Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cake Recipe
Indulge in a rich and decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cake that combines the intense flavor of dark chocolate with the nutty crunch of toasted hazelnuts. This luscious dessert features a moist chocolate cake base topped with a silky hazelnut-infused whipped cream, perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Cake
- 200g dark chocolate
- 100g hazelnuts, toasted and ground
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 150g caster sugar
Topping
- 300ml heavy cream
- 2 tbsp hazelnut liqueur
- Melt Chocolate: Place the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water and stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Egg Yolk Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the caster sugar until the mixture is thick, pale, and creamy. This step incorporates air and adds volume to the batter.
- Combine Chocolate and Hazelnuts: Gently fold the melted chocolate and ground toasted hazelnuts into the egg yolk and sugar mixture until well combined.
- Beat Egg Whites: In another clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form, ensuring the whites are stable and can add lightness to the cake.
- Fold Egg Whites: Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture in three batches to maintain the airy texture of the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Prepare Whipped Cream Topping: Whip the heavy cream with the hazelnut liqueur until soft peaks form. This will create a light and flavorful topping for the cake.
- Assemble: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before spreading the hazelnut whipped cream evenly over the top. Chill if desired before serving.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when whisking.
- Do not overbake the cake to keep it moist and mousse-like.
- Toasting hazelnuts enhances their flavor; toast in a dry pan until fragrant and slightly browned.
- The hazelnut liqueur can be substituted with vanilla extract for a milder flavor.
- Use a rubber spatula to fold mixtures gently to preserve the airiness.
Keywords: chocolate cake, hazelnut mousse, chocolate dessert, baked mousse cake, hazelnut whipped cream