Four Stars: Chocolate Cake Ideas – US Food Trends

No dessert menu is complete without a delicious rendition of chocolate cake, and chefs are taking liberties to spice up every slice.

This article first appeared in the 1 December 2008 issue of Restaurants & Institutions (R&I).

R&I is the USA's leading source of food and business-trend information and exclusive research on operators and restaurant patrons. Editorial coverage spans the entire foodservice industry, including chains, independent restaurants, hotels and institutions. Visit the R&I website to find out more about the magazine or to search its recipe database.

By Allison Perlik, Senior Editor

Chocolate Indulgence (pictured above)
Oak Steakhouse, Charleston, S.C. This six-layer treat from Chef Brett McKee alternates bands of devil's-food cake (spiced with cinnamon and cloves) and silky chocolate buttercream. The ganache coating is made with couverture, a professional-quality chocolate known for its glossy finish. A shot glass of ice-cold milk adds whimsy to the presentation.

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Iowa State University, Ames This cake was designed to commemorate the opening of the school's Christian Petersen Art Museum. Eggs and sugar are whisked together over a boiling water bath and then whipped until cool. Melted chocolate and whipped cream are folded in before baking. The garnish is inspired by a piece of artwork on campus.

Chocolate-Lavender Ganache Cake

Jack in the Box, multiple locations Made rich with cocoa powder and instant espresso, Pastry Chef Molly Harding's cake is filled and frosted with whipped, lavender-infused ganache. More of the ganache is warmed and poured over the cooled cake, creating a sleek, shiny glaze; lavender-honey whipped cream and a drizzle of lavender honey complement each slice.

Chocolate Overload Cake

Jack in the Box, multiple locations. These petite bundt-style cakes, which sell for less than $2, ranked among the San Diego-based quick-service chain's most-popular menu introductions last year. The recipe combines dark European and double-Dutch cocoas with bittersweet chocolate chips. Chocolate-buttercream frosting gives the cakes an extra sweet touch.

R&I chocolate cake recipes

Chocolate Chipotle Bread Pudding >> Chocolate Trio: Molten-Chocolate Cake with Gianduja Bavarian and Warm Milk-Chocolate Coconut Shake >>
Flourless Chocolate Cake >> Melicia >>
Mini Green-Tea Chocolate Cakes >>