Homemade Caramel-Filled Chocolate Domes
Ingredients
For the Caramel:
- Sugar: 250g (1 1/4 cups)
- Butter: 65g (4 1/2 tbsp)
- Cream (33% fat): 200ml (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp)
For the Chocolate Shells:
- Chocolate: 160g (5.6 oz)
- Sunflower Oil: 30g (2 tbsp)
For the Filling:
- Nuts (chopped): 60g (2 oz)
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Number of Servings: 8
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Caramel
Step 1: Melt the Sugar
- In a saucepan, melt 250g of sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar turns into a golden caramel. This process requires careful attention to prevent the sugar from burning.
Step 2: Add the Butter
- Add 65g of butter to the caramel and stir until it melts and combines with the caramel.
Step 3: Add the Cream
- Slowly pour in 200ml of cream while stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble up.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly while you prepare the chocolate shells.
2. Prepare the Chocolate Shells
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
- Melt 160g of chocolate using a double boiler method: Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water. Alternatively, melt the chocolate in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent overheating.
Step 5: Add Sunflower Oil
- Once the chocolate is melted, add 30g of sunflower oil and mix well to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency.
3. Assemble the Domes
Step 6: Create the Chocolate Shells
- Using a silicone dome mold, spoon a layer of melted chocolate into each cavity, ensuring to coat the sides evenly.
- Place the mold in the fridge to set for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 7: Fill the Domes
- Once the chocolate shells have set, add a spoonful of the caramel mixture into each dome.
- Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the caramel to add a delightful crunch.
4. Seal the Domes
Step 8: Add More Chocolate
- Spoon additional melted chocolate over the caramel and nuts to seal the domes.
- Smooth out the chocolate to create an even base, ensuring no caramel or nuts are exposed.
- Return the mold to the fridge to set completely, about 1-2 hours.
Tips for Success
- Preventing Sugar Burn: While making caramel, ensure to stir frequently and keep the heat medium to prevent the sugar from burning.
- Smooth Chocolate: Adding sunflower oil to the melted chocolate helps achieve a smoother consistency that coats the molds better.
- Even Coating: Use a brush or the back of a spoon to evenly coat the silicone molds with chocolate.
- Cooling Time: Allow the caramel to cool slightly before filling the chocolate shells to prevent melting the chocolate.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the chocolate domes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent moisture from affecting the chocolate.
- Freezing: You can freeze the domes for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge before serving.