This thanksgiving, delight your guests with this luxurious concord cake

The Concord Cake combines indulgence and nostalgia in a single dessert and is perfect for celebrations with family. With its rich layers of velvety chocolate mousse nestled between crisp meringue, this cake offers a delightful contrast to the savory flavors that dominate the Thanksgiving feast. One cannot ignore its whimsical design, adorned with chocolate meringue sticks. Plus, its make-ahead convenience allows hosts to prepare this decadent treat in advance, freeing up time to savor the holiday festivities with loved ones.

Concord Cake: A Chocoholic's Dream

This cake is a chocoholic’s dream. It features crunchy and creamy textures in a whimsical design. Crisp, chewy meringue layers sandwich silky chocolate mousse. The entire creation is topped with a shower of chocolate meringue sticks. Each bite is a delightful indulgence.Ingredients

Chocolate Mousse

• 280 gm semisweet chocolate (finely chopped)
• 70 gm unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
• 150 gm sugar + 45 gm sugar (for syrup)
• 60 ml water
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/2 vanilla bean (split lengthwise and seeds scraped)
• 480 ml heavy cream (chilled)

Chocolate Meringue

• 240 gm confectioners’ sugar (plus more for dusting)
• 100 gm unsweetened cocoa powder
• 9 large egg whites
• 265 gm granulated sugar

Directions

Prepare the Mousse

1. Set a heatproof medium bowl over a pot of simmering water and melt the chopped chocolate with the butter, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat and keep warm.
2. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Boil over moderate heat without stirring until the sugar syrup reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk, beat the egg whites at medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
4. Gradually pour the hot syrup into the egg whites in a steady stream, beating until stiff and glossy.
5. Fold the melted chocolate into the egg whites until no white streaks remain. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
6. In the stand mixer, beat the chilled heavy cream until firm. Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture gently until combined.
7. Cover the mousse and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.

Make the Chocolate Meringue

1. Sift the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder into a medium bowl. Line 4 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper, tracing an 8-inch circle on 2 of the sheets.
2. In the stand mixer, beat the egg whites at low speed until foamy. Increase the speed to medium-high, beating until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating well after each addition, until stiff and glossy.
3. Fold in the cocoa powder and confectioners’ sugar until just combined.
4. Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a 1/2-inch tip. Pipe the meringue into the traced circles in a spiral, ensuring no gaps between the spirals. Pipe the remaining meringue into long sticks on the other sheets.
5. Let the meringue stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the meringue rounds for about 25 minutes until firm. Transfer to racks to cool completely.
7. Bake the meringue sticks for 12 to 14 minutes until firm. Cut into 6-inch lengths and cool on a rack.

Assemble the Cake

1. Place a meringue round on a cake stand or platter. Spoon half of the chilled chocolate mousse onto the meringue, spreading it evenly.
2. Top with the second meringue round and spread the remaining mousse on top, mounding it slightly.
3. Cover the entire cake with chocolate meringue sticks, refrigerating until the mousse is firm, at least six hours or overnight.
4. Just before serving, dust the cake with confectioners’ sugar for a finishing touch.

How to serve?

To serve the Concord Cake at your Thanksgiving party, start by transferring the chilled cake to a decorative cake stand or platter. This cake will show off its fancy layers and those whimsical meringue sticks. A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar on top gives a touch of elegance.Cut thick wedges of the cake, making sure each slice has both meringue and mousse. Freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds richness. You might think about pairing it with seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or cranberries for some color. It’ll look great for Instagram!For a truly indulgent experience, consider pairing them with treats like chocolate-covered strawberries, creamy chocolate pudding, or a sophisticated chocolate tart to create a delightful dessert spread.