Chocolate and Hazelnut Mousse
An elegant, airy chocolate mousse enriched with roasted hazelnut flavor and topped with whipped cream for a classic French dessert experience. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers chopped dark chocolate (70% cacao), large egg yolks, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 oz, chopped dark chocolate (70% cacao)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup, divided heavy cream
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped roasted hazelnuts
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch pinch salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt 6 oz chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler), stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk 4 large egg yolks with 1/4 cup granulated sugar until pale and thick, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Fold the melted chocolate gently into the egg yolk mixture along with 1 tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
- Step 4: In another bowl, whip 1/2 cup heavy cream to soft peaks, then fold it into the chocolate mixture carefully to maintain airiness.
- Step 5: Whip the remaining 1/2 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form and refrigerate for topping.
- Step 6: Spoon the mousse into serving dishes and chill for at least 2 hours until set.
- Step 7: Before serving, top each mousse with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with 1/4 cup finely chopped roasted hazelnuts.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chocolate and Hazelnut Mousse take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Chocolate and Hazelnut Mousse?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chocolate and Hazelnut Mousse?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chocolate and Hazelnut Mousse for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chocolate and Hazelnut Mousse?
French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
