Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois

Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois is an elegant and silky French-inspired dessert that combines rich chocolate custard with bright, tangy raspberry flavor in a light, airy mousse-like texture. Set with gelatin and served chilled, this luxurious treat is perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, or whenever you want to impress with a refined, make-ahead dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant and luxurious with minimal effort
• A beautiful balance of rich chocolate and tart raspberries
• Light, airy texture that melts in your mouth
• Perfect for make-ahead entertaining
• Gorgeous presentation in glasses or molds

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chocolate base:

• Whole milk
• Egg yolks
• Granulated sugar
• Dark or semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• Unflavored gelatin
• Heavy cream

For the raspberry layer or swirl (optional):

• Fresh or frozen raspberries
• Granulated sugar
• Lemon juice
• Unflavored gelatin
• Water

For garnish (optional):

• Whipped cream
• Fresh raspberries
• Chocolate shavings
• Mint leaves

directions

Make the chocolate bavarois base:

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over a few tablespoons of cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
2. In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until just steaming—not boiling.
3. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
4. Gradually pour warm milk into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
5. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (do not boil).
6. Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth.
7. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.
8. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold into the cooled chocolate mixture.

Optional raspberry layer or swirl:

1. In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until berries break down and mixture becomes syrupy.
2. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
3. Bloom gelatin in water, then stir into the warm raspberry purée until dissolved.
4. Let cool slightly before layering or swirling into the chocolate mixture.

Assembly:

1. Spoon or pipe chocolate bavarois into serving glasses, molds, or ramekins.
2. Add a layer of raspberry gel or swirl it in gently with a skewer or knife.
3. Chill for at least 4–6 hours, or until set.
4. Garnish with whipped cream, fresh raspberries, and chocolate shavings before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 4–6 hours
Total Time: ~5 hours

Variations

• Use white chocolate for a milder, creamier version
• Add liqueur (like Chambord or Grand Marnier) to enhance the flavor
• Create layered molds with raspberry and chocolate for visual appeal
• Serve in chocolate cups or tart shells for added decadence
• Make a raspberry-only bavarois for a fruity, refreshing alternative

storage/reheating

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Do not freeze, as the texture may be compromised.
Serve chilled—this dessert is not meant to be reheated.

FAQs

What is bavarois?

Bavarois is a classic French dessert made from custard, gelatin, and whipped cream, resulting in a creamy, mousse-like texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It’s perfect for making a day in advance. Chill overnight for best results.

Can I skip the raspberry?

Absolutely—just make the chocolate version for a rich, silky dessert.

Can I use milk chocolate?

Yes, though it will result in a sweeter, less intense flavor. Adjust sugar to taste.

Is this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking them down.

How do I know when it’s set?

The bavarois should be firm to the touch and hold its shape when gently jiggled.

Can I make this without gelatin?

You can use agar-agar, but texture and setting time may vary—follow package instructions carefully.

What type of cream should I use?

Use heavy cream or whipping cream (at least 35% fat) for best texture and stability.

What should I serve this with?

It’s perfect on its own but pairs beautifully with almond cookies, biscotti, or shortbread.

Conclusion

Chocolate Raspberry Bavarois is the kind of dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. Its smooth, mousse-like texture and balanced flavors of rich chocolate and bright raspberry make it a true showstopper. Whether served in elegant glasses or unmolded on plates, this chilled delight is a perfect finale for any dinner party or celebration.

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