border="0" alt="Photobucket"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/DiningonaDollarParticipant.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/RSC%20Banners/RSC11-ncmysteryshopper.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/RSC%20Banners/RSC12-NcMysteryShopper.jpg"> <a href=http://www.recipezaar.com/cookbook.php?bookid=177083 target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/RSC9Participant.jpg"></a><a href=http://www.recipezaar.com/cookbook.php?bookid=177082 target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/RSCCheryl.jpg"></a> <a href=http://www.recipezaar.com/cookbook.php?bookid=177077 target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/RSC8Partipation.jpg"></a><a href=http://www.recipezaar.com/cookbook.php?bookid=177088 target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/RSC7Participant.jpg"></a><a href=http://www.recipezaar.com/cookbook.php?bookid=177085 target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/RSC6Participant.jpg"></a> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/Animation1.gif" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/4treasurehunt.gif" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/FFF/completedbanner.gif"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/FFF/Switzerland-FFF4.gif"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/Zaar%20World%20Tour%203/ladynusstortes.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/ZaarWorldTourPartBanner.gif" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/World%20Tour/ZWT2.gif"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/Zaar%20World%20Tour%203/ZWT3-Participation.gif"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/Zaar%20World%20Tour%204/ZWTAB-tg.gif"> <img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e110/flower753/Food/my3chefsnov2008.jpg"> <img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e110/flower753/Food/my3chefs2008Small.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/MyThreeChefs.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/PAC05.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/PAC06-1.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/Pac06Fall.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/PAC07-1.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/PAC07Fall.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/PACSpring2008.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/PACFall2008.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/thMightyMaenadsMini.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/thAnimatedPRDMini.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/thSistasoftheTravellingPotsandPans.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/Zaar%20World%20Tour%203/whineandcheesegangSM.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/berriesblinkie.gif" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/thsinsweetstrawsisMini.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/thAnimationStellaMarisMini.gif"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/HotEnchiladiies.gif" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/Photo_Video_577111733_orig.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/tablesetting.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/backtobasis.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/BBQPhoto.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/TapasMenu.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/BBQ.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/AnimatedHostChallengeBannerII-Stamp.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/ZWT-ChallengeHostBanner-Stamp.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/ZWT4-ChallengeHostAboutMe-Small.gif"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/stacky5.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/Amy.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/cookathonLorac-1.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/StampRow1.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/StampRow2.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/StampRow3.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/stampRow4.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/StampKaffee.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/crockpot.jpg"> <a href="http://www.sparklee.com"><img src="http://img110.mytextgraphics.com/sparklee/2007/12/17/fb5cb0ed92b908750a9b76c86ea44dd5.gif" border="0" alt="free logo - http://www.sparklee.com" /></a><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/CIMP/Jmx*PTExOTc5MTQ5MTE1NzgmcHQ9MTE5NzkxNDk*MDkzNyZwPTc*MzIxJmQ9Jm49.jpg" /> <a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=1927356"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/1927356.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a>
 
View Full Profile
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Find More Recipes