Hazelnut Mousse — praline-rich hazelnut mousse
Hazelnut mousse is a light, airy French mousse made by folding whipped cream and meringue into a base of hazelnut praline paste. The texture is cloud-light; the flavour is intensely nutty, with the caramelised depth of praline.
i. Origin & history
Hazelnut praline — caramelised hazelnuts ground to a paste — is a foundation of French and Italian (Piedmont) patisserie. The mousse format is a relatively modern application that emphasises the praline's aroma.
ii. Ingredients
Makes 6 servings · scroll the side panel to adjust
- 200 g hazelnut praline paste
- 250 ml double cream
- 2 egg yolks
- 60 g caster sugar
- 3 egg whites
- 8 g leaf gelatin
- 60 ml milk
- Pinch salt
- Chopped hazelnuts to top
iii. Method
- Soak gelatin in cold water 5 min.
- Warm milk; off heat dissolve squeezed gelatin into it. Whisk into praline paste with yolks. Cool to room temperature.
- Whip cream to soft peaks; fold into praline base.
- Whisk egg whites with sugar and salt to soft glossy meringue; fold into the praline base in three additions.
- Spoon into 6 glasses. Chill 4 hours. Top with chopped hazelnuts.
iv. Tips & common mistakes
- Use the freshest ingredients you can. The recipe relies on them.
- Read the method through first. Several steps must be ready in advance.
- Season patiently. Sweetness and salt are tuned at the end, not the start.
v. Variations
Chocolate-hazelnut mousse adds melted dark chocolate. Frangelico mousse adds 2 tbsp Frangelico. Salted hazelnut mousse adds a pinch of fleur de sel.
vi. Common questions
What is hazelnut mousse?
Hazelnut Mousse is praline-rich hazelnut mousse, from french cuisine. The texture is cloud-light; the flavour is intensely nutty, with the caramelised depth of praline
Where is hazelnut mousse from?
Hazelnut Mousse is from the french dessert tradition; the recipe and history are detailed above.
How long does hazelnut mousse keep?
See the storage note in the Quick facts panel: 2 days refrigerated.