Master Paul’s 14th Birthday Cake
Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Swiss Meringue Buttercream
This past week the cake hotline rang with a request for a birthday cake. This cake was for a young man with simple tastes who was turning 14. I took a moment to figure out the cake plan.
Chocolate and Strawberry are two flavors I knew he enjoys; this one was going to be a cinch! A rich chocolaty layer cake filled with sliced strawberries and Swiss meringue buttercream, frosted with a sinful chocolate Swiss meringue buttercream and some homemade chocolate covered strawberries. No frills, simple and classic, the kind of cake you might see in a coffee shop bakery cabinet. It is the perfect cake for any occasion.
Sliced strawberries and Swiss meringue buttercream fill this chocolate cake...
My sister presented me with a copy of Martha Stewart’s new cupcake cookbook…love it! I made her classic Swiss meringue buttercream and then jazzed it up by folding in some melted, cooled chocolate. This frosting is so good you could serve it all by itself!
Chocolate Swiss Meringue Buttercream
Makes about 6 cups
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 6 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 6oz. melted and cooled semi sweet chocolate
Directions:
1. Beat butter with electric mixer until fluffy and pale. Transfer to small bowl.
2. In double boiler over simmering water, whisk sugar and egg whites until warm and sugar is dissolved, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to clean bowl of electric mixer; beat on high with whisk attachment until fluffy and cooled, about 10 minutes.
3. Reduce mixer to medium-low; add butter a scant 1/4 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla. Fold in the cooled melted chocolate.
4. Switch to paddle attachment; beat on lowest speed 3 to 5 minutes. Leave at room temperature if using same day. Or store airtight in refrigerator up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature; beat until smooth.
Happy Birthday Paul!
Tags: buttercream, cake, Cake Decorating, celebration cake, chocolate, chocolate cake
July 1st, 2009 at 1:49 pm
yum, this looks delicious! i’m going to have to try a swiss meringue buttercream asap.
July 3rd, 2009 at 6:26 pm
I have made that icing, it is amazing. I was on a trip to the States and found a recipe card of martha’s at Target, I can’t even remember what section on the store, I am in such a frenzy to get to Target when we visit. Anyway, when i got home and found this card I decided to make it on one of those nights when you just need to bake.. I have never tasted any icing any better..
I just bought the book today, and found your site simply by googling for a copy of the picture of the cover. I love your blog and will check in from time to time.
I think I will try the corn salad.
have a great weekend.
July 4th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Thanks Crystal! We too love that frosting – really is amazing. Actually going to be eating this same cake today at my mom’s – can’t wait. We appreciate your comments. You will love the corn salad – it is simple and delicious.
July 8th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
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