Chocolate Walnut Praline Cake

The chocolate ganache, Cointreau and walnut praline will transform your package of chocolate fudge cake mix into an elegant dessert in no time. Your guests will wonder when you had time to bake such a decadent dessert during the busy holiday season!

Cool: 1 hr 40 min | Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Cake

• 1 (18.25 ounce) chocolate fudge cake mix*

Praline

• 1 cup water
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons whipping cream
• 3 cups California walnuts, coarsely chopped

Chocolate Ganache

• 2 cups real semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 tablespoons Cointreau liqueur

Instructions

Cake

1. Bake cake in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan according to package instructions. Grease a rimmed baking sheet and set aside.

Praline

1. In saucepan bring water and sugar to boil over medium heat. Cook, without stirring, brushing down sides of pan with a brush dipped in warm water to prevent crystallization. Cook for about 18 minutes, until dark amber.
2. Remove from heat immediately and stir in cream and walnuts. Spread onto prepared sheet and cool completely.
3. Break into pieces and pulse in food processor until coarsely ground.

Ganache

1. In microwavable bowl, combine chocolate chips, cream and butter. Heat on high for 2 minutes, stirring twice, until melted and smooth.
2. Slice cake in half lengthwise and then slice each half to make 4 layers that measure 4 1/2 x 12 inches.
3. Brush 1 tablespoon of Cointreau on the bottom layer of cake.
4. Spread 1/4 cup of chocolate ganache and sprinkle with 1/3 cup praline.
5. Repeat twice; top with last layer of cake.
6. Cover cake with remaining ganache and cover sides with praline.
7. Refrigerate for 1 hour and up to one day before serving.

Notes

* 18.25 ounce boxes of cake mix have been replaced by 16.5 ounce and 15.25 ounce boxes. To compensate for the volume loss in a 16 ounce box, whisk 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour into the dry cake mix before proceeding with the recipe. To compensate for the volume loss in a 15.25 ounce box, add 1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder.

Nutrition

Per serving: 750 Calories fat 45g Saturated fat 15g Monounsaturated fat 12g polyunsaturated fat 17g Cholesterol 35mg Sodium 370mg Carbohydrates 88g Dietary Fiber 5g Protein 9g

Attribution

Recipe and photo used with permission from: California Walnuts