Irresistible Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Puff Pastries: Your Easy Homemade Recipe
Get ready to indulge in a truly delightful treat that combines the flaky perfection of puff pastry with a rich, creamy filling of chocolate, luscious caramel, and crunchy hazelnuts. If you’ve been searching for an easy yet impressive pastry recipe that tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery, look no further!
This recipe for Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Puff Pastries emerged from a fun exchange among food Instagrammers, where I stumbled upon Lizzylizzblog’s irresistible hazelnut chocolate puff pastries. One look, and I knew I had to make them. The craving was immediate, and the decision was made: these delectable pastries were going to grace my kitchen!
The result? Pure bliss! The combination of the creamy, melting chocolate, the satisfying crispness of the golden-baked puff pastry, and the delightful crunch of hazelnuts creates an extraordinary texture and flavor experience. I can already picture these beauties becoming a staple on our brunch menu, offering a homemade twist on the classic pain au chocolat that everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Puff Pastries
These pastries aren’t just a recipe; they’re an experience waiting to happen in your kitchen. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with making and devouring them:
Irresistible Flavor Combination
The magic truly happens with the filling. Imagine rich milk chocolate infused with the nutty goodness of hazelnuts, perfectly balanced by sweet, gooey caramel fudge. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a sweet paradise. It’s a harmonious blend that’s not overly sweet, allowing each component to shine.
Effortless Elegance with Puff Pastry
One of the best secrets to this recipe is the use of ready-made puff pastry. It transforms what might seem like a complex, time-consuming baking project into an incredibly simple task. You get all the beautiful, flaky layers without the arduous process of making dough from scratch, making these pastries accessible for even novice bakers.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, looking for a special breakfast treat, or simply craving an afternoon pick-me-up with your coffee, these pastries fit the bill. They’re elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a spontaneous weekday indulgence. Their beautiful golden appearance also makes them a fantastic dessert option.
Simple Customization for Every Palate
This recipe offers fantastic flexibility. If you prefer a less sweet pastry, you can easily omit the caramel fudge and opt for a darker chocolate. This allows you to tailor the sweetness level to your personal preference, ensuring everyone can enjoy a version that suits their taste buds. These small adjustments can dramatically change the profile, making it a truly versatile recipe.
Elevate Your Experience: Customization & Serving Suggestions
While the classic Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Puff Pastries are divine on their own, don’t hesitate to get creative with variations and serving ideas to make them uniquely yours.
Creative Flavor Variations
- Less Sweet Option: To reduce sweetness, simply omit the caramel fudge. You can also substitute the milk chocolate with a rich dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) for a more intense, sophisticated flavor.
- Different Chocolates: Not a fan of hazelnut chocolate? Swap it out for white chocolate for a creamy, sweet treat, or a plain dark chocolate for a bolder taste. You could even try a chocolate infused with orange zest or chili for an exciting twist.
- Alternative Nuts: Instead of hazelnuts, consider using chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for a different nutty dimension.
- Spiced Delights: A pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or even a tiny amount of cayenne pepper can add unexpected warmth and complexity to the chocolate filling.
- Croissant-Style: For a different shape, use croissant dough instead of puff pastry. You can spread the filling over the dough before rolling it into traditional croissants for a more classic French bakery feel.
Perfect Pairings & Toppings
- Creamy Salted Caramel: For an extra layer of decadence, drizzle your baked puff pastries with a homemade or store-bought creamy salted caramel sauce while they’re still warm.
- Dust with Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and subtle sweetness.
- Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a medley of fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a burst of freshness that complements the rich chocolate.
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: For a truly indulgent dessert, pair a warm puff pastry with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can lighten the richness and add a luxurious finish.
Best Enjoyed Fresh: Storage Tips
These pastries are truly at their best when eaten warm, straight from the oven. The crispiness of the puff pastry and the meltiness of the chocolate and caramel are unparalleled. Therefore, we highly recommend enjoying them right away for the ultimate experience. If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, but be aware that the pastry will soften.
Discover More Brunch Delights
If you love starting your day with something special, or perhaps extending your breakfast into a leisurely brunch, explore these other delicious recipes:
- Homemade Scones with Strawberries: A classic British treat, perfect with jam and cream.
- Ham and Cheese Croissants: Savory and satisfying, a perfect counterpoint to sweet pastries.
- Hearty Breakfast Quiche with Egg, Leek, and Bacon: A substantial and flavorful option for a savory start.
- Warm Cinnamon Wreath Bread: A beautiful and aromatic sweet bread, ideal for sharing.
It’s a good taste!
The Ultimate Recipe: Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Puff Pastries
Prepare to create a batch of these glorious chocolate hazelnut caramel puff pastries. Follow these detailed steps to achieve golden, flaky perfection with a wonderfully rich and gooey center. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring delicious results every time.
📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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A conventional oven is used. When using a convection oven (with air fan) decrease the temperature with 30 °F / 20 °C
Ingredients
Chocolate Caramel Filling
- 200 grams milk chocolate with hazelnut
- 100 grams butter
- 50 grams caramel fudge , cut into cubes
Puff Pastries
- 10 slices puff pastry
- 1 egg , size M
- 1 tablespoon water
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
Chocolate Caramel Filling
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Carefully break the milk chocolate with hazelnut into a heatproof bowl.
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Melt the butter gently and pour it over the broken chocolate pieces.
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Stir the mixture well with a spatula until the chocolate has completely melted and a smooth, glossy sauce forms.
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Add the caramel fudge cubes to the chocolate mixture and mix them in, ensuring they are well coated.
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Allow the prepared filling to cool down at room temperature for at least one hour. This step is crucial, as a cooled filling will be much easier to work with when forming the puff pastries.
Puff Pastries
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Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (approximately 390 degrees Fahrenheit). Ensure it’s fully preheated for even baking.
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Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
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Take one sheet of puff pastry from its packaging and carefully unroll or unfold it onto a lightly floured surface or directly onto your baking paper.
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Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the cooled chocolate caramel filling onto one half of the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
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Gently fold the other half of the puff pastry over the filling, creating a pocket. Press the edges firmly with your fingers or a fork to seal the pastry completely, ensuring the filling won’t escape during baking.
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Carefully transfer the filled pastry to your prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining puff pastry sheets and filling to create all 10 pastries.
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In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the tops of each pastry with this mixture. This will give them a beautiful golden sheen.
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Carefully slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up, golden brown, and flaky.
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Remove from the oven and serve immediately while they are still warm, allowing the chocolate and caramel filling to be wonderfully gooey.
Nutrition
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Essential Kitchen Tools for Baking Success
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. Here are some of the kitchen utensils I used and recommend for preparing these delicious Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Puff Pastries:
- A Good Pair of Knives: Essential for precision when cutting the caramel fudge into cubes and for neatly portioning your puff pastry sheets. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts without tearing the delicate pastry.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board is indispensable for safely preparing your ingredients, especially when dicing the caramel fudge and handling the puff pastry.
- Brushes, Spatulas, and Other Cooking Utensils: You’ll need a heatproof spatula for stirring the melted chocolate mixture until smooth, and a pastry brush for applying the egg wash evenly over your pastries, ensuring that beautiful golden finish.
- Sheet Pan, Baking Tray, or Baking Sheet: A reliable baking sheet is crucial for baking your pastries. Make sure it’s large enough to accommodate all your pastries with enough space for air circulation, promoting even baking.
- Baking Paper or Baking Mat: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a reusable silicone baking mat. This prevents the pastries from sticking, ensures easy removal, and makes cleanup a breeze.
We hope you enjoy making and sharing these wonderful Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Puff Pastries as much as we do. Their simple preparation, combined with their luxurious taste, makes them an instant favorite. Happy baking!