Oh my gosh, you have got to try these Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups! They’re my go-to dessert when I need something ridiculously easy but fancy enough to impress. The texture? Pure velvet. The taste? Like spoonfuls of your favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread transformed into cloud-like perfection. And the best part? No oven required – just whip, fold, chill, and boom, you’ve got individual cups of dessert heaven. I make these for last-minute dinner parties all the time, and people always think I spent hours. (Our little secret!) Trust me, once you taste that rich, creamy mousse with the crunch of toasted hazelnuts on top, you’ll understand why this recipe never leaves my rotation.
Ingredients for Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups
Here’s what you’ll need to make magic happen (and yes, every single ingredient matters!):
- 1 cup heavy cream (chilled, I pop mine in the freezer for 15 minutes before whipping)
- 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (packed, use the good stuff here, it’s worth it!)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (sifted, no lumps allowed in our silky mousse)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (the real deal, not imitation)
- Pinch of salt (trust me, this makes the flavors pop)
- Chopped hazelnuts (for that perfect crunchy garnish)
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! This recipe comes together so fast you’ll barely believe it. Just follow these simple steps for the creamiest, dreamiest mousse cups you’ve ever tasted.
Preparing the Mousse Base
First, grab that chilled heavy cream, I mean, really chilled. If it’s not cold enough, you’ll end up with sad, soupy mousse. Pour it into a large bowl and whip on medium-high until you get stiff peaks. You’ll know it’s ready when the whisk leaves little mountain peaks that stand straight up without drooping.
Now, gently fold in the chocolate hazelnut spread about a tablespoon at a time. Use a rubber spatula and make big, sweeping motions from the bottom up. We want to keep all that lovely air in the cream. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and that magical pinch of salt, folding just until everything’s combined. Don’t overmix or you’ll deflate all your hard work!
Assembling and Chilling
Spoon that gorgeous mousse into your serving cups. I use small glasses or ramekins, but get creative! Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon, then pop them in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chill time is crucial; it lets the flavors get to know each other and the texture to set up perfectly.
Right before serving, sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts for that perfect crunch contrast. Watch how fast these disappear at your next gathering!
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups
Here are my tried-and-true secrets for mousse that’ll make everyone beg for the recipe:
- Quality matters. Splurge on the good chocolate hazelnut spread (you’ll taste the difference!)
- Fold gently. Overmixing deflates all that beautiful whipped cream airiness
- Chill everything, Bowl, beaters, even the measuring cups, cold is your friend here
- Garnish last-minute. Those hazelnuts stay crunchiest when added right before serving
Bonus tip: If your kitchen’s warm, work fast and get that mousse into the fridge ASAP!
Variations for Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe (which is heavenly as-is), try these fun twists to mix things up:
- Coffee kick: Add 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder to the cream while whipping it deepens the chocolate flavor beautifully
- Nut swap: Use toasted almonds instead of hazelnuts for garnish if that’s what you’ve got
- Berry delight: Layer fresh raspberries at the bottom of each cup before adding the mousse
My personal favorite? A sprinkle of sea salt on top it makes the sweetness sing!
Serving and Storing Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups
These little cups of joy are best served chilled straight from the fridge, the colder, the better! I like to pull them out about 5 minutes before serving to take the edge off the chill. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, though I doubt they’ll last that long once your family gets a taste!
Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delightful cup (based on my exact ingredients):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 24g (12g saturated)
- Carbs: 25g (2g fiber, 22g sugar)
- Protein: 3g
Remember, these numbers can change depending on which chocolate hazelnut spread and heavy cream brands you use. My grandma always said, “Everything in moderation,” but honestly, these are so rich, one cup satisfies perfectly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade chocolate hazelnut spread?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s smooth and at room temperature so it folds into the cream easily. My homemade version with roasted hazelnuts and dark chocolate makes these mousse cups extra special, though store-bought works beautifully in a pinch.
How long can I store the mousse?
These keep like a dream in the fridge for up to 24 hours. After that, they start losing that perfect light texture. I like to make them the morning of when I’m serving them, the flavors actually improve with a few hours’ rest!
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for chilled coconut cream (just the thick part from the can) and use dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread. It won’t be quite as fluffy, but still delicious. My vegan friends go nuts for this version!
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, check out Family Tastes.
Print
28-Minute Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups Recipe Worth Swooning Over
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy chocolate hazelnut mousse served in individual cups for an elegant dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Chopped hazelnuts (for garnish)
Instructions
- Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the chocolate hazelnut spread, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Spoon the mousse into serving cups.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Garnish with chopped hazelnuts before serving.
Notes
- Use chilled cream for best results.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar.
- Serve within 24 hours for optimal texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg