For the batter:
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 cup unsalted butter or margarine
3 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 tablespoons vanilla extract
4 large eggs
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups chopped bittersweet chocolate
For the filling:
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
80g bittersweet chocolate
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter or margarine
2 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
2 cups chopped almonds or hazelnuts, toasted and ground
For the batter:
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 cup unsalted butter or margarine
3 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 tablespoons vanilla extract
4 large eggs
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups chopped bittersweet chocolate
For the filling:
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
80g bittersweet chocolate
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter or margarine
2 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
2 cups chopped almonds or hazelnuts, toasted and ground
Grease a 30x45cm baking dish and dust with flour
Mix the flour and yeast
Beat the butter for 30 seconds
Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, beat until well combined
Add the eggs one at a time, beating 1 minute after each addition
Alternate adding the flour-yeast mixture and milk, beating well
Pour some of the batter into the prepared baking dish
Dust with some chopped chocolate, cover with the remaining batter, and dust with the remaining chocolate
Bake in a moderate oven (200°C) for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean
Let cool and unmold
Note: to assemble the cake, you will need to make two batches
Cut each cake into three parts width-wise
To assemble, place five layers on top of each other, filling one layer, cutting it into three, and placing two layers to form the final tier
Use the remaining cake to create decorations around the edges
For the filling:
Mix the flour and milk
Beat well
Add the chopped chocolate, melted over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened
Let cool and beat in the butter or margarine, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground almonds or hazelnuts
Beat until smooth
Purpose the filling for use on all tiers.
