Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois

Introduction

Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois is a dessert that feels like an indulgent treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. The smooth, velvety chocolate bavarois, with its rich and luxurious texture, pairs beautifully with the bright, tart raspberry compote, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a sophisticated dessert that’s ideal for impressing guests at dinner parties or celebrating a special occasion in style.

I first discovered this dessert at a friend’s wedding, where it was served as the finale to a decadent multi-course meal. The contrast of the silky chocolate and the fresh, zesty raspberries was absolutely divine, and I knew immediately that I had to recreate it at home. What I love about this dessert is not just the flavor, but the elegance it brings to any occasion. It’s like a little bit of luxury in every bite.

Making the bavarois is surprisingly straightforward, and once it’s set in the fridge, the hardest part is waiting for it to firm up! The raspberry compote adds a fresh, fruity note that cuts through the richness of the chocolate, making each bite feel light yet indulgent. Whether served in individual cups or as one large, stunning centerpiece, Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression and bring joy to any celebration.

Perfect for:

  • Special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays
  • Dinner parties or elegant gatherings
  • Indulging in a luxurious homemade dessert
  • Valentine’s Day or romantic dinners
  • Holiday celebrations

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois offers a combination of indulgence and sophistication that is hard to resist. Here’s why you’ll love this dessert:

  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The richness of the chocolate and the tartness of the raspberries create a perfect balance that is both indulgent and refreshing.
  • Velvety Texture: The bavarois has a mousse-like, creamy texture that melts in your mouth, making it a true dessert experience.
  • Visually Stunning: The deep brown of the chocolate contrasted with the vibrant red raspberry compote makes for an impressive dessert that will wow any guest.
  • Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness of the raspberry compote or add extra chocolate shavings or berries on top for a personal touch.
  • Make-Ahead: This dessert can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve, making it an ideal choice for stress-free entertaining.
  • Gourmet Feel: Despite its impressive presentation, the chocolate raspberry bavarois is surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 6 hours (includes chilling time)
  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Chill Time: 5 hours
  • Servings: 6-8 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Carbs: 35g, Fat: 25g, Protein: 5g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois:

  • 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon powdered gelatin
  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (for compote)
  • 1/4 cup sugar (for compote)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Ingredient Highlights

  • Dark Chocolate: The key to a rich, deep flavor that complements the tangy raspberries beautifully. Choose a high-quality dark chocolate for the best results.
  • Heavy Cream and Milk: These provide the creamy, luxurious base that makes the bavarois melt in your mouth.
  • Egg Yolks: Used to create a custard-like base for the bavarois, giving it its smooth texture.
  • Gelatin: This helps set the bavarois, giving it structure without losing its creamy consistency.
  • Raspberries and Lemon Juice: Fresh raspberries are the star of the compote, while lemon juice enhances their natural tang and balances the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois:

Prepare the Raspberry Compote:

  1. Cook the Raspberries: In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
  2. Strain the Compote (Optional): For a smoother compote, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the seeds. Let the compote cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Chocolate Bavarois:

  1. Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until completely smooth. Let the melted chocolate cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
  3. Make the Custard: In a saucepan, heat the milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream over medium heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar. Slowly pour the hot milk and cream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
  4. Thicken the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved.
  5. Combine with Chocolate: Add the melted chocolate to the custard mixture and stir until fully incorporated. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

Whip the Cream and Assemble:

  1. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the remaining heavy cream (1 cup) to soft peaks.
  2. Fold in the Cream: Once the chocolate mixture has cooled, gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Pour into Molds: Spoon the chocolate bavarois mixture into individual molds or one large mold, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  4. Chill: Refrigerate the bavarois for at least 5 hours, or overnight, until fully set.

Serve:

  1. Serve with Raspberry Compote: Once set, gently unmold the bavarois and serve with a spoonful of the raspberry compote on top. Garnish with fresh raspberries or chocolate shavings if desired.

How to Serve

These Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois can be served in a variety of ways:

  • Individual Molds: Serve the bavarois in individual portions for a more elegant presentation at dinner parties.
  • Large Mold: For family-style serving, unmold the bavarois onto a platter and serve with the raspberry compote drizzled on top.
  • With Extra Garnishes: Garnish with additional fresh raspberries, a dusting of cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings for an extra touch of luxury.
  • After Dinner: Serve as a rich, creamy dessert after a light meal to impress your guests.
  • In a Glass: For a casual yet elegant serving option, spoon the bavarois into glass cups or jars for a more rustic, layered presentation.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois even better:

  • Gelatin Substitution: If you prefer a vegetarian alternative to gelatin, agar-agar can be used, but follow package instructions for the correct substitution ratio.
  • Use Fresh Raspberries: Fresh raspberries work best for the compote, but frozen raspberries can be substituted in a pinch.
  • Extra Richness: Add a splash of coffee to the chocolate mixture for a deeper flavor.
  • Customize with Liqueur: Add a small splash of raspberry liqueur (like Chambord) to the compote or chocolate mixture for a sophisticated twist.
  • Make It a Day Ahead: This dessert benefits from chilling overnight, so it’s perfect for preparing ahead of time.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Taste your raspberry compote before serving and adjust the sweetness with more sugar or lemon juice, depending on your preference.
  • Serving Vessels: For a more festive presentation, serve in clear glass cups so your guests can see the beautiful layers of chocolate and raspberry.
  • Mousse Texture: For an even lighter texture, whip the cream to soft peaks instead of stiff peaks.
  • Chocolate Quality: Choose high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa) for a more intense flavor that pairs beautifully with the raspberry.
  • Try Different Fruit: While raspberry is the classic pairing, you can substitute with strawberries or blackberries for a different flavor profile.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 fun Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois variations to try:

  • Strawberry Bavarois: Swap the raspberries for fresh strawberries for a slightly sweeter version.
  • Peach and Chocolate: Replace the raspberry compote with fresh peach puree for a summer twist.
  • Chocolate Orange Bavarois: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the chocolate mixture for a citrusy complement to the chocolate.
  • Mint Infusion: Infuse the cream with mint before whipping for a fresh, herbal flavor that pairs well with chocolate.
  • Hazelnut Crunch: Add chopped roasted hazelnuts to the bavarois mixture for a delightful crunch.
  • Vanilla Bean: Substitute vanilla extract with vanilla bean paste for a richer, more aromatic flavor.
  • Chili Chocolate: Spice up the chocolate mixture with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a warming, spicy kick.
  • Espresso Flavored: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the chocolate mixture for a mocha-inspired version.
  • Tiramisu-Inspired: Layer the bavarois with ladyfingers soaked in coffee for a tiramisu twist.
  • Raspberry Ganache: Top the bavarois with a raspberry-flavored chocolate ganache for extra richness and raspberry flavor.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: The Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois can be frozen if you want to make it ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, and it will last up to 1 month in the freezer. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment

Here are some tools you’ll need to make Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois:

  • Heatproof Bowl: Used for melting the chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave.
  • Saucepan: Essential for making the custard base and raspberry compote.
  • Mixing Bowls: For whipping the cream and combining the egg yolk mixture.
  • Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: To strain the raspberry compote for a smoother texture.
  • Rubber Spatula: Used to scrape down the sides of the bowls and smooth the bavarois mixture into molds.
  • Molds or Ramekins: For shaping the bavarois, either individual molds or one large mold will work.
  • Electric Mixer: For whipping the heavy cream to soft peaks.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of the ingredients.
  • Candy Thermometer (optional): For ensuring the custard reaches the proper temperature without curdling.
  • Serving Platter: For presenting the bavarois when ready to serve.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use a different type of fruit for the compote?
    Yes, you can substitute raspberries with other fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Just adjust the sweetness based on the fruit’s natural flavor.
  2. Can I make this dessert without gelatin?
    You can use agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin. Follow the package instructions for proper substitution.
  3. How long does the bavarois need to chill?
    The bavarois needs to chill for at least 5 hours to set properly, but for the best texture, refrigerating overnight is recommended.
  4. Can I add liqueur to the chocolate mixture?
    Yes, adding a small amount of raspberry liqueur or chocolate liqueur can enhance the flavors and add an extra layer of richness.
  5. What if I don’t have molds?
    You can use ramekins, cups, or even small glass jars to serve the bavarois. Just ensure they are lightly greased to make unmolding easier.
  6. Can I make the compote ahead of time?
    Yes, the raspberry compote can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  7. How should I store leftovers?
    Store any leftover bavarois in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  8. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
    Yes, you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor, but the result will be less rich compared to using dark chocolate.
  9. How do I get a smooth texture in the bavarois?
    Make sure the chocolate mixture has cooled to room temperature before folding in the whipped cream, and gently fold to avoid deflating the cream.
  10. Can I use a different type of cream?
    Heavy cream is recommended for the best texture and richness, but you could substitute with whipping cream if necessary.
Print
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Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois


  • Author: Shirley
  • Total Time: 6 hours

Ingredients

Scale

Gather the following ingredients to make your Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois:

  • 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon powdered gelatin
  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (for compote)
  • 1/4 cup sugar (for compote)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Prepare the Raspberry Compote:

  1. Cook the Raspberries: In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
  2. Strain the Compote (Optional): For a smoother compote, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the seeds. Let the compote cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Chocolate Bavarois:

  1. Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until completely smooth. Let the melted chocolate cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
  3. Make the Custard: In a saucepan, heat the milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream over medium heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar. Slowly pour the hot milk and cream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
  4. Thicken the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved.
  5. Combine with Chocolate: Add the melted chocolate to the custard mixture and stir until fully incorporated. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

Whip the Cream and Assemble:

  1. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the remaining heavy cream (1 cup) to soft peaks.
  2. Fold in the Cream: Once the chocolate mixture has cooled, gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Pour into Molds: Spoon the chocolate bavarois mixture into individual molds or one large mold, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  4. Chill: Refrigerate the bavarois for at least 5 hours, or overnight, until fully set.

Serve:

  1. Serve with Raspberry Compote: Once set, gently unmold the bavarois and serve with a spoonful of the raspberry compote on top. Garnish with fresh raspberries or chocolate shavings if desired.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6-8 servings
  • Calories: 350-400 kcal
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 5g

Conclusion

Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois is a luxurious and stunning dessert that will surely impress anyone who tries it. With its smooth, creamy texture and perfect balance of rich chocolate and tart raspberries, it’s a treat worth savoring. The silky mousse-like consistency of the bavarois pairs beautifully with the vibrant raspberry flavor, creating a decadent indulgence that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a gourmet dessert at home, this bavarois will undoubtedly become a favorite.

I can’t wait to see how your Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!

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