Transform your holiday dessert table with these exquisite chocolate cream pastries, featuring three layers of pure chocolate indulgence. This sophisticated recipe combines a tender chocolate biscuit base, silky chocolate cream filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping that creates an unforgettable festive treat.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Biscuit Base:
- 100g (¾ cup) all-purpose flour
- 25g (¼ cup) cocoa powder
- 120g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 50g (¼ cup) vegetable oil
- 150ml (⅔ cup) milk
- 1 large egg
For the Chocolate Cream Filling:
- 20g (3 tablespoons) cocoa powder
- 50g (⅓ cup) all-purpose flour
- 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 250ml (1 cup) milk
- 1 large egg
- 120g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 70ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream (33%)
- 100g (3.5 oz) milk chocolate, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chocolate Biscuit Base:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine vegetable oil, milk, and egg until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Creating the Chocolate Cream Filling:
- Combine cocoa powder, flour, and sugar in a medium saucepan.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Add the egg, whisking continuously.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and cool for 30 minutes.
- Beat in softened butter until smooth and creamy.
Assembly and Decoration:
- Cut 5cm (2-inch) circles from the cooled chocolate base.
- Pipe or spread chocolate cream filling onto each circle.
- Chill for 15 minutes to set.
- For the ganache, heat cream until just simmering.
- Pour over chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Allow ganache to cool until pipeable.
- Create a small cut in the piping bag’s side.
- Pipe ganache in a circular motion from edge to center.
Nutritional Information
Per pastry:
- Calories: 245
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
Time Requirements:
- Preparation: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Baking: 20 minutes
- Cooling/Setting: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Professional Tips and Tricks
- Temperature control is crucial for the perfect ganache texture. The cream should be hot but not boiling.
- For the smoothest cream filling, strain through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the cream filling to prevent lumps.
- Create a template for cutting the bases to ensure uniform sizes.
Variations and Substitutions
- Dark chocolate can replace milk chocolate in the topping for a more intense flavor
- Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance chocolate flavor
- Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version
- Add orange zest to the biscuit base for a festive twist
- Incorporate crushed candy canes for a peppermint variation
Common FAQs
Q: Can these pastries be made ahead?
A: Yes, prepare up to 3 days in advance and store refrigerated.
Q: Why did my ganache become too firm?
A: The chocolate-to-cream ratio might be too high. Warm slightly and add a tablespoon of warm cream.
Q: Can I freeze these pastries?
A: The assembled pastries don’t freeze well, but individual components can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Q: How do I achieve the perfect piping texture?
A: Let the ganache cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally until it reaches a thick but flowing consistency.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store assembled pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving
- Biscuit base can be made 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container
- Cream filling can be prepared 1 day ahead and refrigerated
- Ganache can be made 2 hours ahead and kept at room temperature
These elegant chocolate cream pastries will become the centerpiece of your Christmas dessert table, combining sophisticated presentation with irresistible flavors that your guests will remember long after the holidays are over.
