Chocolate Icebox Dessert Layers (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For chocolate custard layer

01 - 1 1/4 cups half and half
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 3 egg yolks
04 - 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
05 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
06 - 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
07 - 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
08 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla
10 - 1 cup heavy cream
11 - 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar

→ For vanilla whipped cream layer

12 - 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
13 - 1/4 cup confectioners sugar
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla

→ To assemble the icebox cake

15 - 1 package chocolate graham crackers
16 - Chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate for garnish

→ For mocha whipped cream

17 - 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
18 - 1/4 cup confectioners sugar
19 - 1 teaspoon vanilla
20 - 3 tablespoons freshly brewed espresso, cooled

# Instructions:

01 - Pour half and half into a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt until thick. Slowly pour steaming half and half into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. Return mixture to saucepan, add chocolate and espresso powder, and cook over medium-low heat until thick. Remove from heat, whisk in butter and vanilla, and cool to room temperature. Fold in whipped cream made from 1 cup heavy cream and confectioners sugar into the custard.
02 - Use a hand mixer to whip heavy cream, confectioners sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
03 - Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap. Layer graham crackers at the bottom, followed by chocolate custard, and then vanilla whipped cream. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of graham crackers. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
04 - Whip heavy cream, confectioners sugar, vanilla, and espresso together on high speed until thick and spreadable.
05 - Unwrap and invert the cake onto a serving plate. Remove plastic wrap and spread mocha whipped cream on the top and sides. Garnish with chopped chocolate as desired. Chill before slicing and serve cold.

# Notes:

01 - Refrigeration time is critical for achieving proper layering and texture.
02 - For clean slices, wipe the knife with warm water between cuts.

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