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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cool before ganache: Allow the baked delights to cool for approximately 5 minutes to slightly set before applying the ganache.
- Prepare ganache base: Place 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips into a heat-safe bowl and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
