Cherry Chocolate Pasta Bake (Print Version)

Unique dessert with cherries, chocolate custard, and crunchy streusel over tender macaroni.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 200 g elbow macaroni

→ Chocolate Custard

02 - 480 ml whole milk
03 - 240 ml heavy cream
04 - 3 large eggs
05 - 150 g dark chocolate (60–70% cacao), chopped
06 - 80 g granulated sugar
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 - Pinch of salt

→ Cherry Layer

09 - 540 ml cherry pie filling

→ Streusel Topping

10 - 75 g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
11 - 90 g all-purpose flour
12 - 60 g light brown sugar, packed
13 - 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
14 - Pinch of salt

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 22 x 33 cm baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - Boil elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water for 1–2 minutes less than package directions to achieve a very al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk and heavy cream. Heat until steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat, add chopped dark chocolate, let stand for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth.
04 - In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually whisk in the warm chocolate mixture until fully combined.
05 - Add the drained pasta to the custard and toss gently to coat.
06 - Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spoon half the cherry pie filling over the pasta. Repeat layering with remaining pasta and cherry filling.
07 - In a small bowl, combine flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in chilled butter using fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
08 - Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the custard is set, the streusel is golden, and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
09 - Allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving warm. For clean slices, chill before portioning.

# Notes:

01 - For added indulgence, top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
02 - Substitute cherry pie filling with raspberry or blueberry for variation.
03 - Opt for gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free adaptation.
04 - Dark chocolate chips may be used instead of chopped chocolate.

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