Recipe: Mexican Chocolate Icebox Cake (using ladyfingers)

MEXICAN CHOCOLATE ICEBOX CAKE

"There's a hint of cinnamon in the chocolate filling and the whipped cream topping."

60 sponge-cake-type ladyfingers (from three 3-ounce packages)
2 3/4 cups chilled heavy (whipping) cream, divided use
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup white granulated sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, divided use
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided use
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 ounce semisweet chocolate, grated (for garnish)

Line bottom of 9-inch-diameter springform pan with ladyfingers. Line sides of pan with ladyfingers, standing ladyfingers side by side and rounded side out. Set aside.

Stir 3/4 cup whipping cream, unsweetened chocolate and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in heavy small saucepan over low heat until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove saucepan from heat and cool to room temperature.

Using electric mixer, beat 1 cup powdered sugar, butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla in large bowl until blended. Beat in cooled chocolate mixture. Set aside.

Combine remaining 2 cups cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla and cinnamon in another large bowl. Using clean dry beaters, beat until firm peaks form. Fold half of whipped cream mixture into chocolate mixture.

Spread half of chocolate filling in ladyfinger-lined pan. Top with layer of ladyfingers, then remaining chocolate filling. Pipe or spread remaining whipped cream mixture over filling. Sprinkle with grated semisweet chocolate.

Refrigerate until firm, at least 3 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated.) Remove pan sides from cake and serve.

Makes 12 servings
Source: Bon Appetit magazine, August 1999