LeTAO is a modern cake store, from Otaru, Hokkaidō in Japan, that is famous for its double fromage cakes. They recently extended their international distribution network to include Sydney so we were thrilled to have a taste of Japan delivered to us in this current climate. This is the LeTAO Chocolat Double Fromage.
The cake arrived frozen using their bespoke freezing technology. It was packaged in its own circular box made from bamboo (the sides) and cardboard (the top and bottom), while the cake itself is sealed in plastic and wrapped in paper.
The cake was 12 cm in diameter and 4 cm in height.
It was composed of a chocolate sponge cake base on which sat two layers, the bottom of which was made from 66% Spanish couverture chocolate and Australian cream cheese, and the top of which was made from LeTAO’s original cream and Italian mascarpone cheese. The top and sides of the cake were covered in chocolate sponge cake crumbs. While delivered frozen, the cheesecake was designed to be enjoyed both frozen or thawed.
The cake had a rich chocolate aroma just upon opening the packaging. Served frozen, the cake had a firm ice-cream-like mouthfeel that contrasted well with the softness of the sponge-cake crumbs. The cold temperature subdued the usual tanginess of the cream cheese and brought a hint of saltiness that allowed the richness of the chocolate to shine more boldly with a gentle bitterness. Served thawed, the cake retained its richness yet took on a silky smooth soft mouthfeel, while the white layer of cream and mascarpone cheese brought a sharper acidity, for a refreshing aftertaste.
Overall, the harmony between the bitterness from the cocoa, and the sourness and the saltiness from the cream cheese, delivered a cheesecake with an elegant sweetness.
This LeTAO Chocolat Double Fromage contained 330 g. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2021.