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Chocolate-Glazed Hazelnut Mousse Cake

Chocolate-Glazed Hazelnut Mousse Cake

Indulge in a luxurious Chocolate-Glazed Hazelnut Mousse Cake that’s rich, creamy, and sure to impress. Easy recipe from a professional pastry chef’s kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Hazelnut Shortbread Base

  • 2 tablespoons hazelnuts, toasted and skins removed
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

For the Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse

  • 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
  • 3 tablespoons cold water
  • ½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread (Nutella)
  • ½ cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1½ cups chilled heavy cream

For the Chocolate Glaze

  • 2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 5 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 3½ ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped

Instructions

Preparing the Hazelnut Shortbread Base

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a springform pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a food processor, pulse the toasted hazelnuts with sugar until finely ground.
  3. Add flour, softened butter, cocoa powder, and salt. Pulse until a smooth dough forms.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
  5. Bake for 18-20 minutes until set. Let cool completely.

Creating the Luxurious Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse

  1. Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for a few minutes.
  2. Gently warm the gelatin mixture until dissolved.
  3. Mix the gelatin with chocolate hazelnut spread.
  4. Whisk in mascarpone cheese until smooth.
  5. Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks and gently fold into the chocolate mixture.
  6. Spoon the mousse over the cooled shortbread base.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set.

Finishing with a Stunning Chocolate Glaze

  1. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan.
  2. Remove from heat and whisk in chopped bittersweet chocolate.
  3. Stir until smooth and glossy.
  4. Pour the glaze over the chilled mousse cake.
  5. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips from the Pastry Chef

  • Toast hazelnuts carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning.
  • Use high-quality chocolate for the most decadent glaze.
  • Ensure the shortbread base is completely cool before adding the mousse.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories: 705 per serving
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage

This cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Keep it covered to maintain its luscious texture.