Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois (vegan & grain-free) Recipe
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If you are craving a dessert that feels both elegant and indulgently wholesome, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois (vegan & grain-free). It’s a dreamy combination of rich dark chocolate and tart raspberry layers set over a naturally sweet, nutty crust, all without any grains or animal products. This dessert manages to be beautifully light yet satisfyingly creamy, making it a perfect treat for anyone looking to indulge in something vibrant, fresh, and thoughtfully crafted. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a day that calls for something extraordinary, this bavarois will quickly become your go-to vegan dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois (vegan & grain-free) lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every component plays a distinct role — from the crunchy, slightly spiced crust to the luscious chocolate layer and the vibrant raspberry topping, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that are both harmonious and exciting.
- Sunflower seeds: Provide a nutty, earthy base for the crust that’s naturally grain-free and rich in healthy fats.
- Shelled hemp seeds: Add subtle creaminess and boost the crust’s protein content with their soft texture.
- Raw cacao powder: Gives the crust a deep chocolate flavor and a slight pleasant bitterness to balance sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Introduces a warm, aromatic note that elevates the crust’s complexity.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the sweetness from feeling flat.
- Medjool dates: Natural sweeteners that bind the crust ingredients together while adding caramel undertones.
- Maple syrup: A touch of extra sweetness and moisture, perfect for the crust and layers alike.
- Dark vegan chocolate: The star of the chocolate layer, giving richness and a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Oat cream: A velvety, dairy-free cream base that blends seamlessly with the chocolate and raspberry layers.
- Agar flakes: A plant-based gelling agent that sets the bavarois to that perfect tender yet stable consistency.
- Frozen raspberries: Provide refreshingly tart fruitiness that brightens the entire dessert.
- Water: Used to soften the raspberries and dissolve the agar flakes in the raspberry layer.
- Fresh raspberries and chocolate shards: Beautiful finishing touches that add texture and visual appeal.
How to Make Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois (vegan & grain-free)
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by coarsely grinding the sunflower seeds in a food processor to build the crust’s base texture. Adding hemp seeds, cacao powder, cinnamon, sea salt, and medjool dates next creates a deliciously aromatic and sticky mixture. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 6-inch round cake tin with a removable base — this sets the stage for the bavarois’s crunchy, flavorful foundation. Pop it into the fridge so it firms up while you prepare the next layers.
Step 2: Create the Chocolate Layer
Finely chop the dark vegan chocolate and set it aside. Gently warm oat cream with agar flakes on the stove, bringing it to a simmer while stirring often to fully dissolve the agar. Then stir in the chopped chocolate until melted completely, and sweeten with maple syrup. Pour this silky chocolate mixture over the chilled crust and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes. This cooling period lets the chocolate layer gel into a luxuriously smooth texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Raspberry Layer
Simmer frozen raspberries with water until they break down into a soft mush, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and create a smooth purée. Measure out a cup of this purée to return to the pot, adding oat cream, maple syrup, and agar flakes. Bring the mixture back to boil with frequent stirring until the agar dissolves, then let it cool slightly before gently layering it atop the set chocolate. Refrigerate again for at least 15 minutes to firm up the raspberry topping.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Once all layers have set beautifully, carefully unclip the cake tin’s base and transfer the bavarois to a serving plate. The multi-layered structure should hold perfectly, with each section visibly distinct yet harmoniously balanced in flavor and texture. Now for the best part: decorate generously with fresh raspberries and shards of chocolate for a stunning showstopper presentation.
How to Serve Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois (vegan & grain-free)
Garnishes
Fresh raspberries immediately add vibrant color and a juicy pop that contrast perfectly with the chocolate’s richness. Chocolate shards bring in a delightful crunch and highlight the bavarois’s decadence. Seasonal berries like blueberries or blackberries can add additional bursts of flavor and visual interest to enhance the experience.
Side Dishes
This Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois (vegan & grain-free) pairs wonderfully with light sides such as a crisp green salad featuring citrus slices or mint. You could also serve a dollop of coconut yogurt or vegan whipped cream for added creaminess without overwhelming the dessert’s delicate balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in elegant glass cups layered with crushed crust crumbs at the bottom, followed by the chocolate and raspberry layers for a fun twist. Alternatively, pair with a drizzle of raspberry coulis or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts to add contrast and elevate each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois (vegan & grain-free) covered tightly in the refrigerator, ideally in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this luscious dessert even after the main event.
Freezing
This bavarois freezes surprisingly well. Wrap it carefully with plastic wrap then foil and freeze for up to two weeks. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain the textures and flavors beautifully without any separation.
Reheating
Since this dessert relies on gelled agar for its set texture, reheating is not recommended as it can cause the layers to lose their firmness. Best to enjoy cold or at room temperature for the intended experience.
FAQs
Is this dessert completely nut-free?
Yes! This Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois (vegan & grain-free) uses sunflower and hemp seeds for the crust to create a nut-free option, perfect for those with nut allergies. However, if you enjoy nuts, you can substitute almonds in the crust for a lovely flavor twist.
Can I substitute agar flakes with gelatin?
Because this recipe is designed to be vegan, agar flakes are the ideal gelling agent. Gelatin is animal-based, so it’s not recommended if you want to keep the dessert fully vegan. Agar also sets firmer at room temperature, making it perfect for layering.
What if I don’t have oat cream? Are there alternatives?
You can easily swap oat cream for coconut cream or other plant-based creams you prefer, as these provide similar richness and texture. Just pick unsweetened varieties to control sweetness yourself.
Can I prepare this bavarois without a food processor?
While a food processor helps make quick work of the crust, you can combine the crust ingredients by finely chopping seeds and dates and then mashing them together by hand until sticky and well combined.
How long does it take for each layer to set?
Each agar-based layer sets in about 15 to 30 minutes in the fridge, but giving it 30 minutes guarantees a firm, clean-cut finish when you slice into the bavarois.
Final Thoughts
You absolutely must try this Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois (vegan & grain-free) — it’s a true celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into something stunning and unforgettable. You’ll love how it balances indulgence with lightness, making it a dessert everyone will be asking for again and again.
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