Excited to be asked to cater a Graduation Brunch for a client recently, I knew that a variety of both sweet and savory dishes was the way to go.  Brunch menus are all about diversity–some people like continental breakfast, some are in the mood for lunch and some want to taste a bit of everything with their bubbly Mimosas.  With the menu set (everything from shrimp cocktail, to frittata cups, to lemon poppy seed biscuits, and even a cheesy hash brown casserole) a celebratory dessert was also a must.

Knowing the taste preferences for my weekly client already, my mind wandered towards something chocolaty and something involving the distinct taste of Nutella, a rich chocolate-hazelnut spread.  This stunning layered crêpe cake fit both tastes and had a celebratory drama to it as well.  Homemade chocolate-flavored crepes layered with a smooth hazelnut-flavored pastry cream was fun to make and even more fun seeing the brunch guests’ reaction to such a stunning sweet concoction.  And to add to the overall presentation, I ordered some beautiful edible hibiscus flowers from a wonderful website: www.GourmetSweetBotanicals.com.  A labor of love, yes, but a dessert that is perfect for your next celebratory gathering!

(To view this recipe, click on the following link: http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/chocolate-crpe-cake-recipe)

Tagged: all purpose flour, cake, chocolate crêpes, chocolate pastry cream, cocoa powder, cream, crêpe batter, crepes, edible flowers, eggs, Gourmet Sweet Botanicals, hazelnut, hazelnut-chocolate, hazelnut-chocolate spread, King Arthur flour, KingArthurFlour.com, Nutella, pastry cream, www.GourmetSweetBotanicals.com