Prep the Pan: Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with a round of parchment paper. Lightly grease the sides of the pan or line the collar with a strip of parchment paper for an effortless release.
Make the Chocolate Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and water until dissolved.
Add the butter and whisk until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract, remove from the heat, and let cool for 15 minutes.
Break the Biscuits: Break the biscuits into small, rough, bite-sized pieces in a large bowl. Avoid crushing them into fine crumbs so you get distinct biscuit chunks.
Combine: Pour the cooled chocolate syrup over the crushed biscuits. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon or spatula until every biscuit piece is coated.
Press Into Pan: Transfer the biscuit mixture into the prepared springform pan. Press down firmly with the back of a measuring cup or offset spatula to pack it tightly into an even layer. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Make the chocolate ganache
Place chopped chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it simmers, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk from the center outward until smooth and glossy.
Top, Chill & Unmold: Pour the ganache over the chilled biscuit base, smoothing it evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until set.
Run a thin knife around the inside edge of the pan, unlock the springform collar, and top with chopped toasted walnuts before slicing.
Notes
Biscuit Prep: Break biscuits into rough, bite-sized pieces (½-1-inch chunks). Avoid crushing them into fine crumbs, or the cake will lose its distinct mosaic cross-section.
Syrup Temperature: Let the cocoa syrup cool for 15 minutes until warm/room temperature before pouring over the biscuits. Boiling syrup will make the biscuits soggy.
Packing the Pan: Press the coated biscuit mixture tightly into the springform pan using the flat bottom of a measuring cup or glass to eliminate air pockets and prevent crumbling when sliced.
Ganache Quality: Use high-quality dark chocolate baking bars (60%-70% cocoa) instead of chocolate chips, which contain stabilizers that prevent a smooth melt.
Clean Slicing: For sharp cuts, dip a long chef’s knife in hot water, wipe it completely dry, and press straight down. Re-warm and dry the blade between each slice.
Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze wrapped individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen slices in the fridge overnight.