Chocolate Bunnies

Chocolate Bunnies – a decadent and irresistible dessert that combines the smooth texture of chocolate with the crunch of roasted nuts. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s an anniversary, a holiday, or simply an afternoon when you want to indulge yourself. Here’s how to create this delight step by step!

Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 6 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 2 cups ground walnuts (approximately 200 g)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons biscuit crumbs
- 1/2 cup water (approximately 125 ml)

For the cream:
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 150 g sugar
- 200 g butter, at room temperature
- 4 egg yolks

For the meringue base:
- 200 g sugar
- 4 egg whites
- juice of 1 lemon
- lemon zest (optional)

For the glaze:
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 50 g butter
- 50 ml liquid cream

For the cake's rim:
- 100 g sugar
- roasted walnut kernels (approximately 150 g)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the base
We start with a simple yet essential step: place the ground walnuts, sugar, and water in a saucepan over low heat. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and starts to smell like roasted nuts. This will add a deep, rich flavor to the base.

Once the mixture has thickened, add the cocoa powder and biscuit crumbs. Mix well and let it cool slightly. Finally, incorporate the egg yolks, one at a time, mixing vigorously after each addition.

To achieve a light and fluffy texture, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold them into the walnut and cocoa mixture. Transfer the batter to a cake pan lined with parchment paper and bake for 40 minutes at 180°C. It is crucial that the base is not dry, so check with a toothpick – if it comes out clean, it’s done!

2. Preparing the cream
In a saucepan, combine the cocoa powder with half a cup of water and half of the sugar. Simmer over low heat, stirring until the mixture becomes creamy, similar to sour cream.

Meanwhile, in another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until they become a fine foam. Carefully pour the hot cocoa cream over the egg yolks, stirring continuously to avoid curdling. Continue to cook over low heat or in a double boiler, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Once the mixture has thickened, melt the butter and, after it has cooled slightly, incorporate it into the egg yolk cream. This cream will be rich and velvety.

3. Preparing the meringue base
Beat the egg whites until very stiff, then gradually add the sugar while continuing to mix until the mixture becomes glossy and firm. Add the lemon juice and, if desired, the lemon zest for added flavor. Bake the meringue at low heat, with the oven door slightly ajar, until it becomes dry.

4. The glaze and cake rim
For the glaze, melt the chocolate together with the butter and cream, stirring well until you achieve a smooth mixture.

For the cake’s rim, caramelize the sugar in a pan until it turns golden, then add the roasted walnut kernels. Carefully pour the hot mixture onto a buttered plate and let it cool. Once it has hardened, break it into small pieces using a rolling pin or a food processor.

5. Assembling the cake
Cut the cocoa base into two equal parts. Place the first piece on a serving platter, spread half of the cream, and top with the meringue base. Add the remaining cream, followed by the second piece of cocoa base. Cover everything with the chocolate glaze and “dress” the sides of the cake with the caramelized walnut krantz. This step not only adds an elegant look but also a crunchy texture that beautifully contrasts with the smooth cream.

Practical Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Use fresh, high-quality nuts for optimal flavor.
- If you don’t have fine sugar, you can use granulated sugar, but it may take a bit longer to dissolve.
- The cake keeps well in the refrigerator and becomes even tastier the next day as the flavors have time to develop.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This Chocolate Bunnies recipe is a rich dessert, with a considerable calorie content of about 350 calories per serving. Although it’s a treat, ingredients like nuts provide nutritional benefits, being good sources of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with hazelnuts or almonds, depending on personal preference.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and use chocolate with a higher cocoa content.

3. Is it possible to prepare the dessert gluten-free?
Yes, you can omit the biscuit crumbs or replace them with a similar gluten-free product.

Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A warm drink, like an espresso or cappuccino, will complement the sweetness of the cake, bringing a balance of flavors.

Chocolate Bunnies are more than just a dessert – they are a culinary experience that will delight the taste buds and bring joy with every bite. So, get ready to impress everyone with this delicious and sophisticated recipe!