Decadent Chocolate Nutella Mousse

This decadent Chocolate Nutella Cheesecake Mousse delivers the perfect balance of creamy richness and chocolate hazelnut flavor in an elegant no-bake dessert. I created this recipe for a dinner party last summer, and it's become my signature dessert when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

This mousse has saved me countless times when unexpected guests arrive. The combination of cream cheese and Nutella creates that perfect balance between tangy and sweet that keeps everyone asking for my secret recipe.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Gives this mousse its distinctive cheesecake character while providing structural stability to hold its shape
• Nutella: Delivers that signature chocolate hazelnut flavor that makes this dessert irresistible. Choose quality chocolate hazelnut spread for best results
• Heavy whipping cream: Provides the airy texture. Look for cream with at least 36% fat content for optimal whipping
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream while helping stabilize the structure. Opt for sifted sugar to avoid lumps
• Optional toppings: Allow for personalization. Crushed chocolate cookies add texture while fresh raspberries provide a tart contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cream the Base:

Beat the softened cream cheese and Nutella together for a full 3 minutes until the mixture becomes noticeably lighter in color and texture. The cream cheese absolutely must be at room temperature to properly incorporate with the Nutella. If you rush this step, you risk having cream cheese lumps in your final mousse. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure everything mixes evenly.

Whip the Cream:

In a separate clean bowl with clean beaters, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the cream forms gentle peaks that slightly slump over. Add the powdered sugar and continue mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overwhip or you'll end up with butter instead of whipped cream.

Combine with Care:

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the sweetened whipped cream into the Nutella mixture using a figure eight motion. Cut through the center, scrape the bottom, and fold over the top. Continue this motion, rotating the bowl as you work, until no white streaks remain. Folding rather than stirring preserves the air bubbles in the whipped cream, keeping your mousse light and fluffy.

Chill and Serve:

Transfer the mousse to serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is even better. The flavors meld and the texture sets perfectly with time. Before serving, add your choice of toppings for both visual appeal and flavor contrast.

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My personal secret for this recipe is adding a tiny pinch of sea salt to the Nutella mixture. It might sound strange, but salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness. I discovered this trick when I accidentally spilled a few salt crystals into my first batch, and now I do it deliberately every time.

Make Ahead Magic

This mousse actually improves with time in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen and the texture becomes even more velvety after 24 hours. I often make it two days before a dinner party, which not only reduces day of stress but results in a better dessert. Store in airtight containers or cover individual servings with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

Creative Serving Ideas

Transform this mousse into a stunning dessert bar by setting out various toppings in small bowls. My guests particularly enjoy creating their own combinations of toppings. Try serving in clear glass containers for visual impact mini mason jars for casual gatherings, martini glasses for elegant dinners, or tiny espresso cups for bite sized treats at cocktail parties. For an impressive layered dessert, alternate mousse with crushed cookies, creating a deconstructed cheesecake effect.

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Perfect Pairings

This rich dessert pairs beautifully with contrasting beverages. A strong espresso cuts through the sweetness wonderfully, while a dessert wine like Moscato complements the chocolate notes. For family gatherings, I serve it with cold milk for the children and coffee for the adults. If serving after a heavy meal, consider offering smaller portions alongside fresh berries to provide a refreshing balance.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your mousse seems too loose, the cream might have been underwhipped. Refrigeration will help it set, but next time ensure you reach proper soft peaks before folding.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this Chocolate Nutella Cheesecake Mousse ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this mousse up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to serve. Add any toppings like whipped cream, chocolate curls or fresh berries just before serving for the best presentation.

→ Why is it important to use softened cream cheese?

Softened cream cheese is essential for achieving a smooth, lump-free mousse. If the cream cheese is too cold, it won't properly incorporate with the Nutella, resulting in an uneven texture. Allow cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before beginning.

→ Can I use a different chocolate-hazelnut spread instead of Nutella?

Yes, you can substitute Nutella with any chocolate-hazelnut spread of your choice. The flavor profile may vary slightly depending on the brand, but the technique remains the same. Just ensure you're using a smooth, creamy spread for best results.

→ How do I know when the heavy cream is whipped to soft peaks?

When whipping heavy cream to soft peaks, the cream will begin to thicken and when you lift the beaters, the peaks that form will hold their shape briefly before folding over at the tips. The cream should be thick enough to incorporate air but still soft enough to fold easily into the Nutella mixture.

→ What serving options work best for this mousse?

This mousse looks elegant served in individual glasses, ramekins, or dessert cups. For a dinner party presentation, use clear glasses to showcase the beautiful chocolate layers. You could also serve it in a larger trifle dish and let guests scoop their portions.

→ Can I make this dessert lighter or less sweet?

To make a lighter version, you could substitute part of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt. To reduce sweetness, decrease the amount of powdered sugar in the whipped cream, as Nutella already provides considerable sweetness to the dessert.