Chocolate Sponge

• In a stand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for 10 minutes until pale and airy.
• Sift together the flour and cocoa powder. Gently fold into the egg mixture using a spatula.
• Place an 18 cm ring on a parchment-lined baking tray. Pour the batter inside.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.
• Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Chocolate Mousseline Cream

• Heat the milk in a saucepan until it comes to a boil.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until combined.
• Add the crème pâtissière powder (or flour + cornstarch) and mix.
• Gradually pour half the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
• Return everything to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking continuously until thickened.
• Once boiling, add the chocolate and stir until fully melted. Cook for 1 more minute, then blend with an immersion blender.
• Transfer to a dish, cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface), and refrigerate until fully chilled.
• In the stand mixer, whip the softened butter until light and smooth.
• While whipping, gradually add the chilled pastry cream in 3–4 additions.
• Beat until light and airy. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a plain round tip.

Assembly

• Gently wash and dry the raspberries.
• Set the rings on a serving tray and line with acetate.
• Halve the raspberries and place them cut-side out along the edges of the rings.
• Slice the sponge cake horizontally to obtain 2 discs. Use a cutter to remove the center if making the crown shape.
• Place the first sponge disc inside the ring and soak it with warm chocolate.
• Pipe mousseline cream between raspberries and over the base.
• Add a layer of halved raspberries, followed by more cream.
• Add the second sponge disc and soak it with chocolate.
• Pipe a final layer of mousseline cream and smooth the top.
• Use the remaining cream for decoration.
• Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
• Carefully remove the rings and acetate before serving.
• Enjoy this chocolate and raspberry delight with friends and family!