Dark Chocolate Raspberry Napoleon

Makes 10 to 12 servings

This deep rich chocolate cake combines mascarpone, lemon and coffee for a new approach to a classic tiramisu. You can use orange-flavoured liqueur or 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla plus 2 tsp (10 mL) water instead of the Marsala.

ingredients

4 oz (125 g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tbsp (25 mL) butter
5 eggs, separated
Pinch salt
1/2 cup (125 mL) granulated sugar
3 tbsp (45 mL) cocoa powder
1 tbsp (15 mL) cornstarch
1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) instant coffee granules
4 tsp (20 mL) marsala
Filling:
1/2 cup (125 mL) whipping cream
3 tbsp (45 mL) granulated sugar
1 cup (250 mL) mascarpone cheese
2 tsp (10 mL) finely grated lemon rind
2 cups (500 mL) raspberries
Topping:
1 tsp (5 mL) icing sugar
1/2 tsp (2 mL) cocoa powder

directions

1
In large heatproof bowl over saucepan of hot (not boiling) water, melt together chocolate, butter and 3 tbsp (45 mL) water. Whisk in egg yolks, 1 at a time, until smooth. Turn off heat; keep warm.
2
In separate bowl, beat egg whites with salt until foamy. Beat in sugar, 1 tbsp (15 mL) at a time, until stiff peaks form.
3
Remove chocolate from heat; whisk in one-third of the whites. Gently fold in remaining whites. Sift cocoa and cornstarch over top; fold in.
4
Pour onto parchment paper–lined 15- x 10-inch (38 x 25 cm) baking sheet. With offset spatula and using as few strokes as possible, spread evenly. Bake in centre of 350°F (180°C) oven for 20 to 22 minutes or until firm to the touch. Loosen edges with knife; let cool on pan for 5 minutes. Slide onto rack, let cool completely. (Make-ahead: Wrap in plastic wrap and set aside for up to 24 hours.) Trim edges; cut crosswise into thirds. Loosen from paper with spatula.
5
Invert 2 of the cake layers onto work surface. Dissolve coffee granules in Marsala; brush over layers. Transfer 1 of the layers to platter; set aside.
6
Filling: In large bowl, whip cream with sugar; fold in mascarpone and lemon rind. Using offset spatula, spread half over cake layer on plate; sprinkle with half of the raspberries. Repeat layers once. Top with remaining cake layer. (Make-ahead: Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.)
7
Topping: Sift icing sugar and cocoa over top.