No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Tart with Whipped Mascarpone
A rich, no-bake tart featuring a crunchy hazelnut crust and smooth chocolate filling, topped with airy whipped mascarpone for an elegant finish. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 35 minutes layers hazelnuts, graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter, melted 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, melted
- 8 oz bittersweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread 1 cup hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes until fragrant and golden. Let cool, then pulse in a food processor until finely chopped but not powdered.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the 1 cup finely chopped hazelnuts, 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, and 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, ensuring an even crust. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, place 8 oz bittersweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Heat 3/4 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, then pour over the chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir gently until smooth and glossy.
- Step 4: Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Step 5: In a chilled bowl, whip 1 cup mascarpone cheese with 2 tbsp granulated sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 6: Just before serving, spread or pipe the whipped mascarpone over the set chocolate tart and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts on top for garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Tart with Whipped Mascarpone take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Tart with Whipped Mascarpone?
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 Tart with Whipped Mascarpone?
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 Tart with Whipped Mascarpone 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 Tart with Whipped Mascarpone?
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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