No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse with Toasted Almonds

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

A rich and airy chocolate mousse layered with toasted hazelnuts and crunchy almonds, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant dinner party dessert. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers dark chocolate (70% cacao), heavy cream, hazelnut spread (such as Nutella) 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 Serves 6 French cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Chop 6 oz dark chocolate into small pieces and melt gently in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water until smooth, about 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp granulated sugar until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes on high speed.
  3. Step 3: In another clean bowl, beat 3 large egg whites with an electric mixer until they hold stiff peaks, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Fold 1/4 cup hazelnut spread gently into the melted chocolate until fully combined.
  5. Step 5: Carefully fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture in three parts, maintaining the airy texture.
  6. Step 6: Then fold in the beaten egg whites gently until no white streaks remain.
  7. Step 7: Spoon half of the mousse into serving glasses, sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sliced almonds and 1/4 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts evenly, then layer the remaining mousse on top.
  8. Step 8: Refrigerate mousse for at least 2 hours to set and chill.
  9. Step 9: Just before serving, dust 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder over each mousse glass for a finishing touch.

Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse with Toasted Almonds 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 No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse with Toasted Almonds?

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 with Toasted Almonds?

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 with Toasted Almonds 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 Mousse with Toasted Almonds?

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.

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