Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois

Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois is a decadent French dessert featuring a silky, chocolate-flavored custard set with gelatin, layered with a tart raspberry sauce. This elegant treat is light, creamy, and perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests with a restaurant-quality dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Luxuriously Smooth – The texture is light, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth.
• Perfect Flavor Balance – Rich chocolate paired with tart raspberries creates a stunning contrast.
• Great for Special Occasions – Looks elegant but is surprisingly easy to make.
• Make-Ahead Dessert – Can be prepared in advance and chilled until ready to serve.
• Customizable – Adjust sweetness, use dark or milk chocolate, or add different fruit toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Bavarois:

• Dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Egg yolks
• Sugar
• Gelatin powder or gelatin sheets
• Vanilla extract

For the Raspberry Sauce:

• Fresh or frozen raspberries
• Sugar
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh raspberries
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings
• Mint leaves

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Raspberry Sauce

1. Cook the Raspberries – In a saucepan over medium heat, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until raspberries break down.
2. Thicken (If Needed) – If a thicker sauce is desired, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir into the raspberry mixture. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes.
3. Strain & Cool – Strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Bavarois

4. Soften Gelatin – Sprinkle gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
5. Heat Milk – In a saucepan, warm the milk over low heat until steaming but not boiling.
6. Whisk Egg Yolks & Sugar – In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale.
7. Temper the Eggs – Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling.
8. Cook the Custard – Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5 minutes). Do not boil.
9. Melt the Chocolate – Remove from heat, stir in the softened gelatin and chopped chocolate, mixing until smooth. Let cool slightly.
10. Whip the Cream – In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold into the cooled chocolate mixture.

Step 3: Assemble & Chill

11. Layer the Dessert – Pour the chocolate bavarois mixture into serving glasses or molds, filling halfway. Add a layer of raspberry sauce, then top with the remaining bavarois mixture.
12. Chill – Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until set.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

13. Garnish – Top with fresh raspberries, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or mint leaves before serving.
14. Enjoy! – Serve chilled and savor every creamy bite!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 4+ hours
• Total Time: About 4 hours 35 minutes

Variations

• White Chocolate Bavarois – Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate for a milder, creamier version.
• Berry Medley – Use a mix of raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries for a different fruit layer.
• Coffee Twist – Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate mixture for a mocha flavor.
• Nutty Addition – Sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds on top for extra crunch.
• Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate for a lactose-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended as the texture may change when thawed.
• Serving Tip: Serve straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

What is Bavarois?

Bavarois is a French-style custard dessert that is stabilized with gelatin and lightened with whipped cream.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Bavarois needs at least 4 hours to set, so it’s a perfect make-ahead dessert.

How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

Temper the eggs by slowly adding the warm milk while whisking constantly, and cook over low heat without boiling.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but reduce the sugar slightly as milk chocolate is sweeter.

How do I make this without gelatin?

Use agar-agar as a substitute, but adjust the quantity as agar sets firmer than gelatin.

What’s the best way to get smooth layers?

Chill each layer for 10-15 minutes before adding the next one to prevent mixing.

Can I serve this in a large dish instead of individual portions?

Yes! Pour the mixture into a trifle bowl or large dish and slice to serve.

Can I skip the raspberry layer?

Yes, but the tartness balances the richness of the chocolate beautifully.

How do I make the whipped cream extra fluffy?

Use cold heavy cream and beat until soft peaks form without overwhipping.

What other toppings go well with this dessert?

Caramel drizzle, crushed cookies, or chopped nuts all make excellent additions.

Conclusion

Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois is an elegant, creamy, and indulgent dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate with tart raspberries. Whether you’re making it for a dinner party, date night, or special occasion, this luxurious treat is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a slice of French dessert perfection!

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