A chocolate & hazelnut mille-feuille with caramelized puff pastry, praline cream, dark chocolate drizzle, and a tempered chocolate shard on a black plate.

Indulge in the decadence of Chocolate & Hazelnut Mille-Feuille, a dessert that seamlessly layers buttery, caramelized puff pastry with silky hazelnut praline cream and glossy dark chocolate ganache. Each bite is a balance of crisp, creamy, and rich textures, making it a showstopping fine dining experience.

Plated with artistic precision, this mille-feuille features a tempered chocolate shard, a dusting of cocoa powder, and an elegant drizzle of dark chocolate. Served on a matte black plate with a streak of ganache and caramelized hazelnuts, this dessert is the epitome of modern French patisserie elegance.

Let’s explore the ingredients and step-by-step guide to craft and plate this sophisticated masterpiece.


Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these premium ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of texture, richness, and elegance.

For the Puff Pastry Layers:

  • 1 sheet of high-quality puff pastry, thawed
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for caramelizing the pastry)

For the Hazelnut Praline Cream:

  • ½ cup toasted hazelnuts
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp water
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • ½ cup dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
  • ¼ cup heavy cream

For Garnishes & Plating:

  • Tempered dark chocolate shard
  • Cocoa powder (for dusting)
  • Caramelized hazelnuts, hand-crushed
  • Gold-dusted whole hazelnut
  • Dark chocolate drizzle

Step 1: Prepare the Crisp Puff Pastry Layers

The key to a perfect mille-feuille is achieving a light, crisp pastry with caramelized edges.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Puff pastry, powdered sugar

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Roll out the puff pastry slightly and trim into equal-sized rectangles (about 4 inches by 2 inches).
  3. Dust with powdered sugar, then place a second parchment sheet and another baking tray on top to weigh it down—this keeps it from puffing excessively.
  4. Bake for 15-18 minutes, then remove the top tray and bake for another 5 minutes until golden.
  5. Cool completely before assembling.

💡 Pro Tip: For an extra crisp texture, bake at a low temperature (325°F) for longer to fully dry out the layers.


Step 2: Make the Hazelnut Praline Cream

A smooth, nutty, and lightly sweetened praline cream enhances the mille-feuille’s depth of flavor.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Hazelnuts, sugar, water, heavy cream, mascarpone, vanilla

Method:

  1. Caramelize the hazelnuts: In a small pan, heat sugar and water until golden, then pour over toasted hazelnuts. Let it harden and blend into a fine praline paste.
  2. Whip the Cream Base: Beat heavy cream, mascarpone, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
  3. Incorporate the Praline: Fold the hazelnut praline paste into the whipped cream until smooth.
  4. Transfer to a piping bag and chill until ready to use.

💡 Pro Tip: Strain the praline paste for a super smooth texture.


Step 3: Make the Silky Chocolate Ganache

A rich and glossy dark chocolate ganache adds a decadent finishing touch.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Dark chocolate, heavy cream

Method:

  1. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, warm heavy cream until just simmering.
  2. Melt the Chocolate: Pour over chopped dark chocolate and let sit for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth.
  3. Cool slightly before use.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a 70% cocoa dark chocolate for a balanced bitterness that complements the sweet praline cream.


Step 4: Assemble the Mille-Feuille with Precision

The beauty of this dessert is in its layers and meticulous presentation.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Baked puff pastry, hazelnut praline cream, chocolate ganache

Method:

  1. Pipe the Praline Cream: Pipe uniform dollops of praline cream onto the first pastry layer.
  2. Repeat Layers: Place another pastry sheet on top, repeat the piping, and finish with a third pastry sheet.
  3. Drizzle with Ganache: Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle dark chocolate over the top layer in an artful, asymmetrical pattern.
  4. Dust with Cocoa Powder: Create a soft gradient by sifting cocoa powder over half the tart.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a ruler to ensure even layering for a professional look.


Step 5: Plate with Artistic Flair

Fine dining plating elevates this dessert into a masterpiece.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Tempered chocolate shard, caramelized hazelnuts, gold-dusted hazelnut, dark chocolate drizzle

Method:

  1. Choose a Matte Black Plate: The dark plate enhances the rich colors and contrast.
  2. Create a Ganache Streak: Use a small brush or spoon to smear a streak of ganache beneath the mille-feuille.
  3. Scatter Crushed Hazelnuts: Place a few caramelized hazelnut pieces near the streak.
  4. Add a Chocolate Shard: Position a thin, tempered chocolate shard at an angle for a sculptural effect.
  5. Final Luxury Touch: Place a gold-dusted hazelnut on top for an opulent finish.

💡 Pro Tip: Less is more—negative space enhances the elegance of plating.


Why You’ll Love This Dessert

✨ Decadent & Elegant – A perfect balance of crisp pastry, silky cream, and rich chocolate.

✨ Visually Stunning – A Michelin-star-worthy plated dessert with luxurious garnishes.

✨ Elevated Flavor – The nutty praline cream and bittersweet chocolate create a sophisticated depth of taste.

✨ Perfect for Special Occasions – Ideal for dinner parties, celebrations, or a fine dining experience at home.


Pairing Suggestions

Enhance the experience with these perfect pairings:

🍷 Wine – A glass of Tawny Port or Espresso Martini complements the chocolate-hazelnut richness.

☕ Coffee – Pair with a shot of dark espresso or hazelnut-infused latte.

🍨 Side Dessert – Serve with a scoop of dark chocolate gelato for a contrast in temperature.


Share Your Creation

We’d love to see your beautifully plated Chocolate & Hazelnut Mille-Feuille! Share your creation on Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok using #BeyondEveryBite, and you may be featured in our next post.


Final Thoughts

Chocolate & Hazelnut Mille-Feuille is the pinnacle of fine pastry craftsmanship, combining precision, artistry, and rich flavors. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or refine your dessert plating skills, this dish is a must-try.

✨ Plate with precision, indulge in luxury, and savor every bite.

Bon appétit! 🍫✨