Chocolate And Dulce De Leche Pav Recipe

Dessert

Chocolate and Dulce de Leche Pavé

A showstopping no bake dessert with layers of rich chocolate mousse and velvety dulce de leche, perfect for special occasions or when you want effortless elegance.

Imagine slicing into a glossy chocolate and dulce de leche pavé, revealing silky layers that are cool, creamy, and deeply chocolatey with a gentle caramel whisper from the dulce de leche.

This dessert is ideal for dinner parties, weeknight treats, or any moment you want something impressive without turning on the oven.

I first made this for a friend’s birthday and watched it disappear in minutes, confirming how irresistible simple quality ingredients can be when they come together in perfect layers.

Recipe at a Glance

⏱Prep Time25 mins

🔥Cook Time0 mins

🕐Total Time4 hrs 10 mins

🍰Servings10 slices

🇺🇸CuisineInternational

🔢Calories~320 per slice

Ingredients

Chocolate Mousse

8 oz (225 g) high quality semi sweet chocolate, finely chopped

2 cups heavy cream, cold

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp fine sea salt

Dulce de Leche Layer

1 1/2 cups dulce de leche, slightly warmed

1 cup heavy cream, cold

1 tbsp powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Assembly and Garnish

1 1/2 cups finely crushed chocolate graham crackers or digestive biscuits

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Optional garnish: chocolate shavings, whole strawberries, or toffee bits

Substitutions & Variations

★Use dark chocolate instead of semi sweet for a deeper, less sweet mousse.

★Swap dulce de leche with caramel sauce mixed with a pinch of salt for a similar flavor.

★Replace chocolate graham crackers with plain graham crackers and add 1 tbsp cocoa powder.

★Make this gluten free by using gluten free graham style crackers.

★Use whipped coconut cream for a dairy free version, chilling the can overnight.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Prepare the base mixture

In a medium bowl, stir crushed chocolate graham crackers, cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar until evenly combined.

2

Press into the pan

Line a 4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper overhang on both sides, then press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and about halfway up the sides.

3

Melt the chocolate

Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) or microwave in 20 second bursts, stirring until smooth.

4

Whip the chocolate mousse base

In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, cold water (if using), sugar, vanilla, and salt just until soft peaks form, then fold gently into the melted chocolate until fully combined.

5

Spread the mousse

Pour half of the chocolate mousse over the crust and smooth the top gently with a spatula.

6

Prepare the dulce de leche mixture

In another chilled bowl, whip dulce de leche, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.

7

Add the dulce de leche layer

Spread the whipped dulce de leche over the chocolate mousse layer, then top with the remaining chocolate mousse and smooth the top.

8

Chill to set

Cover loosely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until firm and set.

9

Unmold and garnish

Lift the pavé out using the parchment overhang, slice with a warm knife, and garnish with chocolate shaves, fresh berries, or toffee bits before serving.

10

Serve and enjoy

Portion the slices on dessert plates and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Baker Tips

✓For extra shine and flavor, brush the inside of the pan with a thin layer of melted chocolate before adding the crust.

✓Use a kitchen scale for best results when measuring chocolate by weight.

✓Let the chocolate mousse cool slightly before folding in whipped cream to make it easier to combine.

✓If the dulce de leche is too thick, warm it gently and stir in a tablespoon of cream for easier mixing.

✓Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for clean portions.

Storage & Serving Notes

◆Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

◆Keep away from strong smelling foods as the pavé can absorb odors.

◆Freeze for up to 1 month, wrapped tightly, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this luxurious pavé as a showstopping dessert with simple accompaniments that let the chocolate and caramel flavors shine.

›Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a bright contrast

›Extra chocolate shavings for a decorative finish

›Lightly sweetened whipped cream for an indulgent touch

›Shortbread cookies or biscotti on the side for crunch

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this a day ahead?

Yes, in fact the pavé tastes even better after flavors meld overnight, so making it a day ahead is ideal.

What if I don’t have a loaf pan?

You can use a small springform pan or a compact serving dish, then press the crust and mousse firmly to keep neat slices.

Is it necessary to use a double boiler?

A double boiler helps prevent scorching, but you can melt chocolate carefully in the microwave, stirring often, until smooth.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

Yes, you can slightly reduce the sugar in the mousse and the powdered sugar in the dulce de leche layer to suit your taste.

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Go Make It!

With its silky layers and balanced chocolate dulce de leche flavor, this pavé is a stunning yet simple dessert you can proudly share with family and friends.