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New Orleans Chocolate Layer Cake


New Orleans Chocolate Layer Cake
Source: Maida Heatter's Book of Great Chocolate Desserts (Andrews & McMeel Publishing, 2006 ed.), pg. 57.

Since this recipe is rather lengthy (as most of Maida's recipes are) and I don't want to be accused of copyright infringement, I will occasionally link the recipe elsewhere if it is available. You can find the full-text of this recipe (as well as Maida's introduction) here. If the link doesn't work, let me know.

My Notes: What a delicious cake this is! I usually make notes in the book after I complete a recipe and I had jotted down "rave reviews" next to this one. I took it to work a few weeks ago and my co-workers were very complimentary and everyone wanted to know what was in the filling. It is a dark and moist cake with a thick pudding-like filling and covered with a lush but delicate whipped cream frosting.

I also noted "filling was a bit complicated". It was, but as with all of Maida's recipes, she is very exact in her instructions. The only mistake I made was that I forgot to sift the flour and the filling was a bit lumpy. So, next time, I will make sure to sift the flour! This is a a procedure that I have almost gotten into the habit of, so I'm surprised I forgot it this time. Do sift the flour!

I also never recalled scalding milk for a recipe before. It is actually very easy, just heat it until it has a slightly wrinkled skin on top.
 
This is definitely a cake that I can't wait to make again!




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Comments

Anonymous said…
Phillip, I will gain weight reading your new blog. Guess I'll have to work harder in the garden to get it off!
This is exciting.
November 15, 2011 at 8:12 PM
Phillip Oliver said…
You are my first commenter - thank you!
November 15, 2011 at 9:45 PM
BJ Wilson said…
Yummy! I am looking forward to following your new blog. :)
November 16, 2011 at 11:40 AM
Carol said…
that is a beautiful cake. wish i had a piece right now with a big cup of coffee! Carol
November 16, 2011 at 5:52 PM
Phillip Oliver said…
Thanks Carol, I will check out your blogs!
November 16, 2011 at 6:02 PM
Anonymous said…
My Mom a long time baker has trouble with leaving out concessional ingredients & somehow they turn out great. Good luck on your new blog.
November 17, 2011 at 5:09 AM
Anonymous said…
This looks yummy, however this is not the New Orleans Chocolate Cake that my moms been making for the last 45 years. This must be the NEW New Orleans Chocolate Cake.
October 2, 2013 at 8:20 PM
Anonymous said…
I have made this cake for my son's birthday for years. But because of the filling, I now only make it if we are having several people. However, I frequently make the New Orleans cake, and frost it with her recipe of Whipped Chocolate Icing recipe that goes with the Old Fashioned Cake. (Page 92-93if you have 1978,1980 edition.) The best part is that It is possible freeze the whole cake, icing and all. The icing is like fudge and goes well with the moist cake. This is my most requested cake by chocolate lovers.
January 7, 2017 at 11:57 AM
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