Gingerbread

A crowd favorite. Caramel, ganache, and a crispy layer - all with the flavor of spices used in the Swedish pepparkaka

MMats Rajala

Components

Gingerbread Caramel

  • 300 grams (10.6 oz) granulated sugar
  • 100 grams (3.5 oz) water
  • 50 grams (1.8 oz) glucose
  • 200 grams (7.1 oz) heavy cream (36%)
  • 1 gram (0.035 oz) ground cloves
  • 1 gram (0.035 oz) ground cinnamon
  • 1 gram (0.035 oz) ground ginger
  • 1 gram (0.035 oz) ground cardamom

Gingerbread Ganache

  • 200 grams (7.1 oz) milk chocolate
  • 100 grams (3.5 oz) heavy cream (36%)
  • 1 gram (0.035 oz) ground cloves
  • 1 gram (0.035 oz) ground cinnamon
  • 1 gram (0.035 oz) ground ginger
  • 1 gram (0.035 oz) ground cardamom
  • 18 grams (0.63 oz) sorbitol powder
  • 15 grams (0.53 oz) invert sugar
  • 20 grams (0.71 oz) glucose syrup (DE40)

Gingerbread Crisp

  • 100 grams (3.5 oz) milk chocolate
  • 8 grams (0.28 oz) cocoa butter
  • 25 grams (0.88 oz) ghee
  • 25 grams (0.88 oz) deodorized coconut oil
  • 75 grams (2.65 oz) gingerbread cookies
  • 2 grams (0.07 oz) sea salt

Gingerbread Caramel

1

Pour the water into a saucepan, followed by the granulated sugar and glucose

2

Bring the sugar-water mixture to a boil. Brush the edges of the saucepan to dissolve any sugar that hardens during the boil.

3

In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream and spices. Blend with a hand mixer to eliminate any spice clumps. Warm to 40°C (104°F).

4

When the sugar mixture reaches a rich caramel tone (>160°C or 320°F—adjust based on desired caramel flavor), remove it from heat

5

Gradually add the warmed cream (in 3–4 portions) while whisking continuously. Be cautious of steam during this process

6

Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming

7

Pipe the caramel when it reaches room temperature

Gingerbread Ganache

1

Pour cream in a small saucepan. Add all sugars. Warm to 40°C (104°F).

2

Melt the milk chocolate to 40°C (113°F).

3

Combine the cream mixture, spices, and chocolate in a mixing container.

4

Blend with an immersion blender for at least 2 minutes to create a smooth emulsion.

5

Pipe the ganache at 29°C (84°F).

Gingerbread Crisp

1

Melt milk chocolate, cocoa butter, ghee, and coconut oil.

2

Crush gingerbread cookies into fine crumbs

3

Reduce sea salt flakes if large by crumbling with your fingers or in a mortar.

4

Combine the chocolate-fat mixture with cookie crumbs and salt.

5

Temper the mixture

6

Pipe the crisp filling, let crystallize and cap the bonbons.