Chocolate Bavarian Cream

Chocolate Bavarian Cream Recipe

Chocolate Bavarian cream is a classic chilled dessert — rich chocolate flavor with a light, silky texture from whipped cream and gelatin. It looks elegant when unmolded but is surprisingly straightforward to make.

Serve it well chilled with a simple whipped cream garnish for an old-fashioned treat that’s perfect for holidays and special dinners.

🍫 Elegant Chocolate Bavarian Cream

A classic, velvety molded dessert combining a rich chocolate egg-yolk custard with light, whipped heavy cream and unflavored gelatin for a flawless set.

⏱️ Style: Gelatin-Set Custard 🍽️ Yield: 8 Servings 🫙 Equipment: 6-Cup Dessert Mold

Ingredients

The Custard Base:

  • 5 egg yolks
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 cup milk

The Chocolate Blend:

  • 3 squares (3 oz) semi-sweet chocolate
  • 1 square (1 oz) unsweetened chocolate

The Set & Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin (1 envelope)
  • 1 tablespoon cold water
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Whipped cream or Dream Whip (for garnish)

Preparation Instructions

  1. Whisk the Yolks: In a mixing bowl, beat the 5 egg yolks and ½ cup sugar together thoroughly until the mixture is light, fluffy, and a pale lemon color.
  2. Melt the Chocolate: Warm 1 cup of milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Drop in the semi-sweet and unsweetened chocolate squares, stirring continuously until completely melted and smooth.
  3. Bloom the Gelatin: In a tiny dish, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 1 tablespoon of cold water to soften. Stir this bloomed gelatin directly into the hot chocolate milk mixture until totally dissolved.
  4. Temper & Combine: Give the egg yolk mixture a quick stir, then gradually stream it into the warm chocolate mixture, whisking rapidly and blending thoroughly to ensure a smooth custard.
  5. The Ice Bath: Nest your mixing bowl inside a larger bowl filled with ice water. Stir the chocolate custard steadily until it begins to cool down and thicken.
  6. Fold the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream to soft, firm peaks (careful not to over-whip until stiff). Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate custard base.
  7. Mold and Chill: Rinse your 6-cup decorative mold with cold water and shake out the excess. Pour the mixture cleanly into the damp mold and transfer to the refrigerator until completely firm and set.
  8. Unmold & Present: Carefully invert the mold onto a presentation plate to release. Top generously with a crown of fresh whipped cream or Dream Whip before slicing.

FAQ

How long does Chocolate Bavarian Cream need to chill to set?

Chill until fully set — typically at least a few hours. For the cleanest slices from a mold, refrigerate overnight.

What does “fold in the whipped cream” mean?

Folding means gently combining the whipped cream into the chocolate base with a spatula to preserve the light, airy texture.

Can I serve Chocolate Bavarian Cream without a mold?

Yes. Pour the mixture into a serving bowl or individual dessert cups, chill until set, and top with whipped cream.

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