Whip up this luscious, decadent chocolate hazelnut torrone with its velvety texture and deeply rich chocolatey flavors for the perfect dinner party dessert.
Course: Sweets
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: candy, Chocolate, Christmas, Hazelnut
Pro chocolate tip: To keep the dark chocolate soft, leave it in warm water while the torrent sets.
Prevent the chocolate from cracking: Use a sharp, heavy knife and cut in a straight-down motion. Warming the knife slightly can make slicing smoother. Allowing the torrone to warm up after refrigeration will help you get smooth cuts.
Use good-quality chocolate: The flavor depends heavily on the chocolate you use. For the best taste and smooth texture, go for high quality dark, milk or white chocolate. I sometimes use semisweet chocolate chips for a slightly sweeter version.
Toast the hazelnuts: Lightly toasting the hazelnuts before adding them to the mixture will enhance their flavor, making them richer and more aromatic. Be sure not to over-toast, as they can burn quickly.
Chill between layers: Make sure each layer of chocolate is fully set before adding the next. Freezing between steps ensures clean layers and helps the torrone hold its shape better.
Smooth spreading: Use a small rubber spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly in the pans. This will ensure your dessert has a nice, even coating and professional-looking finish.
Avoid overheating the chocolate: When melting the chocolate, keep the heat low to avoid burning it. Stir frequently, and remove from heat as soon as it’s smooth and melted.
Room temperature slicing: Let the torrone sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing. This prevents the chocolate from cracking and ensures a clean, even cut.
Silicon 9 x 4-inch pans: These are slightly smaller than regular loaf tins.
Scan this QR code with your phone's camera to view this recipe on your mobile device.