Chocolate towers

Chocolate Towers – An Irresistible Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 10 towers

Who can resist a chocolate cake? This chocolate tower recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you are throwing a party or want to indulge in a delicious and sophisticated dessert. Full of flavor and with a fine texture, these towers are a true treat for chocolate lovers.

A Brief History of Chocolate Towers

The origins of chocolate desserts are deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of many cultures. From simple cakes to elaborate ones, chocolate has been cherished over time as a sacred ingredient used in delicacies that celebrate special moments in life. These chocolate towers bring a touch of elegance and refinement to any table, turning every bite into an unforgettable experience.

Ingredients

For the base:
- 3 eggs
- 80 g powdered sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 80 g flour
- 20 g cocoa

For the cream:
- 250 ml liquid cream
- 70 g granulated sugar
- 50 g cocoa
- 150 g plain chocolate

For decoration:
- 100 ml cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Nuts or almonds (for the base of the towers)

Ingredient Details

- Eggs: Make sure they are fresh. Room temperature eggs whip better, so you can take them out of the fridge a little before starting.
- Powdered sugar: Preferred over granulated sugar in this recipe because it dissolves more easily, providing a fine base.
- Flour and cocoa: Sifting these ingredients is essential to avoid lumps and achieve an airy texture.
- Cream: Choose a high-fat cream for a richer and more stable cream. Be careful not to let the cream boil, or it will curdle!

Preparation Techniques

1. Preparing the base:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites until stiff, gradually adding the powdered sugar. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes glossy and firm.

Then add the beaten yolks with vanilla sugar. Gently fold in the sifted flour with cocoa, mixing with a spatula from bottom to top to keep the batter airy.

Pour the batter into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes. Let it cool in the tray, then turn it out onto a platter and cut out circles with a diameter of 8 cm. These will form the base of your towers.

2. Preparing the cream:
For the cream, mix the liquid cream with granulated sugar and 50 g of cocoa in a saucepan. Place the mixture over heat and bring it to a boil, being careful not to let it boil. Once it starts boiling, remove it from the heat and add the chopped plain chocolate. Mix well until the chocolate completely melts.

Let the cream cool, then refrigerate for about an hour until it thickens. After that, use a mixer to whip it well, achieving a fluffy texture.

3. Assembling the towers:
Take 3 circles of base and stick them together with the cream. Once you have formed the towers, cover them with cream on top and sides.

To decorate, pour dark chocolate glaze over the top. At the base of each tower, add crushed nuts or almonds for extra crunch. Finish with a generous portion of cream on top and chocolate shavings for an attractive look.

Useful Tip

To ensure the cream remains firm and does not curdle, make sure the cream never reaches boiling point. Use a kitchen thermometer if you have one handy, and keep the temperature below 90°C.

Variations and Combinations

- Vary the flavors: You can add a teaspoon of vanilla or rum essence to the chocolate cream for an even more intense taste.
- Fresh fruits: Serve the towers with some fresh berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, for a contrast of flavors and colors.
- Recommended drinks: These chocolate towers pair wonderfully with a cup of flavored coffee or a glass of sweet wine to enhance the rich taste of chocolate.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

Each tower contains approximately 250 calories, making it an indulgent yet delicious choice. Chocolate is known for its antioxidant content, which can have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Consumed in moderation, dark chocolate can improve mood and provide energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Of course! Milk chocolate will make the cream sweeter, but it will be just as delicious.

2. How can I store the towers for several days?
I recommend keeping them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for 2-3 days.

3. Can I use whipped cream from a can?
While you can use canned whipped cream for decoration, making the cream with natural whipped cream will provide a much richer texture and taste.

Final Note

These chocolate towers are more than just a dessert; they are a culinary experience that combines flavors, textures, and moments of joy. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by the magic of chocolate! Each bite will bring a smile to your face and to those you love. Enjoy!