Chocolate Marquise is an exquisite French dessert that is both rich and elegant, offering a deeply satisfying chocolate experience. This luxurious treat features a dense, silky texture similar to a frozen mousse, combining bittersweet chocolate with butter, sugar, and eggs to create a dessert that melts decadently in your mouth. Often served with a contrasting sauce, such as raspberry coulis or crème anglaise, the Chocolate Marquise is a showstopper that is perfect for special occasions and fine dining. It is typically chilled until firm, then sliced and garnished with whipped cream or fresh berries to add freshness and a light touch to balance its intensity.
Recipe: Chocolate Marquise
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of high-quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional for serving: raspberry coulis, crème anglaise, whipped cream, or fresh berries
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chocolate and Butter:
- Gently melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (double boiler method), stirring frequently until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix the Eggs and Sugar:
- In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is pale and thick. This can take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer on high speed.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Gradually fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.
- Set the Marquise:
- Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap, allowing extra wrap to hang over the edges for easy removal later. Pour the chocolate mixture into the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Fold the overhanging plastic wrap over the surface or cover with additional plastic wrap.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the marquise for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until it is firm and set.
- Serve:
- To serve, unfold the plastic wrap and invert the marquise onto a serving platter. Lift the pan off, then peel away the plastic wrap. Dust with additional cocoa powder if desired. Slice the marquise with a hot, dry knife for clean cuts.
- Serve slices with your choice of raspberry coulis, crème anglaise, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
Chocolate Marquise is a timeless dessert that is sure to impress with its luxurious texture and deep chocolate flavor. This dessert is not only a pleasure to eat but also a joy to present, making it an ideal choice for any celebration or formal dinner.
