Ant House Cake With Chocolate Mascarpone Frosting Recipes

CHOCOLATE MASCARPONE FROSTING

Steps:

• This frosting needs to be used immediately to frost cake so make sure your cake is ready to be frosted.
• Sift cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Don't skip this step!
• Using a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk mascarpone cheese, cocoa powder and powdered sugar on medium speed until combined. Stop occasionally and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Because the cheese is cold it's ok if it takes 1-2 minutes or more until it's combined (If it doesn't come together easily, you can use the paddle attachment, and switch to the whisk attachment before adding the heavy cream). Add heavy cream and gradually increase speed to high. Whisk until desired consistency is reached; for a frosting that holds its shape well whisk until stiff peaks - keep whisking until the peaks stand straight up and appear firm when beaters are lifted up. Be careful at that point not to overwhip, which will cause the cream to have a grainy texture or eventually turn into butter. Use immediately.

RUSSIAN ANT HILL CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
• Combine 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sugar in a bowl; stir well. Whisk in sour cream until smooth. Mix flour and baking powder and sift over batter. Knead everything until a smooth, stiff dough forms.
• Using the meat grinder attachment of your kitchen aid, pass handfuls of the dough through the grinder. Spread ground dough pieces bits evenly over the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
• Beat 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of softened butter in a bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add dulce de leche and beat until well combined. Add the cooled cake pieces to the caramel mixture and fold in with a spatula until well combined.
• Mound the mixture onto a serving plate. Using buttered hands, form the mixture into an ant hill. Sprinkle with poppy seeds.