Description
Ina Garten’s chocolate mocha icebox cake melds rich mascarpone cream with espresso-soaked chocolate wafers. Layers of creamy indulgence chill into a luxurious dessert perfect for intimate gatherings and elegant dinner parties. You’ll savor each silky, coffee-infused bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 packages (8-oz or 226 g) Tate’s Bake Shop chocolate chip cookies
- 12 oz (340 g) mascarpone cheese
- 2 cups (480 ml) cold heavy cream
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) Kahlúa liqueur
- 2 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp instant espresso powder
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Shaved semisweet chocolate (for garnish)
Instructions
- Whip Mixture: Combine heavy cream, mascarpone, sugar, Kahlúa, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer, progressing from low to high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Layer Foundation: Line an 8-inch springform pan with chocolate chip cookies, breaking cookies to fill gaps completely and create a uniform base.
- Cream Application: Spread one-fifth of the mocha cream evenly over the cookie layer, ensuring total and consistent coverage.
- Layering Technique: Systematically alternate between cookie layers and cream, creating precise, flat arrangements. Build five complete layers, finishing with a cream topping.
- Smoothing and Chilling: Carefully smooth the surface and wrap the entire cake in plastic. Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to develop and texture to set perfectly.
- Finishing Touches: Remove springform pan sides by running a knife along the interior edges. Garnish with delicate chocolate shavings across the top.
- Serving: Present the cake chilled, cutting into elegant wedges that showcase the beautiful layered composition.
Notes
- Ingredient Quality Matters: Use high-quality chocolate chip cookies and fresh mascarpone for the most luxurious taste and smooth texture.
- Whipping Technique: Start mixing at low speed and gradually increase to prevent splattering and achieve perfect, glossy cream peaks.
- Chilling is Crucial: Overnight refrigeration allows flavors to develop and helps the cake set into a cohesive, creamy dessert.
- Cookie Placement Precision: Break cookies strategically to create a tight, even layer without gaps for a professional-looking finish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg