Coffee Toffee Mocha Crunch Cake

I recently entered a recipe contest featuring frozen pound cake.  I didn't win the contest (I got 4th place), but I had fun spending the morning in the kitchen coming up with this creation.  Here's my entry:

Start with a partially thawed pound cake. Cut it into single-size portions about 1 1/2 inches thick using a serrated bread knife.

Cut each portion horizontally into 3 even layers.

That was easy. Now we get to put yummy stuff between the layers.

Pipe some lightly sweetened whipped cream on the bottom and middle layers, then sprinkle on toffee bits. I prefer Skor toffee bits because they have include chocolate. If you prefer, you can use Heath toffee bits which do not include chocolate.

Assemble the 3 layers together, drizzle mocha ganache on top, and sprinkle with more toffee bits. Serve immediately.

Items used to make this recipe:

(affiliate links)

• pure vanilla extract https://amzn.to/3G5Tlwr

• serrated bread knife https://amzn.to/2KlkMdX

• disposable piping bags https://amzn.to/2Uqb1jm

• open start piping tip https://amzn.to/2IbgKTB

• toffee bits with chocolate (Skor) https://amzn.to/2IbgKTB

• toffee bits without chocolate (Heath) https://amzn.to/2WZYkZm

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Coffee Toffee Mocha Crunch Cake

Prep Time: 1 hour

makes 6 servings

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

Mocha Ganache:

• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder

Espresso Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream, well chilled

• 1/4 cup superfine sugar

• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup English toffee bits

Additional Items:

• 16-ounce freezer pound cake, thawed

• 1 tablespoon English toffee bits for garnish

Directions

To Make the Mocha Ganache:

1. In a small saucepan, gently heat the cream until small bubbles appear around the edges of the pan.

2. Remove from heat and stir in espresso powder and chocolate chips.

3. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

4. Pour mixture into a glass measure with a pour spout; set aside uncovered at room temperature to cool and thicken slightly.

To Make the Espresso Cream Filling:

1. Place cream, sugar, espresso powder, and vanilla extract into a chilled bowl and beat until stiff peaks form.

2. Cover bowl with plastic and refrigerate until needed.

To Assemble the Cake:

1. Trim 1/4-inch from each end of the thawed cake.

2. Cut the remaining cake vertically into 6 equal portions about 1 1/2-inches wide; then cut each portion horizontally into 3 layers.

3. Place the bottom layer of each portion onto a freezer-safe platter or individual dessert plates and pipe a decorative layer of Espresso Cream Filling using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip, then sprinkle 1 teaspoon of toffee bits on each.

4. Gently place the middle layer on top of the toffee bits, being careful not to squash the decorative piping.

5. Place in freezer for 20 minutes to set.

6. Remove from freezer and pipe another decorative layer of Mocha Cream Filling onto each portion, sprinkle each with another teaspoon of toffee bits, and gently place the top layer of pound cake on top of the toffee bits, again, being careful not to squash the decorative piping; return to freezer for another 20 minutes.

7. Remove from freezer and drizzle Mocha Ganache over each portions and garnish with extra toffee bits. Serve immediately.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Pudding

I absolutely adore chocolate and cinnamon together so I tweaked a chocolate pudding recipe to mimic the flavor profile of Mexican hot chocolate.  Want some?  You know you do.  Sorry I can't share, but you can make your own.  Just measure out the ingredients and grab a heavy-bottomed saucepan, a whisk, and some dessert bowls - I'll help you along the way.  You won't believe how fast and easy the process is.

To start, just throw all the ingredients into a medium size heavy-bottom saucepan (chocolate and dairy are very sensitive to heat so using a heavy-bottomed pan will prevent these precious ingredient from scorching or burning).

Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.

Strain the pudding through a sieve to remove any lumps.

Quickly pour the pudding into dessert dishes and press plastic wrap directly on the pudding surface to prevent a skin from forming... unless that's your thing ;).

Chill for a couple hours before serving. I like to garnish with freshly whipped cream and ginger snaps.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Pudding

serves 6 servings

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/8 teaspoon fine salt

• 3 cups whole milk

• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped fine

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a heavy-bottomed sauce pan over medium heat, combine the cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, and salt; add the milk and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens; about 15-20 minutes (I like to get in there with a flat silicone spatula every now and then to be sure nothing is sticking in the corners or on the bottom of the pan).

2. Remove pan from heat and stir in chopped chocolate and vanilla; stir until chocolate is melted and fully incorporated.

3. Strain through a sieve before spooning into individual ramekins to ensure a perfectly smooth texture.

4. Cover pudding with plastic wrap that is touching the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.

5. Chill for a couple hours. Optional garnish - freshly whipped cream and ginger snaps.

adapted from The Essence of Chocolate (Scharffenberger)