The Perfect Hazelnut with Chocolate Ganache Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Hazelnut panna cotta embodies pure culinary magic in every delicate spoonful.

Creamy and luxurious, this dessert revolutionizes simple ingredients into an extraordinary sensory experience that dances between subtle nuttiness and smooth sophistication.

Italian-inspired techniques merge with rich, velvety textures to create something truly remarkable.

Each ingredient plays a strategic role in developing complex flavor profiles that tantalize taste buds.

Its elegant simplicity belies the sophisticated technique required to achieve such delicate balance.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert bridges home cooking and professional pastry artistry with graceful ease.

Prepare to elevate your dessert game with a recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Luxurious Hazelnut Chocolate Ganache That’s Irresistible

• Indulge in Luxurious Layers: This dessert combines silky panna cotta with rich chocolate ganache, creating a stunning two-tier texture that melts smoothly on your tongue.
• Quick Gourmet Magic: With just 20 minutes of active preparation and minimal cooking skills required, you can craft a professional-looking dessert that seems far more complicated than it actually is.
• Coffee-Infused Decadence: The unexpected addition of espresso powder elevates the chocolate and hazelnut flavors, adding depth and complexity to each spoonful without overwhelming the delicate dessert.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexible garnishing options like whipped cream, berries, or chopped hazelnuts, allowing you to personalize presentation and add extra crunch or freshness to your elegant dessert.

Key Ingredients for Hazelnut Chocolate Ganache

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Rich and creamy base for smooth texture and luxurious mouthfeel.
• Milk: Adds additional creaminess and helps balance the consistency.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps balance the intense chocolate and hazelnut flavors.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Delivers deep nutty and chocolate notes with smooth richness.
• Finely Chopped Dark Chocolate: Intensifies chocolate flavor and creates a deep, complex taste profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic undertones.

• Gelatin: Ensures proper setting and creates smooth, silky texture for panna cotta.
• Espresso Powder: Deepens chocolate flavor and adds subtle coffee complexity.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Cold Water: Used for hydrating gelatin and ensuring proper dissolution.

• Whipped Cream: Light and airy topping for additional richness.
• Fresh Berries: Adds bright, fresh contrast to chocolate dessert.
• Chopped Hazelnuts: Provides crunchy texture and reinforces nutty flavor.

How to Make Decadent Hazelnut Chocolate Ganache

Step 1: Prepare Gelatin Softening

Sprinkle ¼ cup cold water over gelatin in a microwave-safe bowl. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes, letting the gelatin absorb the water completely.

Step 2: Create Cream Base

• Heavy whipping cream
• Sugar
• Salt
• Espresso powder

Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking frequently until it steams but doesn’t boil. Remove from heat immediately.

Step 3: Melt Chocolate Ingredients

• Chocolate hazelnut spread
• Finely chopped chocolate

Mix into the warm cream mixture until completely melted. Return to low heat if needed to ensure smooth incorporation.

Step 4: Blend Gelatin Mixture

• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Step 5: Cool the Mixture

Strain the entire mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a metal bowl set inside a larger bowl filled with ice water. Stir until cooled to 70°F (21°C).

Step 6: Set Panna Cotta

Pour the chilled mixture evenly into 6 serving glasses (about ¾ cup each). Refrigerate uncovered for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely set.

Step 7: Prepare Chocolate Ganache

Simmer heavy cream in a small saucepan. Pour over finely chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let rest briefly, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries
• Chopped hazelnuts

Enjoy your luxurious Hazelnut Chocolate Dream Panna Cotta!

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Hazelnut Ganache

• Master Gelatin Hydration: Sprinkle gelatin evenly in cold water, allowing it to bloom completely for smooth, lump-free texture.
• Control Heat Precisely: Whisk cream mixture gently to prevent scorching, removing from heat just when steaming to preserve delicate flavors.
• Melt Chocolate Strategically: Chop chocolate finely and stir into warm mixture gradually to ensure complete, silky incorporation without burning.
• Cool Carefully: Use ice bath technique to rapidly lower temperature, creating perfect set without compromising texture or flavor intensity.
• Ganache Perfection: Pour warm cream over chocolate slowly, letting it sit briefly before stirring to create glossy, velvety chocolate topping.

Storing and Reheating Hazelnut Ganache Without a Hitch

• Refrigeration: Store leftover hazelnut chocolate panna cotta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover each glass tightly with plastic wrap to prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors and maintain the dessert's delicate texture.
• Freezing: Avoid freezing this dessert as the creamy ganache and delicate panna cotta structure will separate and lose its smooth consistency when thawed. Gelatin-based desserts are best enjoyed fresh within their recommended refrigeration period.
• Reheating: Do not reheat panna cotta, as it is meant to be served chilled. Remove from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to allow slight warming and enhance the dessert's flavor profile. Garnish with fresh toppings just before serving to maintain optimal taste and presentation.

Pairing Hazelnut Chocolate Ganache with Your Favorite Desserts

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich chocolate and hazelnut flavors, cutting through the creamy dessert's sweetness while enhancing its deep, luxurious profile.
• Match with Espresso or Amaretto: Serve alongside a small shot of espresso to intensify the coffee notes or a smooth Amaretto liqueur that echoes the nutty undertones, creating a harmonious and indulgent after-dinner experience.
• Elevate with Textural Garnishes: Top the dessert with crunchy toasted hazelnuts, delicate chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of sea salt to introduce contrasting textures that make each spoonful more exciting and complex.
• Balance with Fruity Accompaniment: Add a small side of raspberry coulis or fresh berries to provide a tart, bright counterpoint to the rich, creamy chocolate hazelnut panna cotta, cutting through its intensity with a refreshing touch.

Creative Variations of Hazelnut Ganache to Try

• Mocha Magic: Replace espresso powder with strong brewed coffee and add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur for an enhanced caffeinated flavor profile.
• Nutty Indulgence: Mix crushed roasted hazelnuts into the panna cotta base and sprinkle additional chopped nuts on top for extra crunch and depth.
• Berry Bliss: Layer fresh raspberries or strawberries between the panna cotta and ganache, creating a fruity contrast to the rich chocolate and hazelnut notes.
• Salted Caramel Dream: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the ganache instead of plain chocolate, introducing a complex sweet-salty dimension to the dessert.

Hazelnut with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Luxurious Hazelnut with Chocolate Ganache embraces rich European pastry traditions with elegant simplicity. Silky chocolate layers mingle with nutty crunch, creating a delightful dessert that invites pure indulgence and culinary pleasure.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella)
• 3 tablespoons (tbsp) granulated sugar
• 2 ounces (oz) dark chocolate, finely chopped

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• ¼ cup cold water
• 1 packet (7 grams) unflavored gelatin
• 1 teaspoon (tsp) vanilla extract

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon (tsp) kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon (tsp) instant espresso powder

Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces (oz) dark chocolate, finely chopped

Optional Garnishes:

• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries
• Chopped hazelnuts

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Instructions

1. Hydrate the gelatin by sprinkling of cold water in a small microwave-safe bowl, allowing it to bloom for 5-10 minutes until fully absorbed.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy whipping cream (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces), granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, and espresso powder. Gently heat over medium temperature, whisking continuously until the mixture steams but does not boil; immediately remove from heat source.
3. Incorporate chocolate hazelnut spread and finely chopped chocolate into the warm cream mixture, stirring until completely melted and uniform. Return to low heat momentarily if additional melting is required.
4. Microwave the hydrated gelatin in 10-second intervals until thoroughly dissolved, then gradually whisk into the warm cream blend along with whole milk (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) and pure vanilla extract.
5. Strain the entire mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a metal bowl positioned inside a larger bowl filled with ice water, stirring continuously until the temperature reduces to approximately 70°F (21°C).
6. Distribute the chilled mixture evenly among six serving glasses, filling each to about , and refrigerate uncovered for a minimum of four hours or preferably overnight to ensure complete setting.
7. Prepare the ganache by gently simmering heavy cream (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) in a small saucepan, then carefully pouring over finely chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl; allow to rest briefly before stirring until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency.
8. When ready to serve, delicately pour the rich ganache over the set panna cotta, optionally garnishing with lightly whipped cream, fresh seasonal berries, or roughly chopped hazelnuts for enhanced texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Gelatin preparation requires patience, transforming cold water into a silky foundation for this decadent dessert.
• Cream mixture becomes a luxurious base when whisked gently with espresso powder and sugar, creating depth of flavor.
• Chocolate and hazelnut spread melt into a velvety smooth texture, blending warmth and richness seamlessly.
• Dissolving gelatin carefully ensures a perfect, wobbling consistency that captures the essence of classic panna cotta.
• Cooling the mixture precisely helps achieve the signature delicate texture that makes this dessert irresistible.
• Ganache crowns the dessert with a glossy, rich chocolate layer that elevates the entire culinary experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg