No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Pudding Parfaits
Rich layers of smooth chocolate hazelnut pudding layered with crunchy toasted hazelnuts and whipped cream for an elegant no-bake treat. This desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers whole milk milk, granulated sugar sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder 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 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
- 2 cups whole milk milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chilled heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup cornstarch, and 1/8 tsp salt until smooth.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, lightly beat 3 large egg yolks; gradually whisk about 1/2 cup of the milk mixture into the yolks to temper them.
- Step 3: Return the yolk mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens and boils, about 5-7 minutes; remove from heat.
- Step 4: Immediately stir in 1/2 cup hazelnut spread and 1 tsp vanilla extract until completely smooth; transfer pudding to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface, and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, whip 1 cup chilled heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar in a cold bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Step 6: To assemble, spoon a layer of chocolate hazelnut pudding into serving glasses, top with a dollop of whipped cream, and sprinkle with 1/2 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts; repeat layering if desired.
- Step 7: Serve chilled for a decadent no-bake dessert.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Pudding Parfaits take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Pudding Parfaits?
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 Pudding Parfaits?
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 Pudding Parfaits 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 Pudding Parfaits?
Desserts 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.
