Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Recipe

Irresistible Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Decadent chocolate hazelnut mousse whispers pure culinary magic through its silky smooth layers of intense flavor.

Sophisticated dessert lovers recognize this treat as a pinnacle of elegant indulgence.

Luxurious ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a sensational experience that dances between rich chocolate depths and delicate hazelnut undertones.

Each spoonful promises a velvety reinventation that tantalizes sophisticated palates with incredible complexity.

Lightweight yet profoundly satisfying, this mousse represents the pinnacle of refined sweet craftsmanship.

Intricate textures and nuanced flavors elevate this dessert beyond ordinary expectations.

Those seeking a remarkable finale to their dining experience will find pure bliss.

Why Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Feels So Luxurious

  • Whip Up Guilt-Free Decadence: This mousse transforms healthy ingredients into a luxurious dessert that satisfies chocolate cravings without compromising nutrition.
  • Effortless Elegance in Minutes: With just a blender and simple steps, you can create a sophisticated dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant.
  • Nutrition Packed with Flavor: Packed with plant-based ingredients like hazelnuts and dates, this mousse delivers rich chocolate taste while providing essential nutrients and natural sweetness.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for various dietary needs, this vegan and gluten-free dessert can be easily customized with different toppings to suit any palate or occasion.

What You’ll Need for a Creamy, Nutty Dessert

Base Ingredients:
  • Hazelnuts: Raw, unsalted nuts with rich flavor and creamy texture when blended.
  • Dates: Natural sweetener that adds depth and helps bind the mousse together.
  • Cacao/Cocoa Powder: Deep chocolate flavor with antioxidant benefits, choose high-quality dark variety.
Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Coconut Milk: Creamy base that provides smooth consistency and subtle tropical note.
  • Vanilla: Pure extract that enhances chocolate flavor and adds warmth to the dessert.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Grated Chocolate, Chopped Hazelnuts, Berries: Optional toppings that add texture, visual appeal, and extra flavor complexity to the mousse.

How to Whip Up Mousse That’s Light and Luscious

Step 1: Prepare Hazelnuts

Soak hazelnuts in cool water for at least 1 hour or overnight to soften them completely.

Step 2: Create Creamy Chocolate Base

Gather your ingredients:
  • Soaked hazelnuts
  • Soft dates
  • Cacao powder
  • Coconut milk
  • Vanilla extract

Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until ultra-smooth and silky.

Step 3: Fill Serving Containers

Carefully pour the rich chocolate mixture into ramekins or elegant serving dishes, creating smooth surfaces.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the mousse for 2-4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to develop and texture to become perfectly creamy.

Step 5: Add Delicious Finishing Touches

Just before serving, sprinkle with delightful toppings such as:
  • Grated dark chocolate
  • Crushed toasted hazelnuts
  • Fresh seasonal berries

Serve chilled and enjoy this decadent dairy-free dessert that’s packed with incredible flavor and nutrition.

Tips to Keep It Airy with a Rich Finish

  • Soak Strategically: Soaking hazelnuts helps soften them for a smoother, more luxurious mousse texture and enhances overall blending.
  • Blend to Perfection: Process ingredients slowly and gradually to achieve a silky, consistent mousse without lumps or grainy texture.
  • Chill Completely: Allow sufficient refrigeration time to help mousse set firmly and develop deeper, richer flavor profiles.
  • Customize Creatively: Experiment with different toppings like coconut flakes, chia seeds, or caramel drizzle to elevate presentation and taste.
  • Temperature Matters: Remove mousse from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its creamy consistency.

Store It Cold Without Losing That Texture

  • Refrigerate: Store the mousse in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover the ramekins with plastic wrap or transfer the mousse to a sealed container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the mousse in the refrigerator overnight for the best consistency.
  • Reheating: This mousse is best served chilled, so avoid microwaving or warming. Let the mousse sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its rich, smooth flavor. Sprinkle fresh toppings just before serving to revive its original presentation and add a delightful crunch.

What Pairs Best with This Elegant Treat

  • Complement with Sweet Red Wine: Pair this rich chocolate hazelnut mousse with a glass of port or late harvest zinfandel, which enhances the dessert's deep cocoa notes and nutty undertones.
  • Balance with Espresso Shot: Serve a small, strong espresso alongside the mousse to cut through its creamy texture and amplify the chocolate's complex flavors, creating a classic Italian-inspired dessert experience.
  • Elevate with Fresh Fruit Garnish: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries to the side, providing a bright, tangy contrast that refreshes the palate and adds visual appeal to the decadent mousse.
  • Match with Nutty Liqueur: Drizzle a small amount of hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico over the top, intensifying the existing nutty profile and adding a sophisticated adult twist to the dessert.

Twists for Next-Level Mousse Moments

  • Nutty Chocolate Dream: Swap hazelnuts with almonds or cashews for a different nutty profile, creating a rich and creamy alternative with similar texture and depth.
  • Berry Chocolate Fusion: Add fresh raspberries or strawberries directly into the mousse mixture for a fruity burst that complements the chocolate's richness.
  • Protein Power Mousse: Incorporate a scoop of plant-based chocolate protein powder to boost nutritional value and create a more substantial dessert perfect for post-workout recovery.
  • Spiced Chocolate Sensation: Introduce warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or a pinch of chili powder to add complexity and unexpected depth to the traditional chocolate mousse.
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Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Recipe

Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Silky chocolate hazelnut mousse brings French pastry elegance to dessert tables with rich, luxurious layers of creamy indulgence. Chocolate lovers will savor each spoonful of this sophisticated treat that balances deep cocoa intensity with delicate hazelnut undertones.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk (15 oz / 400 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons cacao or cocoa powder

Nuts and Sweeteners:

  • ½ cup (75 g) hazelnuts
  • ½ cup (85 g) dates, pitted

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Submerge raw hazelnuts in room temperature water, allowing them to hydrate thoroughly for 8-12 hours or a minimum of 60 minutes to soften their texture.
  2. Transfer softened hazelnuts, pitted dates, unsweetened cocoa powder, full-fat coconut milk, and pure vanilla extract into a high-powered blender or food processor.
  3. Pulse and blend the ingredients at medium-high speed, scraping down the sides periodically to ensure a completely smooth and velvety consistency without any remaining chunks.
  4. Carefully distribute the luxurious chocolate hazelnut mixture into individual 4-ounce (120 milliliters) ramekins or decorative glass serving vessels, using a spatula to create an even surface.
  5. Place the filled containers into the refrigerator, covering them loosely with plastic wrap to prevent moisture accumulation and allow the mousse to set and develop rich, intense flavors.
  6. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3-4 hours or ideally overnight to achieve a firm, creamy texture.
  7. Just before serving, artfully garnish the chilled mousse with delicate shavings of dark chocolate, roughly chopped toasted hazelnuts, or a scattering of fresh seasonal berries to enhance visual appeal and add textural contrast.

Notes

  • Soaking softens hazelnuts, making them easier to blend and digest while enhancing their creamy texture.
  • Blending ingredients transforms whole foods into a silky, luxurious mousse with rich chocolate undertones.
  • Chilling allows mousse to set firmly, developing deeper flavors and creating a luscious, velvety consistency.
  • Serving cold intensifies the chocolate and hazelnut notes, providing a refreshing dessert experience.
  • Garnishing adds visual appeal and extra crunch, complementing the smooth mousse with contrasting textures.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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