No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Tart
A luscious no-bake tart featuring silky chocolate mousse layered over a crunchy hazelnut crust, perfect for a refined dinner party dessert. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers hazelnuts, graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter 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 420 calories and feeds 8, 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
- 1 cup hazelnuts
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp dark chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread 1 cup of hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, then let cool and finely chop.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, the chopped toasted hazelnuts, and 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Press mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Bake crust for 10 minutes until set and golden, then cool completely.
- Step 3: Chop 8 oz bittersweet chocolate chips finely and place in a heatproof bowl. Heat 1 cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, then pour over the chopped chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir gently until smooth and glossy.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whip the remaining 1/4 cup heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Fold the whipped cream gently into the chocolate mixture until fully combined.
- Step 5: Pour the chocolate mousse into the cooled tart crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Step 6: Before serving, garnish with 2 tbsp dark chocolate shavings evenly over the tart surface for an elegant finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Tart take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Mousse Tart?
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 Mousse Tart?
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 Mousse Tart for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Mousse Tart?
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.
