Heart-Shaped Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cake

Introduction

The Heart-Shaped Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cake is a delightful dessert perfect for special occasions. With its rich layers of chocolate mousse and a crunchy hazelnut base, this cake not only looks beautiful but also tastes divine. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or Valentine’s Day, this cake will surely impress your loved ones.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is ideal for those who love chocolate and want to create something special. The combination of dark and milk chocolate, along with the nutty flavor of hazelnuts, offers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Plus, its heart shape makes it a wonderful choice for showing love and appreciation. Making this cake from scratch allows for a personal touch that store-bought desserts cannot match.

How to Make Heart-Shaped Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cake

Ingredients:

1 1⁄2 cups (150g) ground hazelnuts or almond flour
1⁄3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour
1⁄3 cup (70g) granulated sugar
1⁄4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
1 egg white
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
7 oz (200g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
7 oz (200g) milk chocolate, chopped
2 1⁄2 cups (600ml) heavy cream, chilled
1⁄4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (120g) dark chocolate, finely chopped
1 tbsp corn syrup or honey
1 tsp unsalted butter
Chopped hazelnuts
Edible gold leaf or gold dust (optional)

Directions:

Prepare the Hazelnut Biscuit Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of an 8-inch heart-shaped springform pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix ground hazelnuts, flour, sugar, melted butter, egg white, and vanilla extract until everything is combined. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Allow it to cool completely.
Make the Chocolate Mousse Layers: Melt dark chocolate and milk chocolate in separate bowls. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Divide the whipped cream into two portions and fold dark chocolate into one and milk chocolate into the other. Pour the dark mousse over the cooled base and freeze it for 15 minutes. Then, add the milk chocolate mousse on top and freeze for 1 hour.
Prepare the Chocolate Glaze: Heat the heavy cream until it simmers. Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes. Then, stir in corn syrup and butter until smooth. Let it cool slightly to thicken.
Assemble the Cake: Carefully release the mousse cake from the pan. Pour the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip over the edges. Garnish with chopped hazelnuts and, if desired, add edible gold leaf.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or overnight to set. When ready to serve, slice with a hot knife and enjoy it chilled.

How to Serve Heart-Shaped Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cake

Serve this cake chilled and slice it carefully for the best presentation. Add fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra touch.

How to Store Heart-Shaped Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cake

Store the cake in the refrigerator if you have leftovers. It is best enjoyed within 3 days but can last up to a week if kept properly covered.

Tips to Make Heart-Shaped Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cake

Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
Use a hot knife to cut the cake so that you get clean slices.
Feel free to customize the garnish with edible flowers or different nuts.

Variation

You can swap hazelnuts for almonds or walnuts if desired. For a fruity touch, add a layer of raspberry or strawberry puree between the mousse layers.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, this cake can be made a day before serving to allow it to set properly.

2. Is it possible to use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can experiment with white chocolate or incorporate different flavor extracts.

3. How do I know when the mousse is set?
The mousse should be firm but still slightly wobbly when you gently shake the cake. It will set more as it chills in the refrigerator.

Enjoy making and sharing this lovely dessert!