05 February 2026
Chocolate Dacquoise Cake
RecipeShare Test Kitchen
A layered chocolate dacquoise cake with dark chocolate ganache, milk chocolate glaze, and airy chocolate mousse.
Chocolate Dacquoise Cake
This chocolate dacquoise cake layers a nutty meringue base with glossy ganache, a thin milk chocolate glaze, and a cloud of chocolate mousse. Each element is built to keep the texture light yet deeply chocolate-forward. Let the cake rest briefly before serving so the ganache and mousse soften to their most luxurious bite.
Flavor Profile
Toasted hazelnut and almond bring a praline-like aroma, while dark chocolate adds depth and a clean finish. The milk chocolate glaze softens the bitterness for a balanced, elegant sweetness. The mousse keeps the texture airy without losing richness.
Ingredient Highlights
The dacquoise uses whole toasted nuts for extra fragrance and a slightly rustic crunch. The ganache is emulsified with butter for a silky sheen, while hazelnut oil adds a subtle nutty note to the glaze. The pate a bombe mousse provides stability and a fine, creamy crumb.
How It Comes Together
Bake the dacquoise and chill it to firm up. Emulsify the ganache and use a thin layer to anchor chopped almonds. Glaze with milk chocolate, then pipe ganache and mousse for a clean, layered finish. Garnish and let the cake sit briefly before slicing.
Chef's Tips
Keep the ganache and glaze at their target temperatures for the smoothest finish. Use a serrated knife warmed in hot water for clean slices. If the mousse sets firm, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before piping.
Easy Swaps
Swap hazelnuts for almonds if needed, or use a mixed nut blend. Neutral oil can replace hazelnut oil, but you will lose the aroma. For a lighter finish, replace half the ganache piping with lightly sweetened whipped cream.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Bake the dacquoise up to 2 days ahead and keep wrapped in the refrigerator. Ganache and glaze can be made a day ahead and rewarmed gently. The assembled cake keeps for 2 days chilled.
Budget Tips
Buy chocolate in large bars and chop it yourself to save on couverture costs. Use sliced toasted almonds instead of whole hazelnuts if they are cheaper.
Low-Cholesterol Notes
This cake relies on eggs and cream for structure. To reduce cholesterol, keep portions small and serve with fresh berries to balance richness.
Chocolate Dacquoise Cake
RecipeShare Test KitchenA layered chocolate dacquoise cake with dark chocolate ganache, milk chocolate glaze, and airy chocolate mousse.
Tools Used
Stand Mixer(opens in a new tab)Mixing Bowls(opens in a new tab)Rubber Spatula(opens in a new tab)Offset Spatula(opens in a new tab)Baking Sheet(opens in a new tab)Parchment Paper(opens in a new tab)Saucepan(opens in a new tab)Immersion Blender(opens in a new tab)Candy Thermometer(opens in a new tab)Piping Bags
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Ingredients
USMetric
Hazelnut Dacquoise
Dark Chocolate Ganache
Milk Chocolate Glaze
Chocolate Mousse
Finish
Instructions
Hazelnut Dacquoise
- 1
Heat oven to 400F (200C). Line a sheet pan with parchment.
- 2
Whip egg whites with cream of tartar and one-third of the sugar to a foamy stage.
- 3
Pulse hazelnuts and almonds into a coarse meal. Add powdered sugar and flour; pulse to combine.
- 4
Whip whites to firm peaks, adding remaining sugar gradually.
- 5
Fold nut mixture into the meringue. Spread into a disk or rectangle to fit your serving plate.
- 6
Bake 15 minutes until set. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.
Dark Chocolate Ganache
- 1
Melt chocolate gently over a water bath.
- 2
Bring cream to a quick boil. Add to chocolate in three additions, stirring to emulsify.
- 3
At 140F (60C), blend in butter with an immersion blender, keeping the blade submerged to avoid bubbles.
- 4
Tap to release air, then cool. Use at 95F (35C) for coating or 77F (25C) for piping.
Milk Chocolate Glaze
- 1
Melt milk chocolate with hazelnut oil over a water bath. Keep below 95F (35C).
- 2
Use at 95F (35C) for glazing.
Chocolate Mousse
- 1
Melt dark chocolate and keep warm at 104F (40C).
- 2
Whip cream to medium-firm peaks; refrigerate.
- 3
Cook sugar and water to 245F (118C). Whip egg yolks on high speed, then stream in the hot syrup to make a pate a bombe.
- 4
Whip until thick and cool. Fold into warm chocolate, then fold in whipped cream.
- 5
Pipe or spread within 30 minutes, or refrigerate to firm for later use.
Assembly
- 1
Flip the dacquoise onto a plate (brown side down). Coat with a thin layer of ganache and sprinkle chopped almonds; chill to set.
- 2
Glaze with a thin layer of milk chocolate glaze and refrigerate.
- 3
Pipe ganache borders with a star tip, then pipe chocolate mousse with a large plain tip.
- 4
Garnish with toasted hazelnut halves and optional gold leaf. Rest 30 minutes before serving.
Comments & Reviews
Priya K.
4/18/2025
The mousse was surprisingly light for how rich it tastes.
Leo
4/10/2025
Deep chocolate flavor with a clean, glossy finish.
Marianne
3/30/2025
The dacquoise stayed crisp under the ganache and mousse.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories 560
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 36g46%
Saturated Fat 14g70%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 165mg55%
Sodium 120mg5%
Total Carbohydrates 48g17%
Dietary Fiber 4g14%
Sugars 32g
Protein 8g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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