30 Mar 2025
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1/3 cup hazelnuts
3/4 cup dark chocolate
2 eggs
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate hazelnut mousse is a rich and decadent dessert that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. This luxurious treat combines the nutty flavor of hazelnuts with the deep, intense taste of dark chocolate, resulting in a creamy and delicious mousse that's sure to impress your family and friends.
Instructions:
1. Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are fragrant and their skins start to blister. Let them cool slightly, then rub them between your hands or in a clean kitchen towel to remove the skins.
2. Melting Chocolate:
- Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Egg and Sugar Mixture:
- Separate the eggs into yolks and whites. Place the yolks in a medium bowl and the whites in a large bowl.
- Add sugar to the egg yolks and beat with a whisk or electric mixer until the mixture is pale and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Combining Chocolate and Yolks:
- Gradually add the melted chocolate to the yolk mixture, stirring continuously to blend smoothly. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Whipping Cream:
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks using an electric mixer. Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture gently until well combined.
6. Whipping Egg Whites:
- Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks using an electric mixer. Make sure your beaters and bowl are clean and dry for this step.
7. Incorporating Egg Whites:
- Fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture in three additions. Use a spatula to fold gently, ensuring that you keep as much air as possible in the mixture to maintain the light and airy texture.
8. Chopping Hazelnuts:
- Chop the roasted hazelnuts coarsely and fold half of them into the mousse mixture.
9. Chilling:
- Spoon the mousse into individual serving glasses or a large serving dish. Sprinkle the remaining chopped hazelnuts on top as a garnish.
- Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until set.
10. Serving:
- Serve the mousse chilled. You can garnish with additional chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or whole hazelnuts if desired.
Tips:
- Toasting the hazelnuts before using them will enhance their flavor.
- Be sure to separate the egg whites and yolks carefully; any yolk in the whites can prevent them from whipping properly.
- To speed up the melting process, chop the dark chocolate into small pieces.
- Use a chilled bowl and beaters to whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture gently to keep the mousse light and airy.
This chocolate hazelnut mousse is an elegant dessert that's surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a dessert that's perfect for special occasions or any time you want to treat yourself. Enjoy the luxurious texture and rich flavors, and don't forget to share this delightful dessert with your loved ones!