Bicerin: Chocolate Espresso Drink with Whipped Cream and Hazelnuts Recipe

Introduction

Bicerin is a luxurious Italian layered drink that combines rich chocolate, bold espresso, and creamy whipped topping. This indulgent beverage is perfect for a cozy treat or an elegant dessert drink.

Ingredients

• 125ml double cream
• 250ml whole milk or single cream
• 50g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa solids), finely chopped
• Demerara sugar, to taste
• 2 shots of freshly brewed espresso
• 10g hazelnuts, finely grated or chopped
• Pinch of cocoa powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Whisk the double cream in a bowl until it holds its shape but is still pourable. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Pour the milk or single cream into a saucepan with the finely chopped dark chocolate. Stir continuously over low-medium heat with a whisk until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and continue to whisk while simmering. Add demerara sugar to taste and stir until fully dissolved and smooth.
4. Step 4: Warm two heatproof glasses by rinsing with hot water, then dry them thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Pour the freshly brewed espresso into the warmed glasses.
6. Step 6: Carefully pour the hot chocolate mixture over the espresso.
7. Step 7: Top each drink with the whipped cream, then sprinkle with grated or chopped hazelnuts and a pinch of cocoa powder.

Tips & Variations

• Use good quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich and intense flavor.
• Substitute hazelnuts with toasted almonds or omit nuts for a smoother drink.
• For a lighter option, use single cream instead of double cream for the whipped topping.
• Add a dash of vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture for extra depth.

Storage

Bicerin is best enjoyed fresh and served immediately. If you have leftovers, store any extra chocolate-espresso mixture separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove before assembling the drink again, and always whip fresh cream for topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Bicerin without an espresso machine?

Yes, you can use strong brewed coffee or instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water as a substitute, though the flavor may be less intense.

Is it possible to make Bicerin dairy-free?

You can try using coconut cream for the whipped topping and plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk with dark dairy-free chocolate to create a vegan version, but the texture and taste will differ from the traditional recipe.

Bicerin: Chocolate Espresso Drink with Whipped Cream and Hazelnuts Recipe

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4.8 from 102 reviews

Bicerin is a traditional Italian layered coffee drink from Turin, combining rich dark chocolate, freshly brewed espresso, and whipped cream. This decadent beverage blends creamy textures with intense flavor from dark chocolate and aromatic coffee, topped with hazelnuts and cocoa powder for a delightful finish.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chocolate Cream Mixture

• 125ml double cream
• 250ml whole milk or single cream
• 50g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa solids), finely chopped
• Demerara sugar, to taste

Espresso and Garnish

• 2 shots of freshly brewed espresso
• 10g hazelnuts, finely grated or chopped
• Pinch of cocoa powder

Instructions

1. Whip the Cream: In a bowl, whisk the double cream until it holds its shape but remains pourable. Set this whipped cream aside for later use.
2. Prepare Chocolate Mixture: Pour the whole milk or single cream into a saucepan along with the finely chopped dark chocolate. Stir continuously with a whisk over low-medium heat until the mixture reaches a boil.
3. Simmer and Sweeten: Reduce the heat to low and continue whisking while simmering the mixture gently to create a smooth texture. Add demerara sugar to taste, blending well.
4. Warm Glasses and Assemble: Rinse two heatproof glasses with hot water to warm them, then dry. Pour two shots of freshly brewed espresso evenly into the glasses.
5. Layer the Drink: Carefully pour the hot chocolate mixture over the espresso in each glass, allowing the layers to remain distinct.
6. Top with Cream and Garnishes: Spoon the whipped cream on top of each drink gently. Finish by sprinkling the finely grated or chopped hazelnuts and a pinch of cocoa powder over the cream.

Notes

• Use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids to ensure a rich and authentic flavor.
• Adjust the demerara sugar to your preferred level of sweetness.
• To achieve the classic layered look, pour each component slowly and carefully.
• Hazelnuts can be toasted lightly for an enhanced flavor profile.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between hot chocolate, espresso, and whipped cream.

Keywords: Bicerin, Italian coffee drink, layered coffee, espresso chocolate drink, dark chocolate coffee, whipped cream coffee, traditional Italian beverage