Chocolate Cream Squares

This super-rich dessert contains chocolate whipped cream between layers of bittersweet chocolate cake topped with a fudgy chocolate glaze. It's best made one day ahead and refrigerated overnight.

The filling used here is also available as a standalone recipe: Chocolate Cream Filling.

The glaze used here is also available as a standalone recipe: Chocolate Glaze (Chocolate Cream Squares).

Ingredients

CAKE

• 1/2 pound (225 g) bittersweet chocolate, cut into 1/2-inch (1 cm) pieces
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) instant espresso powder dissolved in 1/3 cup (80 ml) hot water
• 6 large eggs, separated
• 2/3 cup (160 ml) sugar
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) cream of tartar
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

FILLING

• 6 ounces (170 g) bittersweet chocolate, cut into 1/2-inch (1 cm) pieces
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract

GLAZE

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) water
• 4 ounces (115 g) bittersweet chocolate, cut into 1/2-inch (1 cm) pieces
• 1 ounce (30 g) unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract

Method

1. To make the cake, preheat the oven to 375° (190°C). Butter an 18-by-12-inch (30 cm) large rimmed baking sheet and line the bottom with parchment or wax paper. Butter the paper and dust with flour, tapping out any excess.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the chocolate with the dissolved espresso and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted, about 2 minutes. Let cool slightly.
3. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks at high speed until pale, 2 to 3 minutes. At medium speed, gradually beat in 1/3 cup (80 ml) of the sugar. Increase the speed to high and beat until very thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Add the vanilla and the chocolate mixture and beat at low speed until blended.
4. In a large bowl, using clean beaters, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/3 cup (80 ml) of sugar and beat at high speed until the whites are stiff and glossy.
5. Using a large rubber spatula, fold the chocolate mixture and the flour into the whites in 2 batches, until no streaks remain. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the cake has risen and is slightly springy. Transfer to a rack and let cool.
7. Run the tip of a knife around the cake and sift cocoa over the surface. Cover the cake with wax paper and top with a cutting board. Invert the cake onto the cutting board, lift off the pan, and peel off the paper.
8. Cut the cake in half crosswise, forming 2 rectangles, or 2 squares. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes.
9. To make the filling, combine the chocolate with the butter and water in a small saucepan. Cook over very low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and shiny. Scrape into a bowl and let cool.
10. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream with the confectioners' sugar and vanilla until firm. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the cooled chocolate.
11. To make the glaze, combine the shortening with the granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Off the heat, add the bittersweet and unsweetened chocolate and let stand until melted, 2 minutes. Whisk in the vanilla. Let the glaze cool until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes.
12. To assemble, spread the cream filling over one half of the cake and top with the other half, cocoa side up. Press down lightly and run a cake spatula all around to smooth the edges.
13. Pour the glaze down the center of the cake and gently spread it so that it covers the top and drizzles down the sides. Freeze the cake for 4 hours or overnight. Let stand at room temperature until just soft enough to cut.