There’s nothing quite as indulgent as a rich, creamy dessert that feels like a guilty pleasure but is surprisingly simple to make. That’s exactly what these Nutella Mousse Cups offer—a heavenly balance of silky mousse and the unmistakable taste of Nutella that makes my heart skip a beat.
I first created this recipe for a last-minute gathering, where I wanted to impress but had limited time. As I whisked the heavy cream, the kitchen filled with sweet anticipation and the scent of vanilla mingled with chocolate. Just 15 minutes of prep, followed by a couple of hours of chill time, resulted in a dessert that left my guests swooning.
Whether you’re looking to wow a crowd or just treat yourself after a long day, these mousse cups deliver a delightful experience without the fuss of elaborate baking. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a luxurious ending to any meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your repertoire!
Why You'll Love This Nutella Mousse Cups
- This Nutella Mousse Cups recipe is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a sumptuous dessert in just 15 minutes.
- The rich chocolatey flavor from Nutella combined with the fluffy texture of whipped cream creates a decadent delight that is hard to resist.
- These mousse cups are versatile enough to be served at any occasion, whether it’s a fancy dinner party or a cozy night in.
- Visually appealing and garnished with chocolate shavings or whipped cream, they are sure to impress your guests and elevate your dessert game.
Nutella Mousse Cups Ingredients
Unlock the secret to making the most delicious Nutella Mousse Cups with these simple ingredients.
For the Mousse
- Nutella – the star of this dessert, bringing that rich hazelnut flavor.
- Heavy cream – provides the creamy texture essential for a light and fluffy mousse.
- Sugar – a touch of sweetness to balance the chocolatey goodness.
- Vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor and adds warmth to the dessert.
- Pinch of salt – elevates the flavors and intensifies the taste of the Nutella.
Feel free to get creative with toppings or garnishes to make these Nutella Mousse Cups truly yours!
How to Make Nutella Mousse Cups
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Whip the Cream: Start by whipping the heavy cream with a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Continue whisking until soft peaks form, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This step adds the luscious texture to your mousse.
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Mix the Chocolate: In a separate bowl, combine the Nutella, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy, ensuring all the ingredients are fully blended. This mixture will be the delicious base of your mousse.
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Fold the Mixtures: Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the Nutella mixture. Be careful to maintain the light, airy texture! Repeat with the remaining whipped cream until the mixtures are fully combined and fluffy.
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Spoon into Cups: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully transfer the mousse into serving cups. Once filled, place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Garnish and Serve: Before serving, take your mousse cups out of the fridge and garnish with chocolate shavings or dollops of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of hazelnuts for a delightful crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Nutella Mousse Cups are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can whip up the mousse and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly while saving time on busy days. To prep ahead, simply follow the initial steps until you spoon the mousse into cups, covering them tightly with plastic wrap before chilling. This will ensure they are just as delicious when you're ready to serve. When the moment comes, garnish with chocolate shavings or whipped cream just before serving for a fresh touch. Enjoy beautifully prepared desserts with minimal effort right when you need them!
What to Serve with Nutella Mousse Cups?
Creating the perfect dessert experience extends to what you serve alongside your delightful mousse cups.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of fresh strawberries or raspberries adds a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate. A pop of color and flavor will elevate your dessert presentation.
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Coffee or Espresso: A robust cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the mousse, balancing its richness and enhancing the dessert experience with a warm embrace.
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Shortbread Cookies: Buttery shortbread provides a delightful crunch, serving as the perfect textural counterpoint to the smooth mousse. Plus, they can be dipped into the velvety goodness!
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Chocolate Shavings: Use additional chocolate as a garnish to intensify the dessert's cocoa essence. They add visual appeal and leave guests craving just one more bite.
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Mini Fruit Tarts: A fruity tart offers a light and crispy contrast, showcasing seasonal fruits. This combination introduces varying textures that make each bite a new experience.
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Chilled Sparkling Water: Light and refreshing, sparkling water can cleanse the palate between bites. Consider adding a slice of lemon to enhance its brightness.
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Light Whipped Cream: Serve a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side for those who crave a little extra fluffiness with each mouthful of Nutella mousse.
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Hazelnut Brownies: Heighten the hazelnut flavor profile with fudgy brownies. Their dense texture will pair beautifully with the airy mousse for a chocolate lover's dream duo.
How to Store and Freeze Nutella Mousse Cups
Fridge: Keep your Nutella Mousse Cups in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy your mousse cups later, freeze them for up to a month. Ensure they’re tightly sealed in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: Thaw frozen mousse in the fridge overnight before serving, and give it a gentle stir to restore creaminess. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this will spoil the mousse's texture.
Garnishing: For the best presentation, add fresh garnishes like whipped cream or chocolate shavings just before serving, to keep them looking and tasting their best!
Nutella Mousse Cups Variations
Feel free to add your personal touch to this decadent dessert and make it uniquely yours!
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free twist that's rich and creamy.
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Nut-Free: Swap Nutella with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option while maintaining a deliciously sweet flavor.
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Flavor Boost: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the Nutella mix for an energizing mocha flavor.
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Crunchy Texture: Fold in crushed cookies or nuts into the mousse for a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy texture.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the Nutella for a surprising, spicy finish that will awaken your taste buds.
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White Chocolate Variation: Replace Nutella with white chocolate, and stir in a touch of almond extract for a different yet equally delightful dessert.
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Caramel Drizzle: Top each mousse cup with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce before serving for an indulgent flavor combination.
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Fruit Infusion: Incorporate a layer of fresh berries or banana slices between mousse layers for a refreshing burst of sweetness and color!
Let your culinary creativity soar with these variations and enjoy the delightful process of crafting your perfect Nutella Mousse Cups!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect texture in your Nutella Mousse Cups, ensure that the heavy cream is very cold before whipping it, as this helps in reaching soft peaks more effectively.
- When combining the Nutella with sugar and vanilla, take your time to mix until smooth to avoid any lumps that can affect the mousse's consistency.
- Be gentle when folding the whipped cream into the Nutella mixture, as this technique preserves the airy lightness crucial for a fluffy mousse.
- For the best flavor, allow the mousse to chill for a full 4 hours instead of the minimum 2 hours, ensuring that it sets properly and the flavors deepen.
Nutella Mousse Cups Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best Nutella for the mousse?
Absolutely! When selecting Nutella, opt for a fresh jar without any dark spots or separations. Check the expiration date for optimal quality. The fresher the Nutella, the richer the flavor will be in your mousse cups!
What’s the best way to store leftover Nutella Mousse Cups?
Very! Store your Nutella Mousse Cups in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover them with plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their creamy texture while allowing you to enjoy this delightful treat over a few days.
Can I freeze Nutella Mousse Cups? How?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Nutella Mousse Cups, first ensure they are in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn. They will be good for up to a month. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight before enjoying. After thawing, gently stir for an even creaminess and serve immediately without reheating.
What should I do if my whipped cream doesn't form soft peaks?
Don't worry! This can happen sometimes. Make sure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping—chill your bowl too if possible. If it’s not whipping properly, check if your cream is at least 36% fat; lower fat creams won’t whip up well. If your cream has turned grainy, you might have over-whipped it, so start again with new cream and be much gentler!
Are Nutella Mousse Cups suitable for people with allergies?
Very! However, be mindful of allergies. The mousse contains dairy; therefore, it is not suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals or those allergic to milk. For a dairy-free alternative, you may use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, making sure to check that your Nutella is also dairy-free. Always consult with guests to ensure they’re comfortable with the ingredients before serving!
Nutella Mousse Cups
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whip the heavy cream with a pinch of salt in a large bowl until soft peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the Nutella, sugar, and vanilla extract; stir until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the Nutella mixture, then repeat with the remaining whipped cream until fully combined.
- Transfer the mousse into serving cups using a spoon or piping bag, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Before serving, garnish with chocolate shavings or whipped cream for an extra touch.
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