Monday, October 29, 2012

Cole's Birthday Cake


Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cake 
with Chocolate Ganache

This was a yummy cake that I made for Cole's 3rd Safari-themed Birthday party.
It was a hit.  For more pictures and ideas from the party, click here.

If you're counting calories - don't eat for 2 days. :)  this pretty boy is loaded.

ingredients - chocolate cake

  • 2 boxes chocolate cake mix (and required ingredients)
  • Buttermilk
  • Peanut butter mousse (recipe below)
  • Whipped chocolate ganache (recipe below)
  • Chopped unsalted peanuts

preparation

  • Prepare three 8" or 9" round cake pans by coating them lightly with oil and then flour. Preheat the oven to the temperature recommended for your cake mix.
  • Follow cake mix directions, substituting buttermilk for the water. Divide batter evenly in the prepared cake pans, filling each two-thirds full (there may be extra batter, which can be used for cupcakes). Bake as directed.
  • Allow to cool for approximately 10 minutes before removing cakes from pans; set layers on racks and allow to cool completely. Trim off the rounded tops of each cake layer with a serrated knife to enable even stacking.
  • Place one cake layer top down on a serving plate and spread with peanut butter mousse. Repeat with the second layer, then top with the third layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the whipped chocolate ganache. Add chopped peanuts to the sides of the cake.
  • Cover and refrigerate until serving time.

ingredients - peanut butter mousse

  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter
  • 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 Tb. vanilla extract
  • 2 cups whipping cream

preparation

  • Beat peanut butter, cream cheese and cinnamon in a bowl until blended. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla. In another bowl, beat whipping cream until it reaches the stiff peak stage. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture a little bit at a time.

ingredients - whipped chocolate ganache

  • 1 pound semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 2 1/2 cups heavy cream

preparation

  • Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Bring cream to a boil over medium-high heat. Pour over chocolate and let sit for 10 minutes. Stir until smooth. Cool the ganache to room temperature, stirring occasionally. Whip on medium speed until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

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