Marquesa de Chocolate

🧂 Ingredients

• 400g Dark chocolate(Use good quality dark chocolate, at least 60% cocoa solids, finely chopped.)
• 2 cups Heavy cream(Also known as whipping cream or double cream.)
• 2 packs Maria cookies(These are plain, round, sweet biscuits. If unavailable, substitute with digestive biscuits or similar plain cookies.)
• 100g Unsalted butter(Cut into cubes.)
• 1 cup Whole milk(For dipping the cookies.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the chocolate ganache: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and butter. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the cream is steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat. Add the finely chopped dark chocolate to the hot cream and butter mixture. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften, then whisk gently until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly, about 10-15 minutes, until it reaches a thick but pourable consistency.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes (active), 10 minutes (cooling)
2. 2

   Prepare the cookie dipping station: Pour the milk into a shallow dish or bowl wide enough to dip the cookies. Have your Maria cookies ready.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
3. 3

   Assemble the Marquesa: Choose a rectangular or square serving dish (approx. 8x8 inches or similar). Dip each Maria cookie briefly into the milk – do not soak them, just a quick dip on each side until slightly softened. Arrange a single layer of dipped cookies on the bottom of the dish, breaking cookies as needed to fill any gaps. Spread about one-third of the chocolate ganache evenly over the cookie layer. Repeat this process, creating alternating layers of dipped cookies and chocolate ganache, until you have used all the cookies and ganache. Aim for at least 3-4 layers.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes
4. 4

   Chill the Marquesa: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the dessert to set and the flavors to meld. This chilling time is crucial for the texture.

   ⏱️ 4 hours (minimum)
5. 5

   Serve: Once chilled and firm, remove the Marquesa from the refrigerator. Slice into portions using a sharp knife. Serve cold.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓For an even richer flavor, use chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage (70% or more).
• ✓Ensure the chocolate ganache is not too hot when layering, as it can make the cookies too mushy.
• ✓This dessert is best made a day in advance to allow the flavors to fully develop and the texture to firm up.
• ✓If you prefer a smoother texture for the ganache, you can gently melt the chocolate and butter together over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

🔄 Variations

• Add a tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the warm cream mixture for a mocha flavor.
• Fold in a handful of chopped nuts (like almonds or hazelnuts) between layers for added texture.
• For a boozy twist, add 1-2 tablespoons of rum or brandy to the chocolate ganache once it has cooled slightly.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving