This majestic layered cake combines rich chocolate, dried fruits, and creamy fillings for a dessert that’s as luxurious as its namesake.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Layers (make 2):
6 large eggs
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
12 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts (approx. 3/4 cup)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
For the White Layer:
14 large egg whites
2 large egg yolks
14 tablespoons granulated sugar
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3.5 oz (about 1/2 cup) ground walnuts
3.5 oz (about 1/2 cup) chopped dried figs
3.5 oz (about 1/2 cup) chopped walnuts
3.5 oz (about 1/2 cup) raisins
1 teaspoon cinnamon (additional ingredient)
For the Yellow Filling:
12 large egg yolks
3–5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
12 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 1/4 cups milk
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Filling:
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons milk
7 oz semisweet chocolate, melted
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
For Syrup:
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
Juice of 1 orange
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For Topping and Decoration:
2 cups whipped topping or whipped cream
7 oz white chocolate, melted
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. For the chocolate layers, whisk together eggs and sugar until fluffy. Gently fold in the walnuts, flour, and cocoa powder. Pour into a greased and parchment-lined baking pan (9×13 inches) and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Repeat to make the second layer.
For the white layer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add sugar, then mix in the yolks. Gently fold in flour, walnuts, dried figs, raisins, and cinnamon. Spread the batter in the same pan and bake for 25–30 minutes.
For the yellow filling, whisk together egg yolks, flour, and sugar. Heat milk in a saucepan and gradually whisk it into the yolk mixture. Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Cool completely, then beat with softened butter and powdered sugar.
For the chocolate filling, beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy. Add milk and cook the mixture over simmering water until thickened. Stir in melted chocolate and cool completely. Beat with butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
For the syrup, boil sugar and water until dissolved. Remove from heat, then stir in orange juice and vanilla extract.
To assemble, place one chocolate layer on a serving platter and brush generously with syrup. Spread yellow filling, then chocolate filling. Add the white layer, brush with syrup, and repeat the yellow and chocolate fillings. Top with the second chocolate layer and syrup.
Frost the cake with whipped topping. For decoration, pipe designs on parchment paper with melted white chocolate, let them set, and use them to adorn the cake.
