Dark Chocolate Pretzel Cake Food

CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• For the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch nonstick springform pan with nonstick cooking spray and line with parchment, separately on the bottom and a collar around the sides.
• Mix together the pretzels, butter, sugar and cookie crumbs in a large bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 8 minutes. Set aside while you make the cheesecake. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
• For the cheesecake: Melt the chocolate in the microwave or using a double boiler until smooth. Set aside.
• Beat the cream cheese and sugar in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on medium speed until very smooth, about 1 minute, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Turn the mixer to low, add the sour cream and cocoa powder and mix until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Add the melted chocolate and then the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until mixed; do not overmix. Pour the filling over the crust and spread into an even layer.
• Double-wrap the bottom of the springform pan with foil, sealing it tightly to prevent water from getting into the pan. Place the springform pan into a larger pan and pour very hot water into the pan until it is about 3/4 inch deep, being careful to make sure the water level doesn't come up higher than the foil.
• Bake until the center is almost set, 60 to 70 minutes. The center will still jiggle, while the edges will be set. Crack the oven door and allow the cake to cool in the oven for 1 to 2 hours.
• Remove the cake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and preferably overnight.
• For the chocolate topping: Add the dark chocolate and coconut oil to a double boiler and heat until melted. Let cool slightly, then pour over the cheesecake, spreading so that the sauce drips slightly over the side. The chocolate will harden quickly, so immediately decorate the top of the cake with any additional toppings such as Cookie Pretzel Bark. Cut into wedges and serve chilled.
• Line a small baking sheet with parchment.
• Place a large glass bowl over a pot of simmering water so that the bottom of the bowl is not touching the water and add the chocolate. Heat until melted.
• Spread the chocolate into a thin layer on the parchment. Sprinkle the crushed pretzels and cookies on the melted chocolate and place in the freezer until completely hardened, 10 to 15 minutes. Break into pieces and use to decorate the top of the cheesecake.

CHOCOLATE PRETZEL POKE 'BOX' CAKE RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Prepare and bake chocolate cake according to package instructions.
• Let cool 10 minutes before poking even holes throughout the cake with a chopstick or the end of a wooden spoon.
• Distribute condensed milk over the entire cake, making sure it runs in the holes, followed by can of caramel.
• Slather on cream, making sure to smooth it out on top. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight.
• Slice cake into even rectangles and sprinkle chopped pretzels on top.
• Serve with a drizzle of caramel topping.
• Enjoy!

DARK CHOCOLATE-DIPPED PRETZELS

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. Put the chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave 30 seconds. Stir, then microwave 30 more seconds. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Dip each pretzel halfway into the chocolate, then place on the wax paper. Refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes.
• Per serving (6 pieces): Calories 100; Fat 5 g (Saturated 3 g); Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 150 mg; Carbohydrate 13 g; Fiber 1 g; Protein 2 g Photograph by Jonathan Kantor

PRETZEL-CRUSTED FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH SAUTEED SPICED PEARS AND SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• For the pretzel crust: In a food processor, pulse the pretzels, sugar and butter together until nearly as fine as graham cracker crumbs.
• Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment and press the pretzel crumbs into the base.
• Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 10 minutes. Cool on a rack.
• Once cooled, scatter the caramel pieces over the top and set aside
• For the flourless chocolate cake: Adjust the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler over medium heat.
• In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the egg whites on medium-high speed until they reach medium peaks.
• Add the sugar and whip to stiff peaks. Add the egg yolks and whip for two minutes.
• Fold in the chocolate mixture in three stages, being careful not to deflate the batter.
• Pour the batter into the pretzel crust, and bake for 15 minutes. When done, the center should feel slightly bouncy, but an inserted cake tester should come out like a moist brownie batter.
• Allow the cake to cool overnight before unmolding.
• For the spice blend: In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon, ginger and star anise until well blended. Set aside.
• For the sauteed pears: In a saute pan over medium heat, saute the pears until slightly translucent.
• Add the sugar and 1/2 tablespoon of the spice blend, and cook until the pears are tender and their juices slightly thickened. Allow to cool before use.
• For the salted caramel sauce: In a large pot, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup and salt. Cook until the mixture acquires a nice amber color, indicating it has reached the caramel stage (325 degrees F on a candy thermometer). Remove from the heat.
• Gently heat the cream in the microwave, then add it slowly to the caramel (be very careful¿the mixture will bubble up!).
• Once all cream is added, stir in the butter. Taste and season with more salt if necessary. Let cool.
• To finish: Top the cake with sauteed pears and pour caramel over. Chill until the caramel sets.
• Serve with brandy-flavored sweetened whipped cream.