Photo: Tina Cornett / Styling: Mary Lyn H. Jenkins
Although groom's cakes are not traditionally served in all regions of the country, guests often appreciate having an alternative to the traditional bride's cake. This version features a nutty pecan filling that guests are sure to love.
How to Make It
Step 1
Prepare 2 1/2 recipes Chocolate Cake, 1 recipe at a time, and bake layers according to directions.
Step 2
Wrap each layer in plastic wrap; freeze 2 hours.
Step 3
Cut domed top off each layer using a serrated knife, if necessary.
Step 4
Cut 1 (13- x 9-inch) and 1 (9- x 5-inch) rectangle from sturdy cardboard; cover with aluminum foil.
Step 5
Spread a small amount of Chocolate Ganache Frosting on 1 side of 13- x 9-inch cardboard rectangle; place 1 (13- x 9-inch) cake layer on top. Spread 2 1/2 cups Pecan Filling over cake layer, leaving a 1-inch border. Top cake with the remaining 13- x 9-inch layer.
Step 6
Cut 4 wooden skewers to height of 13- x 9-inch tier; insert skewers vertically into cake tier, evenly spaced and level with top of tier, about 3 inches from sides.
Step 7
Assemble 2 (9- x 5-inch) layers on cardboard as directed above, using remaining 1/2 cup Pecan Filling and omitting wooden skewers.
Step 8
Spread top and sides of both tiers with frosting, smoothing with a wet metal spatula.
Step 9
Chill tiers up to 2 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
Step 10
Position 9- x 5-inch tier in the center of 13- x 9-inch tier; place cake on stand.
Step 11
Insert a coupler into a decorating bag. Fit coupler with metal tip #32; fill with frosting. Pipe a shell border on top and bottom edges of each tier. Pipe vines onto tiers using metal tip # Pipe leaves onto vines using metal tip #
Step 12
Attach Chocolate-Covered Twigs to cake with a small amount of frosting. Arrange leaves and blackberries on tops and sides of tiers.
Step 13
Chef's Notes
You can chill the cake tiers for up to 2 days, or freeze up to 2 months. Be sure to remove the blackberry leaves and twigs before eating cake.
