Chocolate Chestnut Dessert Spread with Honey and Whiskey

Rich, aromatic, and irresistibly smooth: this Chocolate Chestnut Dessert Spread with Honey and Whiskey combines the deep notes of dark chocolate and warm spices with the mellow sweetness of chestnuts. It’s an elegant holiday treat that works beautifully as a dessert topping, breakfast spread, or edible gift for the festive season.

Hey folks – I hope you all are doing well!

Today we’re diving into a cozy and indulgent recipe that feels like pure luxury in a jar. This spread balances the richness of dark chocolate with the earthy sweetness of chestnuts and a subtle hint of whiskey – the kind of treat that transforms any morning toast or dessert platter into something truly special. So, let’s make this chocolate chestnut dessert spread.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chestnut Dessert Spread

• Festive and versatile: Perfect for Christmas breakfasts, elegant desserts, or thoughtful homemade gifts.
• Rich and indulgent: Deep chocolate flavour enhanced with whiskey, honey, and warm spices.
• Beautiful texture: Thick, creamy, and smooth with a natural chestnut nuttiness.
• Easy to make: Just blend and simmer – ready in under 15 minutes.

Flavour and Texture Profile

This chocolate chestnut dessert spread offers a luxurious balance of textures – dense yet creamy, with a natural nuttiness from the chestnuts. The dark chocolate lends depth and bitterness, while the honey and whiskey add subtle sweetness and warmth. Aromatic spices like cinnamon and cardamom create that unmistakable festive finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

To make this delicious holiday spread, you’ll only need a handful of simple but high-quality ingredients that elevate it into something extraordinary.

• Dark chocolate: Use a rich 70% variety for an intense, slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness.
• Chestnuts: Cooked and peeled chestnuts provide a creamy, nutty base – vacuum-packed ones are perfect.
• Whiskey or bourbon: Adds depth, warmth, and a subtle festive aroma.
• Honey: Naturally sweetens and softens the texture.
• Cacao powder: Reinforces the chocolate flavour and adds richness.
• Cream: Brings silkiness and makes the spread beautifully cohesive.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom give this spread a cozy seasonal lift.

Possible Additions and Variations

This chocolate chestnut dessert spread is wonderfully flexible and easy to adapt. Try adding a spoonful of orange marmalade or zest for a citrusy lift, or swirl in a bit of dulce de leche for extra richness. Replace whiskey with rum, brandy, orange liqueur, or amaretto for a different boozy twist – or use vanilla extract for an alcohol-free version. You can also sprinkle sea salt, chopped hazelnuts, or cocoa nibs on top for extra texture and flavour.

How to Make Chocolate Chestnut Dessert Spread with Honey and Whiskey

Making this chocolate chestnut dessert spread is quick and simple — a few steps for a truly decadent result.

Add the cream to a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from the heat, add the chocolate, and let it stand for two minutes before stirring smooth. Add the chestnuts, cacao, honey, whiskey, and spices, then puree with an immersion blender until creamy. Adjust sweetness or texture with more honey, cream, or whiskey. Chill and enjoy on toast, pastries, or desserts.

More Festive Holiday Chestnut Desserts

Are you looking for more sweet holiday ideas like this chocolate chestnut dessert spread? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Homemade Chestnut Jam with Brandy and Warm Spices
• Chocolate Chestnut Shortbread Cookies – A Luxurious Christmas Bake
• Easy Holiday Candied Chestnuts – Quick Festive Treat
• Festive Chestnut Chocolate Truffles

I’d love for you to try this chocolate chestnut dessert spread. If you give the recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!

Print

Chocolate Chestnut Dessert Spread with Honey and Whiskey

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Christmas, Chestnut Recipes, Boozy Desserts and Treats, Sweet Spreads and Preserves

Servings

8-10

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Chocolate Chestnut Dessert Spread with Honey and Whiskey is rich and indulgent – a festive recipe for holidays, breakfasts, or edible gifts.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• 100-120 gr. dark (70%) chocolate, roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup 18% cream

• 250 gr. cooked and peeled chestnuts (I used cooked, peeled, and vacuum-packed)

• 2-3 tbsp. unsweetened dark cacao powder (Like Dutch-process)

• 2-3 tbsp. whiskey or bourbon

• 1 tbsp. honey

• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg and cardamom, each

• a pinch of salt

Directions

• Add the cream into a medium saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat off, add the chocolate, and let it stay for 2 minutes. Then, using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix until combine.
• Place into the same saucepan the chestnuts, cacao powder, honey, spices, and whiskey (Start with 2 tablespoons.) Using an immersion blender, scraping the sides with a spatula, puree to the desired texture. It should take 1 to 2 minutes.
• Please note it won’t be perfectly smooth and homogeneous, and it’s also quite thick. If you want to thin it up, add a few spoons of cream or whiskey (In case you want the whisky really stand out here.) Add more honey if it’s not sweet enough; it will also make the texture smoother.
• Try and adjust to you liking by adding more spices, honey or extra splash of alcohol. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Enjoy!