hazelnut and chocolate pie
Chocolate and Hazelnut Pie – a dessert that combines rich flavors and a crunchy texture to create a memorable culinary experience. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family meal, a holiday celebration, or simply a weekend afternoon when you want to treat yourself. Plus, it's a simple, quick, and delicious recipe that will bring joy to everyone's table.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Servings: 8-10 servings
Ingredients for the dough:
- 500 g high-quality flour (type 650 is ideal)
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 200 ml oil (sunflower or olive oil is recommended)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar
Ingredients for the filling:
- 150 g hazelnuts (you can use roasted hazelnuts for a more intense flavor)
- 2-3 tablespoons instant coffee (or espresso powder)
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 50 ml milk
- 1-2 drops almond extract (or vanilla, if you prefer)
- 100 g chocolate (dark or milk, depending on your preference)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing the pie)
Step-by-step to a perfect result:
1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the sugar and salt. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix the dry ingredients. Then, make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
2. Activating the yeast: In the well you created, add the crumbled fresh yeast and pour in 50 ml of lukewarm milk. This will activate the yeast and help the dough rise. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes.
3. Adding wet ingredients: Once the yeast is bubbly, gradually add the oil and the remaining milk, starting to mix. Use your hands to knead the dough until it becomes elastic and pulls away from your hands (about 10-15 minutes). If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
4. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until it doubles in volume.
5. Preparing the filling: Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Grind the hazelnuts in a food processor until they become a fine paste. In a bowl, combine the ground hazelnuts with the instant coffee, sugar, milk, and almond extract. Mix well until you achieve a smooth consistency.
6. Shaping the pie: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out the first part into a rectangular sheet about 1 cm thick, then spread it with the hazelnut filling.
7. Rolling the dough: Gently roll the filled sheet into a tight log. Repeat the process with the other half of the dough, adding pieces of chocolate to the rolled-out sheet before rolling it up. You can vary the type of chocolate or add other ingredients like raisins or chopped nuts for extra texture.
8. Braiding: After rolling both portions of dough, carefully braid them together. Place the pie in a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover it with a towel, and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. When the pie has risen, brush it with the egg yolk and milk mixture for a golden, shiny crust. Bake the pie for 30-40 minutes or until it is nicely browned. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
10. Serving: Let the pie cool slightly before slicing. It is delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee.
Practical tips and variations:
- Use roasted hazelnuts for a deeper flavor.
- You can replace the instant coffee with cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
Nutritional information:
This pie is calorie-dense, having approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Hazelnuts are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making this pie a more nutritious choice than other desserts.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, you can experiment with pecans or almonds.
- How can I store the pie? You can keep it at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it.
In conclusion, this chocolate and hazelnut pie is not just a simple dessert, but a true culinary experience, full of flavors and textures. I encourage you to try it and personalize the recipe to your liking. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent in the kitchen!
Ingredients: 500 g flour 200 ml warm milk 200 ml oil 1 cube of yeast 1 teaspoon salt 2-3 tablespoons sugar FILLING 150 g hazelnuts 2-3 tablespoons instant coffee 6 tablespoons sugar 50 ml milk almond essence chocolate 1 tablespoon milk