Quick No-Bake Nutella and Mascarpone Tartlets

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Smooth mascarpone cream blended with Nutella, spooned into crunchy cookie crusts for a luscious no-bake tartlet treat. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar 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 270 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.

Prep: 20 min Serves 8 Italian cuisine 270 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs, 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar until evenly moistened.
  2. Step 2: Press this mixture firmly into the bottoms and up the sides of 8 tartlet pans or a muffin tin to form crusts.
  3. Step 3: Refrigerate crusts for 30 minutes to firm up while preparing filling.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened mascarpone cheese and 1/2 cup Nutella on medium speed until smooth and combined.
  5. Step 5: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1/2 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
  6. Step 6: Fold the whipped cream gently into the mascarpone Nutella mixture until fully incorporated.
  7. Step 7: Spoon or pipe the filling evenly into the chilled crusts.
  8. Step 8: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick No-Bake Nutella and Mascarpone Tartlets 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 Quick No-Bake Nutella and Mascarpone Tartlets?

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 Quick No-Bake Nutella and Mascarpone Tartlets?

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 Quick No-Bake Nutella and Mascarpone Tartlets 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 Quick No-Bake Nutella and Mascarpone Tartlets?

Italian 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.