Chocolate Mousse & Hazelnut Parfait

Indulge in the perfect harmony of creamy chocolate and nutty hazelnuts with this Chocolate Mousse & Hazelnut Parfait. Featuring layers of velvety chocolate mousse, whipped hazelnut cream, and crunchy hazelnut crumble, this dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious. Ideal for dinner parties or when you want to treat yourself to something extra special, this parfait combines rich textures and flavors in a stunning presentation.

Ingredients:

For the Hazelnut Biscuit Crumble:

• 1 cup digestive biscuits or graham crackers, crushed
• 1/3 cup roasted hazelnuts, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

For the Dark Chocolate Mousse:

• 5 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Whipped Hazelnut Cream:

• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella)

For Garnish:

• 1/4 cup roasted hazelnuts, crushed
• Shards of dark chocolate
• 1 whole hazelnut per serving
• Cocoa powder (for dusting)
• Hazelnut praline sauce (optional)

1. Make the Hazelnut Biscuit Crumble:

• In a medium bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits, chopped hazelnuts, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
• Press the mixture into the base of your serving glasses to form a crunchy layer. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Dark Chocolate Mousse:

• Melt the dark chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave in 15-second intervals. Stir until smooth and let cool slightly.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy. Slowly add the melted chocolate, stirring to combine.
• In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture in thirds, maintaining as much air as possible.
• Finally, fold in the whipped cream and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

3. Make the Whipped Hazelnut Cream:

• In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and hazelnut spread until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

4. Assemble the Parfait:

• Layer the hazelnut biscuit crumble at the bottom of each glass, followed by a layer of dark chocolate mousse.
• Pipe or spoon a layer of whipped hazelnut cream on top of the mousse. Repeat the layers until the glass is nearly full, finishing with a smooth layer of hazelnut cream at the top.

5. Garnish the Dessert:

• Add a quenelle of chocolate ganache or a few shards of dark chocolate to the top layer. Sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts and place a single whole roasted hazelnut at the peak.
• Dust the top lightly with cocoa powder and drizzle hazelnut praline sauce around the rim of the glass for an elegant finish.

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality dark chocolate for the mousse to ensure a rich, indulgent flavor.
• Chill the mousse and hazelnut cream layers for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
• Prepare the hazelnut biscuit crumble in advance for easy assembly.

This Chocolate Mousse & Hazelnut Parfait is the ultimate combination of creamy, crunchy, and indulgent flavors. The layers of dark chocolate, hazelnut cream, and biscuit crumble create a textural masterpiece that will impress both visually and on the palate. Whether you’re entertaining or simply treating yourself, this parfait is guaranteed to deliver a luxurious dessert experience.