Rich Chocolate Hazelnut Treat

Featured in Sweet bites of pure joy.

This elegant twist on Ferrero Rocher features domes crafted with crunchy praline, airy mousse, a nutty center, and milk chocolate coating topped with hazelnuts.

alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:43:18 GMT
A chocolate dome-shaped dessert topped with nuts, set on a crunchy base. Pin it
A chocolate dome-shaped dessert topped with nuts, set on a crunchy base. | tasteofsavor.com

In my baking corner, these Ferrero Rocher-style domes have become the highlight of my dessert collection. I particularly adore them for being both fancy and generous. They're my go-to treat when I want to wow guests without spending forever in the kitchen. The best part? Everyone can enjoy them, even my friends who need to avoid eggs.

Decadent chocolate treasure

I'm totally in love with the way the chocolate shell breaks and gives way to that melty praline center. It's such a joy watching people's reactions when I bring these domes out for dessert. The trick? A straightforward assembly that looks super impressive!

Shopping list essentials

  • For homemade praline: Regular powdered sugar, a spoonful of water and my favorite organic hazelnuts.
  • For the irresistible crunch: Fresh wafer crisps, my favorite milk chocolate and our freshly made praline.
  • For silky smooth mousse: Well-chilled cream, a gelatin sheet and our hazelnut praline.
  • For the gooey center: My top choice chocolate spread and toasted hazelnuts.
  • For the chocolate shell: Quality milk chocolate and chopped hazelnuts for decoration.

Step-by-step approach

Homemade praline
I watch my caramel like a hawk, toss in the hazelnuts and let them work their magic. Once cooled, I blend everything for a silky finish.
The crunchy foundation
I lovingly mix my ingredients to create those special discs that'll make all the difference.
Chocolate shells
I carefully line my molds with two thin layers for the perfect result.
The tasty core
I combine hazelnuts and chocolate spread for an incredible mixture.
The delicate mousse
I whip my cold cream, then gently fold in the praline and gelatin.

Putting it all together

I fill my domes layer by layer like I'm building something special. First comes the fluffy mousse, then the gooey center right in the middle, more mousse on top, and finally the crunchy disc to finish. After a night in the fridge, my little masterpieces are ready to shine with their hazelnut decoration.

A round chocolate dessert topped with a sweet bite and surrounded by crushed hazelnut pieces. Pin it
A round chocolate dessert topped with a sweet bite and surrounded by crushed hazelnut pieces. | tasteofsavor.com

Insider tips

For my gluten-sensitive friends, I swap out the wafer crisps for special corn flakes that give just as much crunch. Sometimes I'll add a touch of gold leaf for fancy occasions. And my most valuable tip? Take them out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving for the best taste experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can these domes be made ahead of time?
Yes, they last up to 3 days in the fridge. Freeze them for up to a month, thawing 4 hours before serving.
→ What’s the secret to homemade praline?
Be patient when caramelizing the sugar. It crystallizes first, then melts again. Keep stirring until it turns into a rich amber caramel.
→ Can I use store-bought praline?
Absolutely, just pick a high-quality one with lots of hazelnuts for a better flavor.
→ What’s the trick to removing the domes from molds?
Use a blow dryer or rinse the molds briefly under warm water. The domes should slide out easily without melting the chocolate.
→ What’s the right temperature for melting chocolate?
Milk chocolate needs to be between 29-30°C. A thermometer helps you achieve the shine and makes removal from molds simple.

Chocolaty Hazelnut Domes

Chocolate domes filled with creamy hazelnut mousse and a soft hazelnut heart, all resting on a crunchy praline base.

Prep Time
90 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
120 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: French

Yield: 6 Servings (6 individual domes)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 80 g sugar.
02 1 tablespoon of water.
03 125 g whole hazelnuts.
04 40 g crispy crêpe wafers.
05 110 g milk chocolate.
06 190 g hazelnut praline paste.
07 150 ml heavy cream (30% fat).
08 1 gelatin leaf.
09 30 g hazelnut spread.
10 120 g hazelnuts for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Make a caramel using sugar and water, then stir in the hazelnuts. Let it cool completely, then blend for about 5 minutes into a paste.

Step 02

Smash the crêpe wafers, mix them with melted chocolate and praline paste. Shape into 6 circles and chill.

Step 03

Coat half-sphere molds with two layers of chocolate, letting each layer chill before adding the next.

Step 04

Mix crushed hazelnuts with hazelnut spread. Set aside for later.

Step 05

Soak the gelatin in water. Heat a small amount of cream, dissolve the gelatin in it, then combine with praline paste and gently fold in whipped cream.

Step 06

Spoon mousse into the molds, layer in the hazelnut center, add more mousse, and finish with the crunchy base.

Step 07

After chilling for 3 hours, carefully unmold and sprinkle roasted, crushed hazelnuts on top for decoration.

Notes

  1. This dessert is inspired by the famous Ferrero Rocher, reimagined as an elegant dome version.
  2. Homemade praline offers a much richer flavor than store-bought options.

Tools You'll Need

  • Half-sphere molds.
  • Stand mixer.
  • Candy thermometer.
  • Cookie cutters.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Tree nuts (hazelnuts).
  • Dairy products.
  • Gluten.
  • Soy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 485
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 9 g