Ingredients

  • 12 oz dark chocolate, chopped
  • 2 sticks + 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 1/4 cup sugar
  • 8 None eggs, separated
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp + 1 tsp cocoa powder
  • 1 1/3 cup ground whole almonds
  • 2 cup frozen strawberries
  • 20 oz cream cheese
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup + 1 tbsp powdered sugar
  • None None breadcrumbs to line the loaf pan

Method

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. In a small saucepan, melt 8 oz chopped chocolate, butter, and sugar while stirring. Whip egg whites with a pinch of salt in 2 batches (in 2 separate bowls) until stiff. In a large bowl, sift the flour and 3 tbsp cocoa powder. Stir in egg yolks, ground almonds, and chocolate mixture. Fold in the egg whites in 2 batches.
  • Grease a 12 x 4 inch loaf pan and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Pour batter into pan and bake for 45 minutes. Let loaf cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30-40 minutes. Carefully remove from pan and transfer to a plate. Let cool for at least 4 hours.
  • Meanwhile, thaw 1 cup frozen strawberries for 30 minutes, then dice finely. In a medium bowl, combine 12 oz of cream cheese, vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp powdered sugar. Gently stir in diced strawberries. Cut cooled loaf cake in half horizontally and spread with strawberry cream cheese. Cover with top layer and chill for 30 minutes.
  • Melt 4 oz chopped chocolate in a bowl set over simmering water. Let cool for 15 minutes. Sift 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp cocoa powder into a bowl. Add 8 oz cream cheese and whisk until smooth and thick. Stir in melted chocolate. Ice entire surface of loaf cake and chill at least 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile, thaw 1 cup frozen strawberries and cut each berry in half. Sprinkle chilled loaf cake with 1 tbsp cocoa powder and arrange strawberries on top.