Recipes

Hazelnut Dacquoise with Chocolate Ganache Filling

Egg whites are an essential ingredient of meringues. Add ground nuts to a meringue and the dessert is called a dacquoise! Check out our video below for step-by-step instructions on how to make a delicious Hazelnut Dacquoise with Chocolate Ganache Filling.

Serves:
12
Prep Time:
35 min
Cook Time:
33 min

Ingredients

Meringue

  • 1 cup ( 250 mL ) hazelnuts (filberts), toasted and skins removed (see below)
  • 1 cup ( 250 mL ) granulated sugar, divided
  • 4 egg whites, at room temperature
  • ½ tsp ( 2.5 mL ) cream of tartar

Filling

  • 5 oz ( 145 g ) dark or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 1 1/3 cups ( 325 mL ) whipping cream (35%), divided

Instructions

Meringue

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (180°C).
  2. Process hazelnuts with ¼ cup (50 mL) of sugar in food processor until coarsely chopped. Remove 2 tbsp (30 mL); reserve for garnish. Continue processing hazelnuts until finely chopped.
  3. Line bottoms of two baking sheets with parchment paper. On each, draw two 4 x 8-inch (10 x 20 cm) rectangles. Turn paper over; rectangles should be visible.
  4. Beat egg whites with electric mixer until frothy. Add cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks form. Add remaining sugar, about 1 tbsp (15 mL) at a time, beating until sugar is dissolved and stiff peaks form. Gently fold in hazelnuts. Spoon one quarter of the mixture over each rectangle; spread evenly to fill space.
  5. Bake in a preheated 325°F (180°C) oven until crisp on the outside and light golden in colour, about 25 minutes. Let cool on baking sheets.

Filling

  1. When ready to assemble, heat chocolate and ⅓ cup (75 mL) whipping cream in microwave on High power until chocolate is partially melted, about 40 seconds. Stir until completely melted; set aside.
  2. Whip remaining cream on high until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in chocolate until blended.
  3. Carefully peel one meringue from parchment paper; place on serving plate. Spread one quarter of filling over meringue. Continue layering remaining meringues and filling, ending with layer of filling. Sprinkle reserved hazelnuts over top.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before cutting into slices with serrated knife to serve.

Notes

To toast hazelnuts and remove skins, place on baking sheet in 350°F (180°C) oven until fragrant and skins start to split, about 8 minutes, stir or shake frequently. Transfer to clean tea towel. Rub hazelnuts in towel, removing as much skin as possible (not all will come off). Cool to room temperature.

Meringue can be made a few days in advance. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before cutting into slices with a serrated knife. For extra garnish, serve with a few fresh raspberries on the side.