No-Bake Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups
Silky smooth no-bake mousse made with dark chocolate and toasted hazelnut butter, served chilled in individual cups. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers chopped dark chocolate (70% cacao), heavy cream, hazelnut butter 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 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.
Ingredients
- 6 oz, chopped dark chocolate (70% cacao)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup hazelnut butter
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp toasted chopped hazelnuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 6 oz chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler). Stir occasionally until melted and smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a separate large bowl, whip 1 1/2 cups heavy cream using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
- Step 3: Add 1/4 cup hazelnut butter, 3 tbsp powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the whipped cream and continue whipping until combined and medium peaks form.
- Step 4: Gently fold the melted dark chocolate into the whipped cream mixture in three additions, folding carefully to keep the mousse light and airy.
- Step 5: Spoon the mousse evenly into 6 small serving cups or ramekins. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until set.
- Step 6: Before serving, sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted chopped hazelnuts over the mousse for texture and garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups 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 Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups?
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 Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups?
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 Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups 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 Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups?
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.
