Oh my goodness, you have to try these mini Nutella dessert jars! They’re my go-to when I need something decadent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Picture this: creamy Nutella mousse layered over crunchy graham crackers, all tucked into cute little jars. The best part? No oven required! I first made these for a last-minute dinner party, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than I could say “seconds please.” Now they’re my secret weapon for potlucks, date nights, or just treating myself after a long day. Trust me, once you taste that rich chocolate-hazelnut goodness in perfect individual portions, you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Nutella Dessert Jars
Let me count the ways these little jars will steal your heart! First off, they’re no-bake, perfect for when your oven’s already full or it’s too hot to turn it on. But the real magic? That rich, velvety Nutella mousse that melts in your mouth. Here’s why they’re always a hit:
- Individual servings: No fighting over who gets the biggest slice, everyone gets their own perfect jar
- Make-ahead dream: Chill them for hours (or overnight) so flavors meld beautifully
- Endless customization: Top with berries, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of sea salt
- Kid-friendly yet fancy: Equally loved at birthday parties and dinner parties
Seriously, one bite and you’ll understand why I always keep extra jars on hand!
Ingredients for Mini Nutella Dessert Jars
Here’s what you’ll need to make these little jars of happiness (and trust me, every single ingredient matters!):
- 1 cup Nutella: Go for the real deal, that smooth, chocolate-hazelnut magic is irreplaceable
- 1 cup heavy cream: Cold straight from the fridge for the fluffiest whip
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the richness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Pure vanilla, please, it makes all the difference
- 8 oz cream cheese: Softened to room temp so it blends like a dream
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers: That perfect crunchy base (I use a rolling pin to crush them right in the bag!)
- Fresh berries: Strawberries or raspberries for that pop of color and freshness
Pro tip: Set your cream cheese out about an hour before you start, it’ll save you so much mixing frustration!
How to Make Mini Nutella Dessert Jars
Alright, let’s get to the fun part, making these irresistible mini Nutella dessert jars! Don’t worry if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, this is seriously foolproof. Just follow these steps and you’ll have dessert magic in no time.
Step 1: Whip the Cream
First things first: grab that cold heavy cream and pour it into a large bowl. Here’s my secret, chill your mixing bowl and beaters for 10 minutes first! It helps the cream whip up faster. Add the powdered sugar and beat on medium-high until you get those gorgeous stiff peaks. You’ll know it’s ready when you can turn the bowl upside down (carefully!) and nothing moves. This fluffy cloud is what gives our mini Nutella dessert jars that dreamy, airy texture.
Step 2: Mix the Nutella Base
Now for the star of the show! In another bowl, beat that softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth, no lumps allowed. Then, oh-so-gently fold in the Nutella and vanilla extract. I like to do this by hand with a rubber spatula to keep all that air in the whipped cream we just made. The mixture should look like the most luxurious chocolate-hazelnut frosting you’ve ever seen. Taste it? Okay fine, I won’t judge if you sneak a spoonful!
Step 3: Layer and Chill
Time to assemble our mini Nutella dessert jars! Sprinkle about a tablespoon of crushed graham crackers in the bottom of each jar, it’s the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy mousse. Then spoon or pipe the Nutella mixture on top, filling the jars about ¾ full. Here’s where patience comes in: pop them in the fridge for at least 2 hours (though overnight is even better). The wait is torture, I know, but it lets all those flavors marry beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, just top with fresh berries and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
Tips for Perfect Mini Nutella Dessert Jars
Want to take your mini Nutella dessert jars from good to “oh-my-goodness-I-need-the-recipe” amazing? Here are my tried-and-true tricks:
- Room temp is key: That cream cheese must be softened, cold cream cheese will leave lumps no matter how long you mix
- Fold gently: Treat that whipped cream like a cloud, overmixing deflates all the air you worked so hard to incorporate
- Chill your bowl: A cold mixing bowl helps the cream whip up faster and hold its shape better
- Get creative with layers: Try alternating Nutella mousse with crushed cookies or fresh banana slices for extra wow factor
- Garnish last-minute: Add berries or chocolate shavings right before serving so they stay fresh and pretty
Remember, the best mini Nutella dessert jars come from patience and love, and maybe licking the spoon when no one’s looking!
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
Out of something? No worries! These mini Nutella dessert jars are pretty forgiving. Here are my favorite swaps when pantry emergencies strike:
- Cream cheese alternative: Mascarpone works beautifully if you want something richer, or try full-fat Greek yogurt for a tangier twist
- Graham cracker hack: Digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed Oreos make fantastic crunchy layers
- Lighter option: Swap half the heavy cream with well-chilled coconut cream for a dairy-free version (just know the texture will be slightly different)
- Nut-free needs: Use sunflower seed butter or a chocolate spread without nuts, the flavor changes but it’s still delicious
One rule I never break: real Nutella. The generic stuff just doesn’t have that magical depth of flavor. Trust me on this one! For more dessert inspiration, check out Family Tastes.
Serving Suggestions for Mini Nutella Dessert Jars
Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve these mini Nutella dessert jars, they’re like little edible canvases! My absolute favorite is topping them with fresh raspberries and a dusting of powdered sugar, but here are more ways to make them shine:
- Coffee’s best friend: Serve alongside espresso for that perfect bitter-sweet pairing
- Berry bonanza: Pile on mixed berries or caramelized bananas for color and freshness
- Crunch time: Add toasted hazelnuts or chocolate shavings right before serving
- Whipped cream clouds: A dollop of freshly whipped cream takes them over the top
Pro tip: Bring them out after dinner with small spoons, watching guests dig into their own personal jars is half the fun!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
These mini Nutella dessert jars keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, just cover them with lids or plastic wrap. No reheating needed (or wanted, trust me, they’re dreamy cold!). The graham crackers might soften slightly, but that just makes them taste like nostalgic chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake. You could freeze them, but the texture changes, so I don’t recommend it for best results.
Nutritional Information
Just a quick heads-up, nutrition can vary based on brands and exact measurements. But for one of these dreamy mini Nutella dessert jars, you’re looking at about 320 calories and 22g of fat. Worth every delicious bite if you ask me!
FAQs About Mini Nutella Dessert Jars
I get so many questions about these irresistible mini Nutella dessert jars, here are the answers to the ones that pop up most often!
Can I freeze mini Nutella dessert jars?
Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. Freezing changes the texture of both the cream and the Nutella mixture, making them grainier when thawed. These are best enjoyed fresh from the fridge! If you must freeze them, eat within 2 weeks and expect a slightly different consistency.
Can I use homemade Nutella instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! I’ve made these with my own chocolate-hazelnut spread when I had extra time. Just make sure your homemade version has a similar creamy consistency to the original. If it’s too runny, your mini Nutella dessert jars might not set properly.
How far in advance can I make these?
They’re perfect for making ahead! Assemble them up to 24 hours before serving, the flavors actually get better as they chill. Just wait to add any fresh fruit toppings until right before serving so they stay pretty.
What size jars work best?
I use 4-ounce mason jars because they’re the perfect individual portion. But you can use any small glass or even espresso cups in a pinch! Just adjust your layers accordingly.
Can I make this into one big dessert instead of individual jars?
Of course! Pour everything into an 8×8 dish for a no-bake Nutella “cheesecake.” You’ll need to chill it longer, about 4 hours, to let it set completely.
I’d love to hear how your mini Nutella dessert jars turned out! Did you add any fun twists? Snap a photo and tell me all about it, nothing makes me happier than seeing your delicious creations!
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5-Ingredient Mini Nutella Dessert Jars: Heavenly Treats
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini Nutella dessert jars are perfect for individual servings of rich, chocolatey goodness. These no-bake treats are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
- Fresh berries for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the Nutella and vanilla extract.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the Nutella mixture until fully combined.
- Sprinkle crushed graham crackers at the bottom of small jars.
- Spoon the Nutella mixture over the graham crackers.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Top with fresh berries before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
- Chill the dessert for at least 2 hours to set properly.
- Customize with toppings like chocolate shavings or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg