Indulge in Layered Perfection: A Divine Chocolate and Nutella Cream Dessert

There’s an undeniable charm to mini desserts. They are the epitome of “good things come in small packages,” offering all the rich flavors and intricate textures of traditional favorites, meticulously layered into individual servings. These delightful creations have become a staple at special events, transforming any gathering into a memorable celebration. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, mini layered desserts provide a controlled portion, allowing guests to savor multiple treats without guilt. Their visual versatility also makes them perfect for any theme or occasion, from elegant soirées to casual brunches.

Today, we’re thrilled to unveil a truly enchanting recipe drawn from an extraordinary collection: Glorious Layered Desserts. Penned by the talented dessert blogger Glory Albin, the creative force behind Glorious Treats, this book is a treasure trove of inspiration. It’s brimming with over 60 tempting layered dessert recipes designed for every conceivable occasion. From the whimsical Banana Split Cheesecake to the comforting Fried Ice Cream Cheesecake, and every conceivable trifle combination, Glory’s beautifully photographed book provides an endless array of delicious possibilities. Her expertise shines through in creative flavor pairings, stunning visual guidance, and practical tips and tricks, ensuring success even for novice bakers. This comprehensive guide equips you with everything you need to master the art of layered desserts, making it an indispensable addition to any dessert lover’s kitchen library.

The Allure of Layered Desserts: Texture, Flavor, and Visual Harmony

What makes a layered dessert so captivating? It’s more than just stacking ingredients; it’s an artful symphony of textures, temperatures, and tastes. Each layer contributes a distinct element – the creamy smoothness of pudding, the airy lightness of whipped cream, the crunch of a cookie crumb, or the rich burst of fresh fruit. This deliberate construction ensures that every spoonful is a journey of discovery, offering a dynamic eating experience that simple desserts cannot match. Furthermore, the visual appeal of layered desserts is unparalleled. The defined lines and contrasting colors create an elegant, sophisticated presentation that instantly elevates any dessert table. Mastering layered desserts allows you to create masterpieces that are as beautiful to behold as they are delicious to devour.

Introducing Glory’s Chocolate and Nutella Cream Dessert

Prepare to be utterly captivated by the featured recipe from Glory’s delightful book: the Chocolate and Nutella Cream Dessert. This exquisite creation perfectly embodies the magic of layered desserts. Imagine silken, intensely flavorful homemade chocolate pudding, alternating with cloud-like layers of whipped cream gently infused with the irresistible, nutty sweetness of chocolate hazelnut spread. The combination is pure bliss – a harmonious blend of rich chocolate and fragrant Nutella, culminating in a dessert that is both comforting and sophisticated. This recipe promises an unforgettable experience, easy enough for home bakers yet impressive enough for any special occasion.

Recipe: CHOCOLATE AND NUTELLA CREAM DESSERT

A signature recipe from Glorious Layered Desserts, by Glory Albin
(Makes 4-6 generous servings)

Crafting the Perfect Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Homemade chocolate pudding elevates this dessert to another level. Its rich flavor and velvety texture far surpass anything store-bought. The key is to use quality bittersweet chocolate, which provides depth without excessive sweetness, allowing the Nutella cream to truly shine. Patience during the whisking and cooling process is crucial for achieving that silky, lump-free consistency.

For the Chocolate Pudding:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon corn starch
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3 oz. bittersweet chocolate (approximately 60% cacao content), finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. In a small, separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and corn starch, whisking them thoroughly until no lumps remain. Set this mixture aside.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the milk and the chopped bittersweet chocolate. Heat this mixture over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the chocolate has completely melted and is fully incorporated into the milk. Ensure the mixture does not boil rapidly at this stage.
3. Once the chocolate is melted, gradually add the sugar and corn starch mixture to the heated milk and chocolate. Whisk vigorously and continuously to ensure full incorporation and to prevent any lumps from forming.
4. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking often, until it visibly thickens. This usually takes a few minutes as the corn starch activates.
5. Bring the pudding mixture to a gentle boil, and continue to boil for exactly one minute, whisking constantly during this minute to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking.
6. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until both are fully combined and the butter has melted into the hot pudding.
7. Continue to stir the pudding slowly for an additional minute or so. This helps the pudding to begin cooling and prevents excessive thickening or a skin from forming too quickly.
8. To completely prevent a skin from forming on the surface of the pudding, place a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding, ensuring it touches every part. Transfer the pudding to the refrigerator and allow it to cool completely for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.

Creating the Velvety Nutella Cream

The Nutella cream is the luscious counterpart to the rich chocolate pudding. Whipping cream to the right consistency is vital – you want it firm enough to hold layers but still light and airy. Chilling your equipment beforehand significantly aids in achieving this perfect texture. The addition of a small amount of the chocolate pudding to the cream provides an extra layer of chocolatey depth and a wonderfully smooth mouthfeel, making this cream truly irresistible.

For the Nutella Cream:

• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream (at least 36% milk fat)
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread)
• 1/4 cup cooled chocolate pudding (prepared from the recipe above)

1. For optimal whipping results, place the mixing bowl and the whisk attachment of your electric mixer into the freezer for approximately 5 minutes to chill thoroughly. This cold environment helps the cream whip up faster and achieve a fuller, more stable volume.
2. Once the bowl and whisk are chilled, pour the cold heavy cream into the bowl. Begin whipping the cream on medium-high speed.
3. As the cream starts to thicken and soft peaks begin to form, gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until fully incorporated.
4. Next, add the vanilla extract while the mixer is still running, blending it thoroughly into the cream.
5. When the cream is almost fully whipped and holds stiff peaks, reduce the mixer speed to the lowest setting. Carefully add the 1/4 cup of cooled chocolate pudding, one tablespoon at a time, allowing each addition to incorporate before adding the next.
6. Finally, add the Nutella, also one tablespoon at a time, blending slowly. Continue mixing just until the pudding and Nutella are fully incorporated into the cream and the mixture is thick, fluffy, and holds its shape beautifully. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cream to become grainy.

Assembling Your Glorious Layers

The final step is where your dessert truly comes to life. Careful layering creates those distinct, appealing bands of flavor and texture. Using a piping bag not only makes the process cleaner but also ensures neat, even layers that are a feast for the eyes. Don’t shy away from creative garnishes to add a final flourish!

To Assemble:

1. Ensure the chocolate pudding is fully prepared and has cooled completely in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled and set.
2. Once the pudding is ready, prepare the Nutella cream according to the instructions above.
3. Begin the assembly process by adding an even layer of the chilled chocolate pudding to the bottom of each individual serving dish or glass. For the neatest and most professional-looking layers, transfer the pudding to a piping bag (or a large Ziploc bag with a small corner snipped off) and pipe it into the dishes.
4. Next, add a generous layer of the prepared Nutella cream over the chocolate pudding. Again, a piping bag will help create a clean, distinct layer.
5. Repeat the layering process: add another layer of chocolate pudding, followed by another layer of Nutella cream, until your dishes are filled, leaving a small space at the top for garnish.
6. For an exquisite finish, garnish your layered desserts with complementary toppings. Consider chocolate pearls for a touch of elegance, delicate curls of shaved chocolate, or a sprinkle of finely chopped hazelnuts to echo the Nutella flavor.
7. These desserts are best served immediately to enjoy their fresh textures, or they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before serving.

Tips for Layered Dessert Success

• Chill Thoroughly: Ensure all components, especially the pudding, are completely chilled before assembly. This prevents layers from melding and helps maintain structure.
• Even Layers: Using a piping bag or a small spoon for precise placement will create cleaner, more defined layers. Take your time!
• Vary Textures: While this recipe focuses on creamy layers, consider adding a crunchy element like crumbled cookies, toasted nuts, or even a thin cake layer in other layered desserts for dynamic contrast.
• Ingredient Quality: High-quality ingredients, especially chocolate and vanilla, make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: When whipping cream, stop as soon as stiff peaks form to avoid a grainy texture.
• Presentation Matters: Clear glass dishes or small jars beautifully showcase the layers. A thoughtful garnish adds a professional touch.

Variations and Customization

This Chocolate and Nutella Cream Dessert is fantastic as is, but don’t hesitate to personalize it! For a darker chocolate experience, use 70% cacao bittersweet chocolate in the pudding. Swirl in a tablespoon of espresso powder for a mocha twist. You could also substitute the Nutella with another nut butter, like almond or peanut butter, for a different flavor profile. Consider adding a layer of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries for a burst of fruitiness and color. A sprinkle of sea salt on top can also enhance the chocolate notes beautifully. The possibilities are endless!

This delightful recipe is just a glimpse into the culinary wonders found in Glory Albin’s book. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your dessert journey, Glorious Layered Desserts is sure to inspire you to create your own magnificent culinary masterpieces.

Excerpted from Glorious Layered Desserts, by Glory Albin. Copyright © 2014 by Glory Albin. Published by Front Table Books. Used by permission of the author. All rights reserved. Photography by Gene Chutka.