No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Parfait
Layers of rich chocolate mousse and crunchy hazelnuts come together in a quick and elegant no-bake dessert. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers dark chocolate chips, heavy cream, hazelnuts, toasted and chopped 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 320 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 dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Chop 6 oz dark chocolate chips finely and place in a heatproof bowl.
- Step 2: Heat 1 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until just simmering, then pour it over the chopped chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir gently until smooth and glossy, creating a chocolate ganache.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whip 1/2 cup of the remaining heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Step 4: Fold the whipped cream into the cooled ganache gently until fully combined and smooth.
- Step 5: In serving glasses, layer the chocolate mousse alternating with 1/2 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts divided equally.
- Step 6: Dust the top with 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to set.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Parfait take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (15 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 Parfait?
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 Parfait?
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 Parfait 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 No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Parfait?
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.
