Chocolate Espresso Cube Recipes

CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO CHEESECAKE WITH GANACHE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• To make the crust:
• Place the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and cinnamon in a food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse until combined. Pour into a 9-inch springform pan. With your hands, press the crumbs into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 12 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
• Meanwhile, chop the bittersweet chocolate and place it in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Add the espresso and stir until just melted. Set aside until cooled to room temperature.
• To make the filling:
• Cream the cream cheese, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla and almond extracts and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Reduce the speed of the mixer to medium and add the eggs, 1 at a time, mixing well. Scrape down the bowl and beater, as necessary. With the mixer on low, add the sour cream, and the cooled chocolate mixture. Mix thoroughly and pour into the cooled crust.
• Bake for 1 hour. Turn the oven off and allow the cake to sit in the oven with the door opened wide for 1 1/2 hours. Take the cake out of the oven and allow it to sit at room temperature, until completely cooled.
• For the ganache:
• Finely chop the semisweet chocolate and place it in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Add the cream and stir until just melted. Set aside until cooled to room temperature.
• Remove the cake from the springform pan by carefully running a hot knife around the outside of the cake. Leave the cake on the bottom of the springform pan for serving. Drizzle the ganache over the top of the cheesecake.

ESPRESSO CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, then line with parchment paper and butter the parchment. Set aside.
• Using an electric mixer, beat together the brown sugar and butter in a mixing bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat on high speed until light and fluffy.
• In a small bowl, combine the instant espresso with just enough water to make a paste (approximately 1/4 cup); stir until the espresso has dissolved. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
• Turn the mixer to low speed and add the flour mixture in parts, alternating with the sour cream. Mix in the dissolved espresso. Stir in 1 cup boiling water until just blended. Divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake until a tester inserted in the middle comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then turn them out onto racks and allow to cool completely.
• For the vanilla buttercream: Beat the butter and shortening with an electric mixer until fluffy, then slowly add the vanilla. Add in the confectioners' sugar 1 cup at a time, then turn the mixer to medium-high speed and beat for 5 minutes more.
• To assemble: Level off the top of each cake layer with a serrated knife. Smear about 1 tablespoon buttercream on a cake plate to help secure the cake, then top with one of the cake layers. Add approximately 1 cup buttercream and spread it evenly around the top. Add a second cake layer and another cup of buttercream, again spreading all around to cover the top of the cake. Add the final cake layer. Working with small amounts of buttercream, cover the sides and top of the cake. Add interesting patterns with buttercream combs, or texture the outer part with a spatula. Serve immediately or cover to keep fresh.

ESPRESSO AND CHOCOLATE JELLIES

Steps:

• For the chocolate layer: Place the chocolate chips and cream in a small bowl. Place over a pan of barely simmering water and stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes. Spoon the mixture into the bottom of 6 espresso cups. Refrigerate until set, about 20 minutes.
• For the jelly layer: Pour 1/2 cup water in a medium bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin on top and set aside for 5 minutes until softened. In a small saucepan, combine another 1/2 cup water, sugar, and espresso powder. Bring to a boil, whisking frequently, until the sugar has dissolved. Pour the espresso mixture over the gelatin and whisk until the gelatin has dissolved. Whisk in the coffee liqueur. Set aside to cool, about 15 minutes. Ladle the gelatin mixture over the chocolate layer. Refrigerate until set, about 1 1/2 hours.
• For the whipped cream: In a medium bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat the cream on medium speed until thick. Add the vanilla and beat until the cream holds stiff peaks.
• Let the jellies stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Dollop with whipped cream and serve.

CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO CUPS

Steps:

• Heat the milk in a medium pot over high heat until hot, but not boiling. Reduce the heat to very low and add the espresso, chocolate, sugar, and vanilla. Using a whisk, stir the mixture until the chocolate has melted. Continue to whisk the chocolate mixture until frothy every few minutes for about 8 minutes, until the chocolate has completely dissolved into the milk. Pour into mugs and serve immediately.

WHITE CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO-VODKA MARTINIS

Steps:

• Combine the water and espresso powder in a large measuring cup. Whisk to dissolve. Set aside to cool. Pour into 2 ice cube trays. Freeze until solid, at least 8 hours. Transfer the ice cubes to a resealable plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 days.
• Combine the half-and-half and white chocolate in a small bowl. Place over a small pan of barely simmering water. Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes. Cool the chocolate mixture, whisking occasionally. Scrape the chocolate mixture into a blender. Add the vodka, sugar, vanilla and espresso ice cubes. Blend until smooth, at least 1 minute.
• Pour into 4 large martini glasses. Garnish with grated white chocolate, if using, and serve.

CHOCOLATE-ESPRESSO MARTINI

Steps:

• Combine the chocolate and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl and place over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth, 2 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
• Dip the rims of 4 martini glasses into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Chill the glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes.
• In a pitcher, mix together the espresso, coffee liqueur and vodka. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. In batches, add the vodka mixture and shake for 10 seconds. Strain the mixture into the prepared glasses and serve.

CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO MARTINI

Steps:

• Fill a mixing glass or tumbler three-fourths full with ice. Add chocolate liqueur, espresso and vodka; stir until condensation forms on outside of glass., Sprinkle sugar on a plate. Moisten the rim of a chilled cocktail glass with water; hold glass upside down and dip rim into sugar. Drizzle chocolate syrup on the inside of glass. Strain vodka mixture into glass.