Chocolate Mint Napoleon*

Servings: 4 Difficulty: Advanced
A rich, layered dessert combining crisp chocolate mint bark with velvety mousse
Chocolate Mint Napoleon* recipe image

This decadent Chocolate Mint Napoleon is a sophisticated twist on the classic pastry, featuring layers of homemade chocolate mint bark and rich bittersweet chocolate mousse. The sharp, refreshing flavor of crème de menthe cuts through the deep sweetness of the chocolate, creating a perfect balance of texture and taste. Ideal for holiday gatherings or romantic dinners, this dessert looks as impressive as it tastes. The crunchy bark provides a satisfying contrast to the smooth, airy mousse, while the vanilla bean adds a subtle aromatic depth. Serve chilled for the best experience.

Chocolate Mint Napoleon*

Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4 Calories: 69.5

Description

This decadent Chocolate Mint Napoleon is a sophisticated twist on the classic pastry, featuring layers of homemade chocolate mint bark and rich bittersweet chocolate mousse. The sharp, refreshing flavor of cr&# 195;¨me de menthe cuts through the deep sweetness of the chocolate, creating a perfect balance of texture and taste. Ideal for holiday gatherings or romantic dinners, this dessert looks as impressive as it tastes. The crunchy bark provides a satisfying contrast to the smooth, airy mousse, while the vanilla bean adds a subtle aromatic depth. Serve chilled for the best experience.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Combine crème de menthe, sugar, and the scraped seeds from the vanilla bean in a small saucepan.
  2. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
  3. For the mousse: Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a small bowl until blended and pale.
  4. Bring cream to a simmer in a heavy small saucepan.
  5. Gradually whisk the hot cream into the egg mixture to temper the eggs.
  6. Return the mixture to the saucepan and stir constantly over medium-low heat until the custard thickens, about 1 minute.
  7. Do not let the custard boil.
  8. Reduce heat to low and add finely chopped bittersweet chocolate, crème de cacao, and unsalted butter.
  9. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  10. Pour the chocolate mixture into a large bowl and chill until cool, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.
  11. Beat cold whipping cream in a separate small bowl until stiff peaks form.
  12. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture until just combined.
  13. Cover the mousse and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
  14. For the chocolate bark: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  15. Process hard peppermint candies in a food processor until finely ground.
  16. Place half of the finely chopped bittersweet chocolate in the top of a double boiler set over simmering water.
  17. Stir until the chocolate melts and a candy thermometer registers 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
  18. Pour the melted chocolate onto one prepared baking sheet.
  19. Using a spatula, spread the chocolate to a uniform 1/16-inch thickness over the parchment paper.
  20. Sprinkle half of the ground peppermint candies over half of the chocolate sheet.
  21. Fold the parchment paper in half to seal the candies into the chocolate layer.
  22. Repeat the process with the remaining chocolate and candies on the second baking sheet.
  23. Cover and chill the bark in the refrigerator for 1 to 24 hours until set.
  24. Peel the parchment paper off the hardened chocolate bark.
  25. Break the bark into irregular pieces, reserving small shards for garnish.
  26. To assemble, place a large piece of chocolate bark on a plate.
  27. Spread a scant 1/3 cup of the chilled mousse over the bark.
  28. Place another piece of bark on top of the mousse layer.
  29. Spread another scant 1/3 cup of mousse over the second bark layer.
  30. Top with a third piece of bark.
  31. Dollop a small amount of mousse on top and arrange reserved small bark pieces upright for decoration.
  32. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
  33. Serve immediately or cover and chill for up to 6 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 69.5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.2g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 2.0mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 16.4g6%
Dietary Fiber 4.6g19%
Sugars 9.5g
Protein 1.7g4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: chocolate, mint, napoleon, mousse, bark, dessert, layered, crème de menthe, bittersweet, vanilla bean, holiday, christmas, indulgent, textured, chilled, garnish, pastry, sweet, refreshing, rich
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