Ingredients
1-1/2 cups egg whites (about 10 large)1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar1 cup cake flour1/4 cup baking cocoa1-1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar1/2 teaspoon salt1 cup sugarFROSTING:1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream1/2 cup sugar1/4 cup baking cocoa1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon vanilla extractChocolate leaves, optional
Preparation
Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Sift together confectioners’ sugar, flour and cocoa 3 times.
Add cream of tartar and salt to egg whites; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, about 2 tablespoons at a time, beating on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Gradually fold in flour mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time.
Spoon into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake on the lowest oven rack at 375° until lightly browned and entire top appears dry, 35-40 minutes. Immediately invert pan; cool completely, about 1 hour.
Run a knife around side and center tube of pan. Remove cake to a serving plate.
In a large bowl, combine the first 5 frosting ingredients; cover and chill for 1 hour. Beat until stiff peaks form.
Spread over the top and sides of cake. Store in the refrigerator. Garnish with chocolate leaves if desired.
