I still remember the first time I made this Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups Recipe — and oh wow, how dreamy they turned out! From the moment I swirled that rich, chocolatey mixture into pretty little cups, I was hooked. Each spoonful tasted like a grown-up chocolate-hazelnut treat, silky yet delightfully nutty.
I couldn’t wait for them to chill in the fridge so I could dive in again. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper! You can also enjoy similar light, flavorful dishes like the Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe for a veggie-packed option.
🍯 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this luscious dessert. I’ve added tips so you’ll know why each ingredient matters.
- ½ cup toasted hazelnut butter – gives the mousse its deep nutty flavor. Toasting hazelnuts before blending enhances aroma and richness.
- 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat unsweetened coconut milk – creates a creamy texture without using dairy. Full-fat versions work best for thick mousse.
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips, melted – adds richness and smooth chocolate depth. Choose good-quality chocolate for best results.
- ¼ cup cocoa powder – intensifies chocolate flavor while helping thicken the mousse.
- 1 tbsp maple syrup – adds gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with hazelnuts.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – rounds out flavors and boosts sweetness naturally.
- ¼ tsp kosher salt – balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
Note: This quantity makes approximately 4 servings of mousse cups.
🍦 Variations
You can easily tweak this dessert to match dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- Dairy-free: The recipe already uses coconut milk, making it naturally dairy-free.
- Sugar-free option: Swap maple syrup for your preferred sugar-free sweetener.
- Nut-free version: Replace hazelnut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
- Flavor upgrades: Add espresso powder, orange zest, or a splash of hazelnut extract.
- Crunchy topping: Sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts or cacao nibs for texture. You might also enjoy a fun twist on burgers with the In-N-Out Burger Lettuce Wraps Recipe for a protein-packed snack.
⏱️ Cooking Time
Here’s how long this treat takes from start to finish:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 8 hours or overnight
- Total Time: About 8 hours 10 minutes
🍽️ Equipment You Need
Keep these kitchen tools handy:
- High-speed blender — blends ingredients smoothly into mousse consistency.
- Measuring cups and spoons — ensure accurate ingredient ratios.
- Small serving cups or ramekins — hold individual portions while chilling.
- Refrigerator — allows mousse to set and thicken properly.
🥄 How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups Recipe
This dessert comes together quickly, but patience during chilling makes all the difference. Smooth blending and proper chilling create the silky texture everyone loves. Follow the simple steps below for perfect mousse every time.
Prepare the Hazelnut Butter
Roast hazelnuts until fragrant and lightly golden, then cool them before removing as much skin as possible. Blend until creamy and smooth to create rich hazelnut butter, which forms the flavor base of the mousse.
Blend the Mousse
Add hazelnut butter, coconut milk, melted chocolate, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt into a blender. Blend until the mixture becomes silky and fully smooth, scraping down sides if needed.
Chill and Serve
Pour the mousse mixture into serving cups or jars and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. Once fully chilled and set, garnish as desired and serve cold.
💡 Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After making this several times, here are tricks that really improved my results:
- I always chill the mousse overnight for the best thick, creamy texture.
- Toasting hazelnuts deeply improves the nutty flavor.
- I make sure melted chocolate cools slightly before blending so it mixes smoothly.
- Sometimes I add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- I taste and adjust sweetness before chilling since flavors mellow once cold.
🎨 How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups Recipe
These mousse cups look elegant with minimal effort, but presentation makes them even better.
Serve topped with whipped cream or coconut cream for extra indulgence. Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or shaved chocolate for crunch and visual appeal. Fresh berries or mint leaves add color contrast, making them perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
🔢 Nutritional Information
Each serving provides a rich yet satisfying dessert portion:
- Calories: ~300–350 per serving
- Protein: ~4–6 g
- Carbohydrates: ~15–20 g
- Fat: ~25–30 g
🧊 Make Ahead and Storage
Storage
Store mousse cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. The flavor actually improves after a day as everything melds together.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended because texture can become grainy when thawed, affecting creaminess.
Reheating
No reheating needed. Serve mousse directly from the refrigerator for the best consistency.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dessert quickly becomes a favorite once you try it. Here’s why:
- Simple yet impressive: Minimal effort creates a dessert that feels restaurant-worthy.
- Rich, creamy texture: Smooth and indulgent without feeling heavy.
- Diet-friendly: Naturally dairy-free and easy to customize.
- Perfect make-ahead dessert: Prepare in advance and serve stress-free.
- Endlessly customizable: Add flavors or toppings to suit any occasion.
Once you make these Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups, they’ll likely become your go-to dessert whenever you need something easy yet luxurious. Creamy, chocolatey, and full of nutty goodness, they’re guaranteed to impress every time.
Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cups Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Roast hazelnuts until fragrant and lightly golden, then cool them before removing as much skin as possible. Blend until creamy and smooth to create rich hazelnut butter, which forms the flavor base of the mousse.
- Add hazelnut butter, coconut milk, melted chocolate, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt into a blender. Blend until the mixture becomes silky and fully smooth, scraping down sides if needed.
- Pour the mousse mixture into serving cups or jars and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. Once fully chilled and set, garnish as desired and serve cold.
Notes
- I always chill the mousse overnight for the best thick, creamy texture.
- Toasting hazelnuts deeply improves the nutty flavor.
- I make sure melted chocolate cools slightly before blending so it mixes smoothly.
- Sometimes I add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- I taste and adjust sweetness before chilling since flavors mellow once cold.