Gâteau Basque is a traditional dessert that originated in the Basque region of France. This delectable cake is known for its buttery crust and rich chocolate filling, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. If you’re a chocolate lover, you’re in for a treat! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making a mouthwatering chocolate gâteau Basque that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to make this heavenly chocolate gâteau Basque:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Preparing the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Set this aside for later use.
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. Once the mixture is well combined, add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough crust. Once the dough comes together, divide it in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Making the Chocolate Filling
While the dough is chilling, let’s move on to preparing the delicious chocolate filling. In a heatproof bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir the mixture constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Assembling and Baking the Gâteau Basque
Once the dough has chilled, take one disk of dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Make sure it’s large enough to fit into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch (23 cm) tart pan. Press the dough into the pan, ensuring an even layer on the bottom and sides.
Tip: To prevent sticking, you can lightly butter the tart pan or use a removable bottom tart pan.
Pour the cooled chocolate filling onto the prepared dough, spreading it out evenly. Take the remaining disk of dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out to create a top crust for the gâteau. Carefully place the rolled dough over the chocolate filling, pressing the edges to seal the two crusts together.
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg, which will give it a beautiful golden color when baked. Using a sharp knife, make a few decorative slashes on the surface of the dough to allow steam to escape while baking.
Place the filled tart pan on a baking sheet and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the chocolate filling is set. Remove from the oven and let the gâteau basque cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storing
Once the gâteau basque has cooled, you can slice it into wedges and serve. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The gâteau basque can also be refrigerated for up to a week, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy its full flavor and texture.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate for the filling?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate, to customize the flavor of your gâteau basque.
Q: Can I freeze the gâteau basque?
A: Yes, you can freeze the gâteau basque for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Conclusion
Creating a chocolate gâteau basque may seem like a daunting task, but with this recipe, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with a delicious homemade dessert. The buttery crust and rich chocolate filling are a match made in heaven, and the end result is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in this delightful treat!
Key Takeaways
- Chocolate gâteau basque is a traditional French dessert known for its buttery crust and rich chocolate filling.
- Gather all the necessary ingredients before starting the recipe, including all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, butter, sugar, and eggs.
- Prepare the crust by combining the dry ingredients and creaming together the butter and sugar. Chill the dough before rolling it out.
- Melt the chocolate chips with cream to create the luscious chocolate filling.
- Assemble the gâteau basque by pressing the crust into the tart pan, pouring in the filling, and sealing with the top crust.
- Bake the gâteau until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Let the gâteau cool before serving, and pair it with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra treat.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 45-50 minutes | 2 hours, 15 minutes | 8-10 |
Now that you have all the steps and tips needed to make a heavenly chocolate gâteau basque, get your apron on and let the baking adventure begin!
