Dreamy Hazelnut with Chocolate Ganache Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Decadent chocolate and hazelnut form a match made in dessert heaven with this irresistible chocolate ganache recipe.

Smooth, velvety ganache drapes over toasted hazelnuts like a luxurious chocolate cloak.

Nutty aromas blend seamlessly with rich cocoa, creating a sensory experience that melts in your mouth.

Each spoonful promises pure indulgence with layers of deep, complex flavors.

The contrast between crunchy hazelnuts and silky chocolate creates a symphony of textures that dance on your palate.

Elegant yet simple, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality dessert magic right in your kitchen.

Prepare to fall in love with every single bite of this divine chocolate hazelnut treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 7

Hazelnut with Chocolate Ganache – Ingredients List

• Cold Water: Helps dissolve gelatin for smooth texture.
• Unflavored Gelatin: Creates stable, silky structure for dessert.

• Heavy Whipping Cream, Whole Milk: Provides rich, creamy foundation.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds balanced sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic undertone.

• Kosher Salt: Balances and intensifies overall taste.
• Instant Espresso Powder: Deepens chocolate complexity.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Delivers intense nutty chocolate essence.
• Dark Chocolate: Contributes deep, robust chocolate notes.

• Heavy Cream, Dark Chocolate: Creates smooth, glossy topping.

• Whipped Cream: Adds light, airy texture.
• Fresh Berries: Provides bright, tangy contrast.
• Chopped Hazelnuts: Introduces crunchy, nutty element.

Equipment You’ll Need for Hazelnut Ganache Dessert

• Microwave-safe bowl: Small container for gelatin hydration and heating.
• Saucepan (medium): Essential for heating cream and preparing mixture.
• Whisk: Perfect for smooth blending and preventing lumps.
• Fine-mesh sieve: Crucial for straining mixture and ensuring silky texture.
• Metal bowl: Used for cooling mixture over ice bath.
• Larger bowl: Serves as ice water container for cooling process.
• Serving glasses (6): Needed for portioning and chilling panna cotta.
• Small saucepan: Used for simmering cream for ganache.
• Heatproof bowl: Ideal for mixing chocolate ganache.
• Measuring cups: Helps with precise ingredient quantities.

Instructions for Hazelnut with Chocolate Ganache

• Gelatin Preparation

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it rest quietly, allowing the powder to absorb liquid and transform into a soft base for our delicious dessert.

• Cream Infusion

Combine cream with sugar and a hint of espresso in a saucepan, gently warming until the mixture releases a delicate steam, creating a rich aromatic foundation.

• Chocolate Blending

Introduce hazelnut spread and dark chocolate into the warm cream, stirring until a silky smooth mixture emerges, revealing deep, luxurious flavors.

• Liquid Transformation

Dissolve gelatin completely in short microwave bursts, then fold into the creamy chocolate mixture along with milk and vanilla, creating a velvety consistency.

• Cooling Process

Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a chilled bowl, allowing it to cool and set the stage for a perfect dessert texture.

• Setting Stage

Pour the mixture into elegant serving glasses and let them rest in the refrigerator, transforming slowly into a delicate, creamy delight.

• Ganache Creation

Warm cream and pour over chopped chocolate, waiting patiently as the two ingredients meld into a glossy, decadent topping.

• Final Touch

Drizzle the rich ganache over the set dessert, adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a few fresh berries to create a stunning presentation.

Ganache Tips and Filling Ideas for Hazelnut Treats

• Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential lumps, ensuring a silky, professional-quality dessert every time.
• Prepare the panna cotta up to two days in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to add the ganache topping for a stress-free dessert option.
• Experiment with different chocolate varieties like milk or white chocolate for a unique twist, or add a splash of hazelnut liqueur to intensify the nutty flavor profile.
• Create stunning presentations by sprinkling toasted chopped hazelnuts, drizzling caramel sauce, or adding a delicate chocolate curl on top of the ganache for extra visual appeal and crunch.
• Allow the panna cotta to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, which enhances the creamy texture and allows the complex flavors to fully develop.

Ways to Serve Hazelnut and Chocolate Together

• Coffee Cocoa Companion: Serve alongside a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino to enhance the rich chocolate and hazelnut flavors, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Nutty Texture Topper: Sprinkle roasted and chopped hazelnuts over the ganache for an extra crunch and authentic nutty dimension that complements the smooth panna cotta texture.
• Berry Bright Accent: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberry slices around the dessert to introduce a tangy, vibrant contrast against the deep chocolate and creamy base.
• Elegant Presentation Peak: Dust a light layer of cocoa powder or grated dark chocolate on top of the ganache for a sophisticated finishing touch that elevates the visual appeal and adds subtle depth.

How to Store Hazelnut Chocolate Ganache Desserts

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Chill and Protect: Store your hazelnut chocolate panna cotta in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the delicate texture and flavors intact.
• Ganache Guard: Keep chocolate ganache topping separate in a sealed container, applying just before serving to maintain its rich, glossy appearance and prevent soaking into the dessert.
• Freezing Finesse: Wrap individual panna cotta portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers for emergency dessert stashes lasting up to 2 weeks.
• Topping Tactics: Store garnish ingredients like chopped hazelnuts and fresh berries in separate sealed containers, ensuring maximum crispness and freshness when ready to decorate.

Decadent Hazelnut with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Silky hazelnut cake with chocolate ganache celebrates rich European pastry traditions. Delicate layers meld nutty notes with smooth chocolate, creating an indulgent dessert that delights each palate with complex, harmonious flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) chocolate hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella)
• 2 ounces (56 g) dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 packet (7 g) unflavored gelatin
• ¼ cup (60 ml) cold water
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) instant espresso powder
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (for ganache)
• 8 ounces (226 g) dark chocolate, finely chopped (for ganache)
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Fresh berries (optional)
• Chopped hazelnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Gelatin Preparation: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a microwave-safe bowl, allowing it to bloom for 5-10 minutes until fully absorbed.
2. Cream Infusion: Gently heat heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar, salt, and espresso powder in a medium saucepan, whisking continuously until steaming. Remove from heat immediately.
3. Chocolate Integration: Fold chocolate hazelnut spread and chopped chocolate into the warm cream mixture, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Return to low heat if additional melting is needed.
4. Liquid Combination: Dissolve bloomed gelatin in microwave, then whisk into the cream blend along with whole milk and vanilla extract.
5. Cooling Process: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into an ice water bath, stirring continuously until temperature drops to approximately 70°F (21°C).
6. Setting Stage: Pour the chilled mixture evenly into serving glasses, refrigerate uncovered for a minimum of four hours or overnight to ensure complete solidification.
7. Ganache Creation: Simmer heavy cream in a small saucepan, then pour over dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Allow to rest briefly, then stir until achieving a glossy, smooth consistency.
8. Final Presentation: When serving, drizzle rich ganache over the set panna cotta. Optionally garnish with whipped cream, seasonal berries, or chopped hazelnuts for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Bloom Gelatin Carefully: Ensure gelatin absorbs water completely for smooth, lump-free texture without rushing the hydration process.
• Control Cream Temperature: Heat cream gently to prevent scorching, watching for steam without boiling to maintain delicate flavor profile.
• Cool Mixture Strategically: Use ice water bath technique to rapidly reduce temperature, helping panna cotta set evenly and preventing separation.
• Ganache Perfection Tip: Let chocolate rest briefly after cream addition to create seamless, glossy consistency without vigorous stirring.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg