BLACK AND WHITE CAKE DESIGN RECIPES

Steps:

• Cut 10 tablespoons of the unsalted butter into 10 pieces and place in the bowl of a stand mixer (or large bowl if using an electric hand mixer). Place 2 large eggs on the counter. Measure out 2 tablespoons of the whole milk. Let the butter, eggs, and milk sit at room temperature until the butter is softened, about 30 minutes.
• Arrange 2 racks to divide the oven into thirds and heat the oven to 350°F. Line 3 baking sheets (or as many as you have) with parchment paper.
• Place 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a medium bowl, and whisk until combined.
• Add 1 cup granulated sugar to the bowl of butter. Beat with the paddle attachment on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating until the first egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract if using, and beat until combined, about 1 minute. Add the flour mixture, room-temperature whole milk, and 1/4 cup sour cream, and beat until just combined, about 30 seconds. Using a 2-ounce cookie scoop or 1/4-cup measuring cup, portion the dough onto the baking sheets about 3 inches apart, 4 to 5 per baking sheet.
• Place the first two baking sheets in the oven and bake for 8 minutes. Rotate the baking sheets between racks and from front to back. Bake until light golden-brown on the bottom, about 7 minutes more. Let the cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes. Using a flat spatula, transfer the cookies to a wire rack, placing them upside-down. Let cool completely, 20 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, bake the remaining cookies.
• Place the remaining 6 tablespoons unsalted butter and remaining 3 tablespoons whole milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add 3 cups powdered sugar and whisk until smooth.
• Using a spoon and small offset spatula to frost one half of the flat side of each cookie with the white icing (1 tablespoon per cookie): Spoon the icing onto the cookie and use the offset spatula to spread it. Whisk more milk into the icing a teaspoon at a time if the icing becomes too thick, or whisk in more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time if it becomes too thin. Return the cookies to the rack.
• Add 2 tablespoons Dutch processed or black cocoa powder into the remaining icing. If the icing is too thick, whisk in more milk a teaspoon at a time as needed. Frost the other half of each cookie with the black icing. Return the cookies to the rack and let sit until the icing sets, 1 to 2 hours.

Steps:

• To make the chocolate cake, preheat the oven to 425ºF. Place a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat on a 17x12 sheet pan, and rub butter on it to grease.In a large bowl, whisk to combine the cocoa powder, flour, and salt.Bring an inch of water to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Combine the eggs and sugar in a heatproof glass bowl, then place over the simmering water (make sure the water doesn’t touch the bowl). Using a hand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar together over medium speed for about two minutes, until the eggs are thick, pale yellow, and warm to the touch (if you have a thermometer, you want the eggs to be about 120ºF. If you don’t have a thermometer, just touch the mixture with your finger every once in a while until it feels like hot tap water). Remove the egg bowl from the heat and continue beating at medium high speed for another 3 minutes, until it’s thick and airy, and has reached the ribbon stage. That means when you drag and drizzle a spoonful of the liquid, it shouldn’t settle back into the liquid for a good 5–10 seconds. Mix in the melted butter.Add the dry ingredients to the mixture, and gently fold it into the eggs with a spatula, working quickly. Spread the batter onto the buttered parchment or silicone mat, leaving an inch from the edges. Bake the cake for 5–6 minutes, until springy to the touch.Place a piece of parchment paper on a flat surface and sprinkle lightly with cocoa powder. Flip the cake onto the parchment, then remove the parchment or silicone mat that the cake baked on. Gently roll the cake up into a log while it’s still warm. This is like muscle memory for the cake, and it will roll easier again later.To make the filling, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl, and whip with a hand mixer to stiff peaks, about 5 minutes on medium speed. Unroll the cooled cake, then spread the cream all over, leave a 1-inch border around all edges. Roll the cake up gently (leaving the parchment paper behind), then place on a wire rack.To make the chocolate ganache, microwave the cream and chocolate in a heatproof bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each time, until combined. Add the tablespoon of milk, which will give a more pourable consistency. Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the cake, then refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving, so the ganache can firm up.The cake is now ready to be sliced and served. Enjoy!