No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Tart with Whipped Vanilla Cream
A rich, no-bake chocolate hazelnut tart featuring a crunchy nutty crust and topped with light whipped vanilla cream. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 35 minutes layers hazelnuts, graham cracker crumbs, 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 380 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
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread 1 cup hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened. Let cool, then pulse in a food processor until finely chopped but not pasty.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup finely chopped hazelnuts, 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Stir until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Step 3: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Bake crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely.
- Step 4: In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over 8 oz semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 5: Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Step 6: Meanwhile, whip 1/4 cup heavy cream with 1 tsp vanilla extract and 2 tbsp powdered sugar using an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Step 7: Before serving, spread or pipe the whipped vanilla cream over the chilled tart. Slice and serve chilled.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Tart with Whipped Vanilla Cream take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Tart with Whipped Vanilla Cream?
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 Vanilla Cream?
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 Vanilla Cream 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 Vanilla Cream?
American 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.
