Name: Coconut Dome with Chocolate Spread Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 7 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 gelatin sheets (4g); 200ml heavy cream; 80g mascarpone; 80g powdered sugar; 120ml coconut milk; 120g powdered sugar; 140g softened butter; 160g all-purpose flour; 25g unsweetened cocoa powder; A pinch of sea salt; 1/2 sachet baking powder; 3 egg yolks; Grated coconut; Gooey Cocoa Spread

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 29 reviews

If you’re searching for pure dessert magic, the Coconut Dome with Chocolate Spread will sweep you off your feet. Each bite is an elegant blend of tropical coconut mousse—light as a cloud—wrapped around a hidden core of gooey chocolate, all nestled atop the most irresistible cocoa Breton shortbread. A dusting of grated coconut puts the finishing touch on this showstopper, making every mouthful a celebration of creamy, dreamy flavors with a gentle crunch. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this dessert promises joy in every bite.

Coconut Dome with Chocolate Spread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Coconut Dome with Chocolate Spread is refreshingly simple yet feels quite luxurious! Every item brings a crucial element: richness, structure, or that unmistakable coconut charm. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why you won’t want to skip a thing.

Gelatin sheets (2, 4g): These create the perfect airy-yet-set texture for the coconut mousse—soft, but sturdy enough to unmold beautifully.
Heavy cream (200ml): Essential for the mousse’s whipped, pillowy body and irresistible richness.
Mascarpone (80g): Adds incredible creaminess while helping the mousse hold its smooth shape.
Powdered sugar (200g + 120g): Sweetens both the mousse and the shortbread, providing a fine, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Coconut milk (120ml): The flavor-packed secret for deep, natural coconut personality in every bite.
Softened butter (140g): Responsible for that tender, crumbly Breton shortbread we all adore.
All-purpose flour (160g): Gives structure and body to the cookie base—accurate measurement makes a difference!
Unsweetened cocoa powder (25g): For rich chocolate notes without extra sweetness in your shortbread foundation.
Sea salt (a pinch): Don’t skip! It’s essential for enhancing every flavor and balancing the sweetness.
Baking powder (1/2 sachet): Helps the shortbread bake up tender rather than dense.
Egg yolks (3): Add richness and that signature sunny color to the Breton base.
Grated coconut: For coating the dome and an extra pop of tropical flavor and texture.
Gooey cocoa spread: The hidden, molten heart of this dessert—choose a favorite spread for maximum indulgence.

How to Make Coconut Dome with Chocolate Spread

Step 1: Whip the Dreamiest Coconut Mousse

Begin by chilling your bowl and whisk—cold equipment guarantees your heavy cream whips up luxuriously. Beat the cream with mascarpone, slowly streaming in powdered sugar to taste. You’re looking for soft, smooth peaks. Pop this into the fridge while you prepare the rest, ensuring it stays perfectly airy.

Step 2: Prepare the Gelatin Magic

Soak the gelatin sheets in a large bowl of cold water. Meanwhile, gently heat the coconut milk in a saucepan until it’s just steamy but not boiling. Remove from heat, squeeze the gelatin to remove excess water, and whisk it into the hot coconut milk until fully dissolved. Let this fragrant mixture cool down (lukewarm is perfect).

Step 3: Combine and Fold for Cloudlike Texture

Once your coconut milk mixture has cooled a bit, gently fold it into the whipped cream and mascarpone. Use a spatula and a slow hand to keep all those lovely bubbles intact—you want your mousse light but stable. This is the foundation for your Coconut Dome with Chocolate Spread, so take your time!

Step 4: Mold, Fill, and Freeze

Spoon half of your mousse into hemisphere molds. Place a generous teaspoon of gooey cocoa spread right in the center of each, then cover with more mousse and smooth the tops. Pop the molds into the freezer for at least 6 hours, or overnight for best results. The freezing step helps everything unmold in perfect, dome-like form.

Step 5: Make the Cocoa Breton Shortbread

While your domes chill, prepare the shortbread. Combine powdered sugar, softened butter, flour, unsweetened cocoa, baking powder, sea salt, and egg yolks. Mix just until you have a soft dough—overmixing can make the cookies tough! Let the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. Roll it out on a floured surface to about an inch thick, then cut out circles to match your domes. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for around 10 minutes, using rings or tartlet molds to keep them perfectly round. Allow to cool completely before assembling.

Step 6: Unmold, Assemble, and Decorate

Carefully unmold the frozen coconut domes and gently perch them on your cooled cocoa shortbread bases. Let everything thaw at room temperature for about 2 hours. Sprinkle generously with grated coconut for a snowy, tropical finish. For that gooey chocolate heart, serve at room temperature—bon appétit!

How to Serve Coconut Dome with Chocolate Spread

Garnishes

Coconut Dome with Chocolate Spread begs for a touch of drama on the plate: a shower of finely grated coconut is classic, but try pairing with curls of dark chocolate, a drizzle of extra cocoa spread, or even a tiny edible flower on top to make each dome look like a jewel.

Side Dishes

This dessert is fantastic solo, but it pairs dreamily with tangy fresh berries, a scoop of mango or passionfruit sorbet, or a little espresso for a sophisticated twist. All of these elevate the coconut and chocolate flavors to sheer bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

Ditch traditional plating and nestle the domes in mini coconut shells for an island-inspired vibe, or serve on slate tiles for modern elegance. You can even make mini Coconut Dome with Chocolate Spread versions for a stunning dessert platter at parties—guests will adore the hidden chocolate center!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Coconut Dome with Chocolate Spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep beautifully for up to 3 days—just be sure to add the final coconut coating just before serving for maximum freshness and crunch.

Freezing

Freezing is your friend here! Once assembled (but before garnishing), store the domes on their shortbread bases in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay delicious for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge, then bring to room temperature and finish with grated coconut before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

These domes are best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want the chocolate spread center to be extra gooey, simply let the Coconut Dome with Chocolate Spread sit on the counter for 30 minutes before digging in—the results are irresistible!

FAQs

Can I use desiccated coconut instead of grated coconut?

Absolutely! Desiccated coconut gives a slightly finer, drier finish but will work wonderfully as a coating. If you prefer a bolder texture and appearance, opt for freshly grated coconut instead.

What if I don’t own hemisphere molds?

No molds? No problem! You can use small bowls lined with plastic wrap—the results won’t be as perfectly uniform, but you’ll still get those decadent layers and the surprise chocolate center inside.

Can I substitute the mascarpone in the mousse?

Yes! Cream cheese can stand in for mascarpone if you prefer, though the flavor will be slightly tangier. This small swap won’t affect the dreamy texture of your Coconut Dome with Chocolate Spread.

How do I prevent my shortbreads from spreading in the oven?

Chilling the dough before baking and using lightly greased and floured rings or tartlet molds keeps your shortbread circles neat. Always start with a cold baking tray to avoid over-spreading.

What chocolate spread works best for the filling?

Choose a high-quality chocolate spread that’s rich and just slightly gooey at room temperature. Whether it’s a classic hazelnut-chocolate blend or a darker cocoa spread, go with what you love—each will bring its own personality to your Coconut Dome with Chocolate Spread.

Final Thoughts

This Coconut Dome with Chocolate Spread is pure joy to make and an absolute thrill to serve. It’s one of those desserts that feels truly special, perfect for impressing friends, family, or even just pampering yourself. If you’ve been looking for that next “wow” dessert, now is the perfect time—give it a try and enjoy the magic!