If you have a soft spot for anything that combines rich chocolatey goodness with a creamy dreamy texture, then this Chocolate Nutella Cheesecake Mousse Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine the velvety smoothness of cream cheese meeting the intense hazelnut chocolate flavor of Nutella, all whipped into a light mousse that feels like a little bite of heaven. It’s a no-bake dessert that’s elegantly simple to make yet irresistibly elegant on the palate. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dessert hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of sweetness, depth, and fluffiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the easiest part but crucial for nailing the perfect texture and flavor of this Chocolate Nutella Cheesecake Mousse Recipe. Each component plays a unique role—from creating smooth creaminess to adding that signature chocolate-hazelnut kick.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Provides the rich, luscious base with a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup Nutella: Infuses the dessert with its iconic chocolate hazelnut flavor essential for that decadent taste.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without graininess for a silky smooth mousse.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds depth to the overall taste.
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened): Boosts the chocolate intensity and gives a rich color.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold): Whipped to perfection to create a light, airy texture that makes this mousse irresistible.
- Chocolate shavings or crushed hazelnuts for topping (optional): Adds a beautiful finishing touch that gives extra texture and visual appeal.
How to Make Chocolate Nutella Cheesecake Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Create the Creamy Nutella Base
Start by beating the softened cream cheese, Nutella, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and unsweetened cocoa powder together in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer or whisk vigorously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy, and uniform blend with no lumps. This step is the foundation — getting that perfect texture here makes all the difference later.
Step 2: Whip the Heavy Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the cream holds firmly without collapsing. The cold temperature of the cream is key for achieving the ideal airy volume that gives this mousse its signature lightness.
Step 3: Fold Whipped Cream into Nutella Mixture
Gently fold the stiff whipped cream into your Nutella and cream cheese blend. Do this carefully in batches to keep as much air in the mixture as possible. This folding technique ensures your mousse stays fluffy rather than dense or flat.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Spoon the mousse evenly into individual serving glasses or bowls. Then chill them in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling step lets the flavors meld together while the mousse firms up just enough to hold its shape but stay creamy and soft.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle with chocolate shavings, crushed hazelnuts, or both to add texture and an extra layer of flavor. Your Chocolate Nutella Cheesecake Mousse Recipe is now ready to delight anyone lucky enough to dig in.
How to Serve Chocolate Nutella Cheesecake Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can elevate your dessert from delicious to unforgettable. Chocolate shavings bring a melt-in-your-mouth bittersweet contrast, while crushed hazelnuts contribute a delightful crunch that plays perfectly against the mousse’s airy softness. For a colorful touch, a few fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint can brighten the presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
This mousse pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments that won’t overshadow it. Consider serving alongside freshly sliced strawberries, shortbread cookies, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess. A small glass of sweet dessert wine or a rich espresso can also complement the flavors nicely when serving at gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is part of the fun for this Chocolate Nutella Cheesecake Mousse Recipe! Try layering it with crushed biscotti or cookie crumbs for texture contrast in clear parfait glasses or pretty jars. You can also pipe the mousse into mini tart shells for bite-sized treats. These creative ideas make your dessert stand out at parties or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which can be tough with this dessert), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The mousse should stay fresh and creamy for up to 24 hours—any longer and the texture may start to change slightly.
Freezing
This mousse doesn’t freeze well because the whipped cream can lose its fluffy texture upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or chilled, so try to prepare it no more than a day ahead for the best experience.
Reheating
Because it’s a chilled, no-bake dessert, reheating is not recommended. Serve it cold straight from the fridge for maximum enjoyment of the mousse’s luscious texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different chocolate spread instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! You can swap Nutella with any chocolate hazelnut spread you like, but keep in mind that the flavor profile may vary slightly. If your substitute is less sweet, you might want to adjust the powdered sugar accordingly.
Is there a way to make this mousse dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, try using dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and coconut cream whipped to stiff peaks. Keep in mind this will alter both the taste and texture a bit, but it can still be delicious.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and follow the same instructions. Just be sure to mix and fold carefully to maintain the mousse’s airy texture, and use a larger bowl to accommodate the volume.
How long should the mousse chill before serving?
At least one hour is ideal to let it firm up and the flavors blend perfectly. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes will work but the mousse might be a little looser.
What is the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before you start or microwave it in short 10-second bursts, kneading between intervals, until soft but not melted. Properly softened cream cheese mixes more smoothly for the perfect base.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way this Chocolate Nutella Cheesecake Mousse Recipe comes together with so little effort yet delivers deeply satisfying flavor and texture. It’s a dessert that feels special but is totally doable anytime you need a decadent treat. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this mousse as much as I do—it’s sure to bring a smile to every face at your table. Go ahead, dive into that velvety chocolate and Nutella goodness, and make this recipe a new staple in your dessert repertoire!
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Chocolate Nutella Cheesecake Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Nutella Cheesecake Mousse is a decadent, no-bake dessert combining creamy cream cheese, rich Nutella, and fluffy whipped cream for a luxurious treat. Perfectly blended with cocoa and a hint of vanilla, it delivers a smooth, chocolatey experience topped with chocolate shavings or crushed hazelnuts for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
Toppings (Optional)
- Chocolate shavings or crushed hazelnuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Nutella Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, Nutella, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder together until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream using a mixer until stiff peaks form, indicating the cream is light and airy.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the Nutella and cream cheese mixture in batches, making sure to combine thoroughly but without deflating the whipped cream. This creates a light and fluffy mousse texture.
- Chill the Mousse: Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set and develop flavor.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Just before serving, top the mousse with optional chocolate shavings or crushed hazelnuts for extra texture and garnish.
Notes
- This mousse is rich and decadent—serve in small portions to savor the flavor.
- You can prepare the mousse up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy whipping cream with whipped topping.
