Bajadera Nougats Recipe

Bajadera Nougats are a popular dessert originating from the Balkans, particularly Croatia. These decadent, layered sweets are rich and smooth, made from a combination of ground nuts (typically hazelnuts and almonds), sugar, and chocolate. The texture is silky and dense, somewhat like a chocolate fudge or nougat, with a nutty undertone. Bajadera nougats are often enjoyed during festive occasions or as a delightful treat with coffee.

Bajadera Nougats Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Base:
  • 250 g sugar (1 1/4 cups)
  • 100 ml water (6 3/4 tablespoons)
  • 150 g butter (about 2/3 cup)
  • 150 g ground biscuits (tea biscuits or digestive biscuits, finely ground, about 1 1/4 cups)
  • 150 g ground hazelnuts or almonds (about 1 1/4 cups)
• For the Layers:
  • 100 g milk chocolate (about 3.5 oz)
  • 100 g dark chocolate (about 3.5 oz)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• For the Glaze:
  • 100 g dark chocolate (about 3.5 oz)
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base Mixture:
   • In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble.
   • Add the butter and stir until it melts completely.
   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually stir in the ground biscuits and ground nuts. Mix well until everything is fully combined, and the mixture is smooth and cohesive.
2. Create the Layers:
   • Divide the base mixture into two equal portions.
   • Melt the milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler) or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir until smooth.
   • Mix the melted milk chocolate into one portion of the base mixture to form the lighter layer.
   • For the darker layer, melt the dark chocolate using the same method and stir it into the other half of the base mixture. You can add the vanilla extract to the darker layer for extra flavor, if desired.
3. Assemble the Bajadera:
   • Line a rectangular baking pan (around 9×5 inches) with parchment paper.
   • Press the lighter milk chocolate mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the first layer.
   • On top of the lighter layer, gently press the darker chocolate layer, ensuring it’s smooth and even.
   • Place the assembled layers in the refrigerator to set for about 30 minutes to an hour.
4. Prepare the Glaze:
   • In a small saucepan or using a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate and butter together until smooth.
   • Once melted, pour the chocolate glaze over the set nougat layers, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
5. Chill and Serve:
   • Return the Bajadera nougats to the refrigerator and let them chill until the glaze is fully set, about 1-2 hours.
   • Once set, cut the nougat into small squares or diamond-shaped pieces using a sharp knife.

Tips:

• Store Bajadera nougats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to a week.
• You can customize the recipe by using a mix of different nuts or adding a hint of rum or orange zest for added flavor.

Enjoy these luxurious Bajadera Nougats, perfect for any special occasion or as a sweet indulgence!