Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and silky dessert made with dark chocolate, toasted hazelnuts, and a touch of espresso for an intense flavor profile. This french-inspired quick meals ready in about 40 minutes pairs melted dark chocolate, heavy cream, toasted and chopped hazelnuts for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 3.9 (13 ratings) Prep: 40 min Serves 6 French cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a stand mixer or large bowl, whip 1/2 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup dark chocolate and stir until smooth. Add 1 tbsp espresso powder and 2 tbsp sugar, then mix until fully incorporated.
  3. Step 3: Fold 1/3 of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to lighten it, then gently fold in the remaining cream until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 cup toasted and chopped hazelnuts and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until the hazelnuts are evenly distributed.
  5. Step 5: Chill the mousse in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, then serve in individual glasses or a large bowl, garnished with additional hazelnuts and a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (40 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep melted dark chocolate from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chocolate 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 Hazelnut Mousse for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Hazelnut Mousse?

French quick meals 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.

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