Dutch Delights with Hot Chocolate Ganache & Toasted Pecans Recipe

Introduction

These Dutch Delights are a decadent treat featuring a rich chocolate batter topped with a luscious hot chocolate ganache and crunchy toasted pecans. Perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a cozy, homemade dessert with a hint of maple sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 Small Egg
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
• 6 ounce Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate
• 1/2 teaspoon Maple Extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 3/4 cup Chopped Pecans
• 1/2 cup Whipping Cream
• 2 tablespoon Hot Chocolate Mix
• 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) and grease an 11×7-inch rectangular baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. Step 3: Using a double boiler, melt the granulated sugar, maple syrup, unsalted butter, and semi-sweet baking chocolate together until smooth.
4. Step 4: Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly. Then stir in the egg, maple extract, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans.
5. Step 5: Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined to form the batter.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges turn crispy and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Let the baked dessert cool for about 5 minutes before spreading on the ganache and sprinkling with additional toasted pecans.
8. Step 8: To make the ganache, place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl and set aside.
9. Step 9: Heat the whipping cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to boil. Stir in the hot chocolate mix until well combined.
10. Step 10: Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate chips and let sit for 3 minutes to soften the chocolate.
11. Step 11: Stir gently until the ganache is smooth and glossy. Spread immediately over the cooled dessert.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds or chocolate chips for added texture.
• Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer, less sweet flavor.
• Adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the batter can enhance the chocolate depth.
• Make sure not to overbake; the center should remain moist to keep the dessert tender.

Storage

Store the Dutch Delights in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week and bring to room temperature before serving. Reheat gently if desired to soften the ganache.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate instead of baking chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute semi-sweet baking chocolate with regular semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips, but avoid using sweetened chocolate bars that contain additives or milk to maintain the right texture and flavor balance.

Is it necessary to use hot chocolate mix in the ganache?

The hot chocolate mix adds a unique depth and sweetness, but you can omit it and simply heat the cream with a little sugar or vanilla extract for a classic ganache. The hot chocolate mix gives a special twist to this recipe.

Dutch Delights with Hot Chocolate Ganache & Toasted Pecans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 62 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Dutch Delights with Hot Chocolate Ganache & Toasted Pecans is a rich and decadent baked treat featuring a moist chocolate batter infused with maple syrup and pecans. Topped with a luscious hot chocolate ganache and toasted pecans, this dessert perfectly balances nutty flavors and deep chocolate indulgence, making it ideal for special occasions or cozy gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar

Wet Ingredients & Mix-Ins

• 1 Small Egg
• 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
• 6 ounces Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate
• 1/2 teaspoon Maple Extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 3/4 cup Chopped Pecans

Ganache

• 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1/2 cup Whipping Cream
• 2 tablespoons Hot Chocolate Mix

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease an 11×7 inch rectangular baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the baked delights.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set this bowl aside as the dry mixture.
3. Melt sugar, syrup, butter, and chocolate: Using a double boiler, melt together 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, and 6 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate until smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Add egg and flavorings: To the slightly cooled chocolate mixture, whisk in 1 small egg, 1/2 teaspoon maple extract, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 3/4 cup chopped pecans. Mix until thoroughly combined.
5. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet chocolate and pecan mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir well until just combined and a thick batter forms.
6. Bake the batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the edges start to crisp and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool before ganache: Allow the baked delights to cool for approximately 5 minutes to slightly set before applying the ganache.
8. Prepare ganache base: Place 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips into a heat-safe bowl and set aside.
9. Heat cream and hot chocolate mix: In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup whipping cream over medium heat until it starts to boil. Stir in 2 tablespoons hot chocolate mix until dissolved.
10. Combine cream and chocolate chips: Pour the hot chocolate cream mixture over the chocolate chips in the bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for 3 minutes to allow the chocolate chips to soften.
11. Finish ganache and assemble: Stir the chocolate and cream mixture until smooth and glossy. Spread this ganache evenly over the slightly cooled baked treats and sprinkle additional toasted pecans on top if desired.

Notes

• Use a good quality semi-sweet chocolate for richer flavor in both the batter and ganache.
• Ensure the chocolate mixture cools slightly before adding the egg to prevent cooking it.
• To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and golden.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute whipping cream and butter with coconut cream and vegan butter alternatives.
• Ganache can be kept warm by placing the bowl over a pot of warm water if not spreading immediately.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Dutch-American Fusion

Keywords: Dutch Delights, hot chocolate ganache, toasted pecans, chocolate dessert, baked chocolate treat, maple syrup dessert