No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Layered Dessert

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A luscious no-bake layered dessert combining rich chocolate, crunchy hazelnuts, and velvety cream for an indulgent treat. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers dark chocolate chips, heavy cream, toasted and chopped hazelnuts 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 350 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 5 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, about 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat and pour over 200 g dark chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir gently until smooth and glossy.
  2. Step 2: Using an electric mixer, beat 150 g softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: In a serving dish or individual glasses, start by sprinkling 1/3 cup crushed graham crackers evenly as the base layer.
  4. Step 4: Spoon half of the chocolate ganache over the cracker layer, smoothing it with the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate layer evenly.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted and chopped hazelnuts evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  7. Step 7: Repeat the layers: another 1/3 cup crushed graham crackers, remaining chocolate ganache, remaining cream cheese mixture, and finish with the last 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts on top.
  8. Step 8: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours to set before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Layered Dessert take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (20 min prep + 5 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 No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Layered Dessert?

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 No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Layered Dessert?

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 No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Layered Dessert 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 No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Layered Dessert?

American 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.

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