Chocolate and hazelnut praline rolled log

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Hazelnut Praline

1. Toast the Hazelnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast them for about 10 minutes or until fragrant, shaking the pan halfway through. Once they’re done, let them cool slightly.
2. Make the Praline: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then allow it to cook without stirring until it turns a deep golden color (about 8-10 minutes). Carefully add the toasted hazelnuts to the caramelized sugar and stir to coat. Once the hazelnuts are evenly coated, pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it cool and harden for about 30 minutes before chopping it into small pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Sponge

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until they become light and fluffy. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, and gently fold it into the egg mixture. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing gently until everything is combined.
3. Bake the Sponge: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. While it bakes, prepare a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle it with powdered sugar.
4. Roll the Cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately turn it out onto the prepared towel. Peel off the parchment paper and carefully roll the cake up with the towel, starting from one short end. Let it cool completely while rolled up to maintain its shape.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Filling

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate and heavy cream. Heat over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
2. Whip the Filling: Once the chocolate mixture has cooled, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the filling until it thickens and holds soft peaks. This will give it a light, airy texture that’s perfect for spreading on the sponge.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolled Log

1. Unroll the Sponge: Carefully unroll the cooled sponge cake and remove the towel. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the surface of the cake, leaving about 1/2 inch of space on the edges.
2. Add the Hazelnut Praline: Sprinkle the chopped hazelnut praline over the chocolate filling, pressing it lightly into the filling.
3. Roll the Cake: Carefully roll the cake back up, starting from the side opposite of the edge you left free. Be gentle to avoid cracking the sponge.
4. Chill the Log: Once the cake is rolled, place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up before slicing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once chilled, dust the chocolate hazelnut praline log with powdered sugar. Slice it into generous portions and serve. The combination of the rich chocolate filling, the crunchy hazelnut praline, and the soft, airy sponge will surely impress your guests. It’s the perfect dessert to end any meal!

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate and Hazelnut Praline Rolled Log:

• Don’t Skip the Towel Step: Rolling the cake while it’s still warm and using a towel helps maintain the shape of the log and prevents it from cracking.
• Customize the Filling: While this recipe uses a dark chocolate filling, feel free to use milk or white chocolate for a sweeter variation. You can also add a splash of your favorite liqueur (like hazelnut or coffee) to the filling for an extra flavor boost.
• Make Ahead: This rolled log can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious.

Final Thoughts:

The Chocolate and Hazelnut Praline Rolled Log is a decadent, visually stunning dessert that’s sure to wow anyone who tries it. With its combination of soft chocolate sponge, creamy filling, and crunchy hazelnut praline, this dessert is a true indulgence. Perfect for special occasions or as a treat to share with family and friends, it’s a dessert that will undoubtedly become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make this mouthwatering rolled log—because every bite is worth the effort!