Coffee Torrone for the Dead (Torrone dei Morti al Caffè)
Category: Desserts
Servings: 10
This decadent and rich Coffee Torrone is an irresistible Italian treat traditionally enjoyed around the Day of the Dead celebrations. Combining dark and white chocolate with the crunch of hazelnuts and the bold flavor of coffee, this dessert is a must-try for anyone with a love for rich, layered sweets. Its smooth, creamy texture enveloped in a crunchy, chocolate-coated shell makes each bite a true indulgence. Here’s how to make this heavenly confection at home.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dark chocolate (fondente) | 400g |
| White chocolate | 425g |
| Hazelnut spread (Crema spalmabile alle nocciole) | 325g |
| Whole peeled hazelnuts | 200g |
| Water | 80g |
| Instant coffee (Caffè solubile) | 50g |
| Water (for coffee paste) | 40g |
| Sugar | 10g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Paste
- Begin by preparing the coffee paste. In a small pot, heat 40g of water until it reaches a boil.
- In a separate bowl, combine the instant coffee and sugar.
- Once the water is boiling, pour it over the coffee and sugar mixture. Stir well with a spatula to combine everything thoroughly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
- While the coffee paste cools, prepare the chocolate coating for the mold. Finely chop 200g of dark chocolate.
- Melt the chopped dark chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave. Once fully melted, use a pastry brush to coat the interior of your mold with the melted chocolate.
- Allow the first layer to set in the fridge for about 10 minutes. Then, add a second layer of melted chocolate, spreading it evenly to cover all sides of the mold. Place it back in the fridge to solidify.
Step 3: Toast the Hazelnuts
- While the chocolate is setting, toast the hazelnuts in a dry non-stick pan over medium heat. Stir constantly for a few minutes until the hazelnuts are golden and aromatic, but be careful not to burn them.
- Set the toasted hazelnuts aside to cool.
Step 4: Make the Coffee-Hazelnut Cream
- Chop the white chocolate into small pieces and melt it in a double boiler.
- While the white chocolate is melting, take 50g of the chilled coffee paste and place it in a small saucepan with 30g of water. Heat the mixture until it comes to a boil.
- Once the white chocolate is melted and the coffee paste has come to a boil, remove both from the heat.
- Add the hazelnut spread to the coffee mixture and stir well to combine.
- Gradually add the coffee-hazelnut mixture into the melted white chocolate, a third at a time, stirring vigorously with a whisk to ensure the ingredients absorb properly. The mixture may initially seize up, but continue stirring and adding the remaining portions until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Assemble the Torrone
- Once the cream mixture is ready, transfer it to the prepared mold that has the chocolate coating. Pour the cream into the mold and spread it evenly using a spatula.
- Next, melt another 200g of dark chocolate. Pour the melted chocolate over the top of the cream mixture to cover it completely. Smooth out the surface with a spatula to make it even.
- Sprinkle the toasted hazelnuts over the top of the chocolate layer for added crunch and flavor.
Step 6: Set and Serve
- Place the entire mold in the refrigerator and allow it to set for at least 6 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Once the torrone has fully hardened, gently tap the mold against a cutting board to release the confection.
- Slice the torrone into pieces and serve. Enjoy your homemade Italian Coffee Torrone for the Dead!
Tips & Variations
- Customization: If you like, you can add a touch of liqueur, such as hazelnut liqueur or dark rum, to the coffee paste to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Storage: Store the torrone in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This dessert is perfect for making ahead of time and serves beautifully at gatherings.
- Hazelnuts: If you can’t find whole hazelnuts, you can also use chopped or even roasted hazelnut pieces for a slightly different texture.
Indulge in the rich, luxurious flavors of this Italian dessert, which combines the warmth of coffee, the smoothness of chocolate, and the crunch of toasted hazelnuts. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a unique homemade treat, Coffee Torrone for the Dead is sure to be a hit!
