Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of French dessert excellence! This Chocolate Maple Walnut Praline is not just a recipe—it's an experience that combines the rich, velvety smoothness of chocolate with the deep, caramelized crunch of walnut praline and the luxurious sweetness of pure maple syrup. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a passionate home cook, this dessert promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning dessert lovers.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside for later use.
- In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and heat over medium-high heat. Allow the sugar to melt slowly without stirring, gently swirling the pan to ensure even caramelization.
- Continue cooking until the sugar turns a deep amber color, approximately 6-8 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Immediately add chopped walnuts to the caramelized sugar, quickly stirring to coat the nuts evenly with the caramel.
- Pour the walnut-caramel mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out in a thin, even layer. Allow to cool completely at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Once cooled, break the praline into small pieces using your hands or a rolling pin.
- In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream, maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Fold the broken praline pieces into the chocolate maple sauce, reserving some pieces for garnish.
- Transfer the mixture to serving dishes or a storage container. Sprinkle the remaining praline pieces on top for added texture and decoration.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to set.
- Serve cold, garnished with additional chopped walnuts or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
Tips
- Sugar Caramelization Magic: Watch your sugar closely when caramelizing. The difference between perfect amber and burnt sugar is just seconds!
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: This ensures even heat distribution and prevents hot spots that can cause uneven caramelization.
- Patience is Key: Allow the praline to cool completely before breaking it into pieces to ensure a crisp texture.
- Temperature Control: When heating the cream mixture, maintain a gentle medium heat and stir constantly to prevent scorching.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dessert can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
- Garnish Creatively: Don't hesitate to experiment with extra toppings like a sprinkle of sea salt or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
