Get ready to experience a truly decadent and indulgent dessert that will transport your taste buds to flavor paradise! Introducing the Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Pudding Cups – a showstopping creation that combines rich, creamy chocolate with the nutty goodness of hazelnuts. This recipe is an absolute must-try for any chocolate lover looking to take their dessert game to the next level. Prepare to be seriously wowed!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Pudding Cups
These Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Pudding Cups are the ultimate in indulgence and flavor. With a silky smooth chocolate pudding base, crunchy hazelnut topping, and a drizzle of creamy chocolate sauce, every bite is an explosion of textures and tastes. The combination of the rich chocolate and the nutty, toasted hazelnuts is nothing short of legendary. Plus, these individual servings make for a fun and easy-to-enjoy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself. Get ready to wow your taste buds and impress your friends and family with this incredible, over-the-top recipe!
Ingredients
To make these Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Pudding Cups, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients: heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract, chopped toasted hazelnuts, and melted chocolate for the drizzle. The rich, velvety pudding base comes together quickly on the stovetop, while the crunchy hazelnut topping and chocolate drizzle add the finishing touches that make this dessert truly next-level.
- 2 cups (480 ml) – heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) – whole milk
- 1/2 cup (100 g) – granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30 g) – cornstarch
- 1/4 cup (25 g) – unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) – salt
- 1 tsp (5 ml) – vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120 g) – chopped toasted hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) – melted chocolate (for drizzling)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut milk in place of the heavy cream and whole milk.
- Nut-free: Swap the hazelnuts for toasted chopped almonds or pecans.
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Pudding Cups
Let’s get started on creating these decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Pudding Cups! This recipe is surprisingly easy to whip up, with just a few simple steps to follow.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by toasting the chopped hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, stirring, for 2-3 minutes more until the pudding has a silky, pudding-like consistency.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Remove the pudding from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Divide the hot pudding evenly among 6 small ramekins or cups. Refrigerate the pudding cups for at least 2 hours, or until completely set.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Just before serving, drizzle the top of each pudding cup with melted chocolate and sprinkle with the toasted hazelnuts. Serve chilled and prepare to be blown away by the incredible flavors!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Oreo Crunch: Add a layer of crushed Oreo cookies or brownie chunks to the bottom of the ramekins before adding the pudding.
- Nutty Alternatives: Experiment with different nut toppings, like almond slivers or chopped pecans.
- Chocolate Amped: For an even richer, more intense chocolate flavor, add a tablespoon of espresso powder or instant coffee to the pudding mixture.
- Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality chocolate and cocoa powder for the pudding for the best results.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of your favorite ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storage: The pudding cups can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead: The pudding cups can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored, covered, in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just add the chocolate drizzle and hazelnut topping right before serving.
Nutrition Information
These Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Pudding Cups are definitely an indulgent treat, but the portion size and the nutritional benefits of the hazelnuts and dark chocolate make them a satisfying and guilt-free dessert option.
- Serving Size: 1 pudding cup
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these pudding cups in advance?
Absolutely! The pudding cups can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored, covered, in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just add the chocolate drizzle and hazelnut topping right before serving for the best texture and presentation.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can easily substitute the hazelnuts for another type of nut, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts. The toasted nuts add a wonderful crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate pudding.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Pudding Cups recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. It’s a great dessert option for those following a gluten-free diet.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by using full-fat coconut milk in place of the heavy cream and whole milk. Just be sure to use dairy-free chocolate for the drizzle as well.
How can I make this recipe more decadent?
For an over-the-top, ultra-indulgent version, try adding a layer of crushed Oreo cookies or brownie chunks to the bottom of the ramekins before adding the pudding. You can also top the pudding cups with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite ice cream.
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Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Pudding Cups
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Pudding Cups, a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate and hazelnuts for a luxurious treat.
Ingredients
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup hazelnut spread
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Chopped hazelnuts for garnish
Instructions
1. In a saucepan, whisk together the cream, milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the hazelnut spread and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the pudding into cups and let cool to room temperature.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
6. Before serving, top with chopped hazelnuts and a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate cocoa powder.
You can substitute almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: pudding, chocolate, hazelnut, dessert