I used a special buche mold to make this cake (see picture for product link), but you could use a standard-size 9x5-inch loaf pan. If you use a loaf pan, line it with parchment paper that overhangs two edges. The cake will need to thaw slightly before it will cleanly release from the pan.
1/4cupmilkhot - (put in the microwave for 30+ seconds)
8oz.quality chocolatechopped
3/4cupwhipping cream
Glaze/topping
9oz.chocolatefinely chopped
1cupheavy whipping cream
1tbsp.corn syrup
Chocolate mint twigssuch as Grand Belgian brand or Revillon
Piecesof white chocolate with wood grain motif *optional
Instructions
For the mint cheesecake: In a large heatproof bowl, melt the white chocolate at 30-second intervals in the microwave at full power, stirring well after each heating. When chocolate is smooth, add the cream cheese and mix well with an electric mixer. Add the sweetened condensed milk and beat until smooth. In a small microwave-safe condiment cup combine the water and gelatin. Let mixture stand for 1 minute. Heat gelatin in the microwave for 5-10 seconds or until liquefied. Stir gelatin into the cream cheese mixture. Pour in the (un-whipped) heavy cream and 2 teaspoons peppermint extract. Mix with a handheld mixer on the lowest speed until just incorporated. Pour the batter into a silicone buche pan or a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Place in the freezer while you make the chocolate mousse layer.
For the chocolate mousse layer: Pour water into a small saucepan and sprinkle over powdered gelatin. Let stand for 1 minute. Whisk in eggs and sugar. Stir in hot milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Mixture will thicken after 5 minutes or so. When done, it should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in chopped chocolate and blend gently with a whisk until chocolate is melted and even in color (no streaks). Let this mixture cool until barely warm, about 25 minutes; stir mixture occasionally. Whip cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until well blended. Pour mixture over the mint cheesecake layer in the buche pan and smooth the top. Cover and freeze for at least 3 hours, or until frozen firm.
To unmold, place buche pan over a wire rack. Soak a dish towel in hot water and lightly wring; place hot towel over the bottom of the buche mold. Gently pry sides of mold away from the mousse. Press the top of the mold gently with your hands until the mousse releases. Place the rack over a large jelly roll pan; place cake in the freezer while you prepare the glaze.
For the glaze: place heavy cream in a large microwaveable bowl. Heat in the microwave at 40 second intervals until very hot but not boiling (you can do this on the stove top if you don’t have a microwave). Stir in chopped chocolate. Let stand for 3 minutes then begin gently stirring mixture. You can use a whisk, but do not whisk vigorously as it will create air bubbles in the finished glaze. When chocolate and cream are thoroughly mixed and smooth, add corn syrup. Stir until combined. Transfer to a 4-cup measure with a pour spout. *Note: Corn syrup can be omitted if desired. It is used in this recipe to give the glaze shine.
Remove cake from freezer and pour glaze over entire surface. Allow the dessert to stand until the glaze dripping subsides, then pour excess chocolate in the jelly roll pan back into the 4-cup measure. Rewarm glaze for 20-30 seconds in the microwave if it has thickened. Stir, then pour a second coat over the entire surface of the dessert. When dripping subsides repeat warming and pouring process a third time (the more times you cover with chocolate, the smoother the surface becomes). Transfer cake to a serving platter with a large spatula on one side of the dessert and a hand supporting underneath on the other side. Press mint twigs on top of the cake in crisscross fashion. Place white chocolate pieces on top of cake, if using. Store the cake in the refrigerator or freezer. Cake slices best when partially frozen. Allow mousse to stand at room temperature until soft but still chilled; serve.
Keyword champagne ganache, chocolate mousse, mint cheesecake