Chocolate Biscuit Layered Dessert with Walnut Topping
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 50 g cocoa powder (½ cup)
- 40 g cornstarch (⅓ cup)
- 800 ml milk (3 ⅓ cups)
- 100 g dark chocolate (3.5 oz)
- 8 g vanilla sugar (1 tbsp)
- 50 g sugar (¼ cup)
- 8 g agar-agar (1 tsp)
- 200 g milk chocolate (7 oz)
- 300 g cream (1 ¼ cups, 33% fat)
- 300 g chocolate biscuits (about 20-24 biscuits)
- 50 g walnuts (chopped, about ½ cup)
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 100 g dark chocolate (3.5 oz)
- 50 g cream (¼ cup, 33% fat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix the 50 g cocoa powder, 40 g cornstarch, 50 g sugar, and 8 g vanilla sugar. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add the milk: Gradually pour in 800 ml of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Cook the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This process should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Add chocolates and agar-agar: Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from heat and immediately add 8 g of agar-agar, 100 g dark chocolate, and 200 g milk chocolate. Stir until the chocolate has melted completely and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Cool slightly: Let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken a bit more.
2. Prepare the Cream
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip 300 g of cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as the cream should remain light and airy.
- Fold the cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the slightly cooled chocolate mixture. Be careful not to deflate the cream; use a spatula to fold the ingredients together until well combined.
3. Assemble the Layers
- Layer the biscuits: In a serving dish (about 9×13 inches), arrange a single layer of chocolate biscuits at the bottom. Break them into smaller pieces if necessary to fit the dish.
- Add the chocolate cream: Pour half of the chocolate cream mixture over the biscuit layer and spread it evenly using a spatula.
- Repeat layers: Add another layer of chocolate biscuits on top of the cream, followed by the remaining chocolate cream.
- Add walnuts: Sprinkle 50 g of chopped walnuts evenly over the top layer of chocolate cream.
4. Prepare the Chocolate Glaze
- Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, gently warm 50 g of cream over low heat until it’s just about to simmer.
- Melt the chocolate: Add 100 g of dark chocolate to the warm cream and stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the glaze is smooth and glossy.
5. Decorate
- Drizzle the glaze: Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the chocolate glaze over the top of the dessert in a decorative pattern, such as a lattice, or simply cover the top for a smooth finish.
6. Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate: Place the assembled dessert in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set properly.
- Serve: Once set, slice the dessert into squares and serve chilled. The layers of creamy chocolate and crunchy biscuits create a delightful contrast in texture, while the walnut topping adds a nutty crunch.
Tips for Success
- Agar-agar: If you don’t have agar-agar, you can substitute with gelatin, but remember that agar-agar sets faster and creates a firmer texture.
- Biscuit choice: Chocolate biscuits work best for added flavor, but you can use other types like graham crackers or digestive biscuits if preferred.
- Chocolate glaze: For a shinier glaze, you can add a teaspoon of butter to the glaze while melting the chocolate.
- Optional toppings: Feel free to add more chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even chocolate shavings on top for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: 24 g