Tuesdays with Dorie - Chocolate Caramel Chestnut Cake

If there were ever a cake to make me say, "that is so not worth the time." It would be this one. After hours and hours of mixing, baking, chilling and more crud...I finally had a finished cake. And after I had a chance to wait a good 12-24 hours, I was actually able to enjoy it.

...and now I'm thinking. Maybe it was worth the time?

Behold, the Chocolate Caramel Chestnut Cake:


This cake has the elements and design of a show-stopping celebration cake. It's layered, chock full of chocolate ganache and has a unique ingredient: chestnuts. To be honest, I had never really tasted a chestnut until making this cake. And? Yes, I liked it. {I will be incorporating chestnuts into my fall and holiday baking from now on.}

So in reality, I don't think I'd make this cake in its entirety if I had a craving for chocolate, chestnut or caramel. BUT, I do think I would make elements of it. Don't get me wrong, it is delicious. But a) it is super-rich b)it's expensive to make { Over a pound of butter, a pint of cream, and nearly a pound and a half of various chocolates, not to mention the chestnut paste and chopped chestnuts.} and c) it takes a lot of time {two days worth}.

Here's the adjustments I would make. I'd make the chestnut cake, as is. Then I'd make the caramel ganache and just not add the butter to it. Then I'd drizzle the ganache glaze and some caramel on top. And, I'd probably do this all in cupcake form to save on baking time! OR I'd just make the chestnut cake and call it good. It really is a winner all on its own!

But with all my whining, I'm so glad I had the chance to try my hand at making {and tasting} this beautiful cake. It was festive. It was a challenge. It was delicious. Make sure you head on over to the Tuesdays with Dorie blogroll to see how the other bakers like the recipe. And to find the recipe click on over to Katya's blog: Second Dinner.


Next week: Rosy Poached Pear and Pistachio Tart
Last week: All-in-One Holiday Bundt Cake