Start by preparing the baking pan and preheating the oven. Set the oven to 170°C with the top and bottom heating function. Line a square pan measuring 20x20 cm with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend beyond the edges of the pan. This will make it easier to remove the cake later. You can lightly grease the paper with butter to help it stick to the pan better.
Description
These are not ordinary chocolate bars; they are a true work of confectionery art that will satisfy the most refined palates. Imagine three layers of pure pleasure: at the bottom is an intensely chocolatey, moist, and chewy 'fudgy brownie' base. The middle layer is liquid gold – a thick, homemade, salted caramel, studded with crunchy, roasted hazelnuts. The whole thing is topped with a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolate ganache. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures: the deep bitterness of chocolate, the sweetness of caramel balanced by a hint of sea salt, and the satisfying crunch of nuts. Perfect with a cup of strong coffee, as an elegant dessert for special occasions, or simply when you crave a moment of luxury. They look stunning, and while their preparation is multi-step, it is incredibly satisfying.
Składniki (16)
- Bitter chocolate 70% 150 g
- Masło 82% 180 g
- Egg 2 szt.
- Muscovado brown sugar 150 g
- Wheat flour type 450 75 g
- White sugar 200 g
- Water 60 ml
- 36% heavy cream 270 ml
- Hazelnuts 150 g
- Bitter chocolate 50-60% 150 g
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Kakao ciemne 25 g
- Fine salt 2 szczypty
- Flaky sea salt 1 łyżeczka
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Vanilla extract 5 g
- Instant coffee powder 1 łyżeczka
- Sea salt flakes for sprinkling 2 szczypty
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Preparation steps
Preparing the brownie base
Prepare a water bath to melt the chocolate. Pour water into a small pot to a height of about 2-3 cm and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat so that the water is just simmering. Place a metal or glass bowl on top of the pot that is larger than the diameter of the pot and does not touch the surface of the water. In the bowl, add the broken 70% dark chocolate and 120g of diced butter. Slowly stir with a silicone spatula until the ingredients are completely melted and combined into a smooth, glossy mixture. Remove the bowl from the pot and set aside to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes.
In a large bowl, place the eggs and Muscovado brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the ingredients for about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. The mixture should become lighter, fluffy, and slightly increase in volume. The goal is to aerate the eggs and dissolve the sugar.
To the beaten eggs with sugar, slowly pour in the slightly cooled chocolate mixture in a thin stream, while continuously mixing on low speed or stirring with a whisk. Mix only until the ingredients are combined into a uniform mass. If using, now is the time to add the vanilla extract and instant coffee.
In a separate small bowl, mix the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and fine salt. Sift them through a fine sieve directly into the chocolate mixture. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold everything together, making movements from the bottom to the top. Mix only until the dry ingredients disappear and the mixture is uniform. The finished batter will be thick and glossy.
Pour the prepared mixture into the previously prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Place in a preheated oven at 170°C and bake for 20-25 minutes. The brownie is ready when the edges are set and the center is still slightly moist and 'jiggly'. Check with a toothpick – when inserted in the center, it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not raw batter. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan (at least 1 hour).
Preparation of the caramel-nut layer
In a dry, medium skillet, toast the hazelnuts over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they start to smell fragrant and their skins begin to crack and darken. Transfer the hot nuts to a clean kitchen towel, wrap it up, and rub vigorously to remove as many skins as possible. Don't worry if some remain. Set the nuts aside to cool, then chop them coarsely with a knife.
In a saucepan with a thick, light bottom, place the white sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, without stirring, until the sugar completely dissolves. You can only gently swirl the saucepan. Then increase the heat and cook the syrup, still without stirring, until it takes on a deep amber color. This usually takes 8-12 minutes. Meanwhile, in a separate small saucepan, heat 120 ml of heavy cream – it should be hot but not boiling.
When the caramel reaches the desired color, immediately remove it from the heat. Very carefully and slowly pour in the hot cream, while vigorously stirring with a whisk. The mixture will bubble and splatter violently! Stir until the foam subsides. Add 60g of diced butter and flaky sea salt. Stir until the butter melts and the caramel becomes smooth and uniform. Finally, add the toasted and chopped hazelnuts and mix.
Assembling and chilling the bars
Pour the prepared, slightly cooled caramel with nuts evenly over the completely cooled brownie base in the pan. Spread it with a spatula to create an even layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30-40 minutes, so the caramel sets and hardens enough to pour another layer on top.
Remove the mold from the refrigerator. Make sure the caramel layer is already set. Pour the slightly cooled ganache over the caramel and gently spread it to create the final smooth layer. If you like, sprinkle additional sea salt flakes on top now. Place the entire mold in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow all the layers to set properly.
After cooling, carefully remove the cake from the pan by grabbing the protruding edges of the parchment paper and transfer it to a cutting board. Prepare a tall cup with hot water and a large, sharp knife. Dip the knife in the hot water, wipe it dry with a paper towel, and cut the cake into 16 equal bars (in a 4x4 grid). Repeat the dipping and wiping of the knife before each cut.
Preparation of ganache topping
Prepare the glaze. Finely chop the dark chocolate (50-60%) and place it in a medium-sized bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the remaining 150 ml of heavy cream until it is very hot and small bubbles begin to form at the edges (but do not bring it to a boil). Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes without stirring. After that time, start gently mixing with a whisk or spatula from the center of the bowl, making small circles, until you achieve a smooth, shiny, and uniform emulsion.
Fun Fact
The combination of chocolate and caramel, popularized on a large scale by Milton S. Hershey in the early 20th century, is an example of 'dynamic sensory contrast'. Our brain loves to experience different textures simultaneously – in this case, smooth chocolate, stretchy caramel, and crunchy nuts.
Best for
Tips
The bars taste best at room temperature when the caramel is pleasantly soft and chewy. Take them out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before serving. They are excellent on their own, but can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream to balance the sweetness.
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Layers of parchment paper between the bars will prevent them from sticking together. They can also be frozen – arrange them on a tray, freeze, and then transfer to a ziplock bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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