A masterpiece of indulgence, this Baileys, Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel, and Chocolate Entremet is a multi-layered dessert that blends luxurious textures and flavors into a visually stunning creation. Every bite is a balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, salty, and boozy notes, making it the perfect treat for those who appreciate refined desserts with depth and sophistication.
At its core lies a moist and rich chocolate sponge base, providing a deep cocoa foundation that anchors the dessert. Above this, a velvety peanut butter crémeux melts smoothly on the palate, offering a nutty contrast that complements the sweetness of the surrounding elements. A delicate layer of silky salted caramel adds an indulgent, slightly savory edge, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
Encasing these layers is a light yet decadent Baileys mousse, infused with the distinct notes of Irish cream liqueur. This airy and delicate mousse introduces a gentle boozy warmth, making each bite irresistibly smooth. The entire entremet is then enveloped in a glossy chocolate mirror glaze, providing an elegant, reflective finish that adds to the dessert’s visual appeal.
To complete the experience, a delicate caramel tuile crowns the entremet, adding a crisp texture and a touch of artistic flair. Its golden, lacy structure not only enhances the presentation but also introduces a satisfying crunch, contrasting beautifully with the creamy elements below.
This entremet is a celebration of bold flavors and impeccable craftsmanship, combining the richness of chocolate, the nuttiness of peanut butter, the silkiness of caramel, and the smooth indulgence of Bailey’s mousse. A perfect centerpiece for any gourmet occasion, it is designed to captivate both the eyes and the taste buds, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and indulgence.
Components
- Chocolate sponge base
- Peanut butter crémeux
- Salted caramel layer
- Baileys mousse
- Chocolate mirror glaze
- Caramel tuile for decoration
1. Chocolate Sponge Base
Ingredients:
- 60g dark chocolate (70%), melted
- 50g unsalted butter
- 60g caster sugar
- 2 eggs
- 40g plain flour
- 10g cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Method:
- Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Melt chocolate and butter together, then set aside to cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Fold in melted chocolate mixture.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold to combine.
- Spread evenly on the tray and bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool completely.
- Cut into rounds slightly smaller than the entremet mold.
2. Peanut Butter Crémeux
Ingredients:
- 100ml whole milk
- 100ml heavy cream
- 2 egg yolks
- 30g caster sugar
- 80g smooth peanut butter
- 1 sheet gelatin (or 2g powdered gelatin, bloomed in water)
Method:
- Heat milk and cream in a saucepan until steaming (not boiling).
- Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until pale.
- Gradually pour the hot liquid over the yolks, whisking constantly.
- Return to the saucepan and heat gently until it thickens to 83°C (181°F) (coats the back of a spoon).
- Remove from heat, add bloomed gelatin, and whisk until dissolved.
- Stir in peanut butter until smooth.
- Pour into small silicone molds (or a tray) and freeze until firm.
3. Salted Caramel Layer
Ingredients:
- 100g granulated sugar
- 50g unsalted butter, cubed
- 100ml heavy cream, warm
- ½ tsp sea salt
Method:
- Heat sugar in a dry saucepan over medium heat until melted and amber-colored.
- Carefully whisk in butter until combined.
- Slowly add warm cream, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat, add salt, and let cool slightly.
- Pour a thin layer over the frozen peanut butter crémeux and freeze again.
4. Baileys Mousse
Ingredients:
- 200ml heavy cream
- 100ml Baileys Irish Cream
- 2 egg yolks
- 50g sugar
- 2 sheets gelatin (or 4g powdered gelatin, bloomed)
Method:
- Heat Baileys and half of the cream in a saucepan until warm.
- Whisk yolks and sugar in a bowl until pale.
- Slowly pour the warm Baileys mixture over the yolks, whisking continuously.
- Return to the saucepan and cook until thickened (83°C / 181°F).
- Remove from heat, add bloomed gelatin, and stir until smooth.
- Whip the remaining cream to soft peaks and fold gently into the cooled mixture.
5. Assembly
- Prepare molds: Use individual silicone dome molds or ring molds.
- Fill molds halfway with Bailey’s mousse.
- Insert frozen peanut butter crémeux with salted caramel in the center.
- Add a chocolate sponge disc on top and gently press down.
- Freeze overnight until solid.
6. Chocolate Mirror Glaze
Ingredients:
- 100ml water
- 150g sugar
- 50g cocoa powder
- 100ml heavy cream
- 3 sheets gelatin (or 6g powdered gelatin, bloomed)
Method:
- Heat water, sugar, and cocoa powder in a saucepan, whisking until smooth.
- Add cream and bring to a gentle boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in bloomed gelatin.
- Let cool to 32-35°C (90-95°F) before glazing.
7. Caramel Tuile
Ingredients:
- 100g sugar
- 1 tbsp glucose syrup
- 1 tbsp water
Method:
- Heat sugar, glucose, and water in a saucepan until it turns golden brown.
- Pour onto a silicone mat or parchment paper and spread thinly.
- Let cool completely, then break into delicate shards.
Final Assembly
- Unmold the frozen entremets and place them on a wire rack over a tray.
- Pour warm chocolate glaze over each entremet, ensuring even coverage.
- Carefully transfer to serving plates using a spatula.
- Decorate with a caramel tuile shard on top for an elegant touch.
- Allow to thaw for 30-45 minutes before serving for the perfect texture.
Serving & Storage
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serve slightly chilled but not frozen for the best texture.
1. Chocolate Sponge Base
✅ Light & Moist Texture
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep it light.
- Bake just until a toothpick inserted comes out clean—overbaking will dry it out.
- For an extra soft texture, brush the sponge lightly with a simple syrup or Baileys syrup after baking.
✅ Even Cutting
- Chill the sponge before cutting rounds—it will be firmer and easier to handle.
- Use a sharp ring cutter or knife for clean edges.
2. Peanut Butter Crémeux
✅ Smooth & Creamy Consistency
- Strain the custard through a fine sieve before mixing in peanut butter for extra silkiness.
- Use high-quality smooth peanut butter to avoid a grainy texture.
- Freeze in individual molds or a thin slab for easier layering.
✅ Perfect Balance
- If you prefer a stronger peanut flavor, add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the taste.
3. Salted Caramel Layer
✅ Deep, Rich Flavor
- Cook sugar to a deep amber color (but don’t burn it) before adding butter for an intense caramel flavor.
- Warm the cream before adding it to avoid sugar seizing.
- Stir continuously after adding cream to create a smooth and glossy caramel.
✅ Ideal Consistency
- If the caramel is too thin, let it cool and thicken before layering.
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate before assembly.
4. Baileys Mousse
✅ Light & Airy Texture
- Do not overwhip the cream—soft peaks fold better into the custard, keeping the mousse light.
- Let the custard cool slightly before folding in whipped cream to prevent melting.
✅ Strong Baileys Flavor Without Overpowering
- Reduce the Baileys slightly for a more concentrated flavor without excess liquid.
- Adjust sugar based on your preference—Baileys is already sweet.
5. Chocolate Mirror Glaze
✅ Perfectly Smooth & Shiny Finish
- Let the glaze cool to 32-35°C (90-95°F) before pouring—too hot, and it will be too thin; too cold, and it won’t spread evenly.
- Strain the glaze before using it to remove bubbles and ensure a flawless surface.
- Pour the glaze in one smooth motion over frozen entremets for an even coat.
✅ Fixing Glaze Issues
- Bubbles? Use an immersion blender to smooth out the mixture before pouring.
- Dull glaze? Ensure the entremet is frozen solid before glazing.
6. Caramel Tuile
✅ Crispy & Lacy Texture
- Spread the caramel thinly on a silicone mat or parchment paper for an even, delicate tuile.
- Let it cool completely before handling to avoid bending or cracking.
- If too hard, place it in a warm oven for 10-15 seconds to slightly soften before shaping.
✅ Decorating with Elegance
- Break tuile into irregular shards for a modern, artistic look.
- Use gold dust or cocoa powder for an extra decorative touch.
7. Assembly & Presentation
✅ Neat Layers & Structure
- Always freeze between layers to prevent sinking or mixing.
- Use a hot knife to cut clean edges when slicing the entremet.
✅ Final Touches for a Stunning Look
- Place the caramel tuile at an angle for height and elegance.
- Garnish with gold leaf, cocoa nibs, or chocolate curls for a refined finish.
- Serve slightly chilled but not frozen to enjoy the perfect creamy texture.
By following these tips, you’ll create a restaurant-quality entremet with the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and visual appeal. Enjoy crafting this indulgent dessert masterpiece! 🍫🥜🍮✨