Easy No-Bake Nutella Mousse Recipe: Your Ultimate 5-Ingredient Dessert for Any Occasion!

Prepare to fall in love with the simplest, most decadent dessert you’ll ever make: this irresistible **No-Bake Nutella Mousse**. Imagine a rich, creamy, and velvety chocolate hazelnut dream that requires absolutely no oven time and comes together with just 5 basic ingredients. It’s the perfect treat for hot summer days, a quick weeknight indulgence, or an elegant dessert to impress guests without breaking a sweat.

This recipe is a true game-changer for anyone who loves Nutella. Whether you serve it in individual ramekins, elegant glasses, or a mini cheesecake pan, its luscious texture and incredible flavor are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the crunchy Oreo cookie crust adds another layer of delightful contrast that makes every spoonful pure bliss. Get ready to create a dessert that’s not only incredibly easy but also stunningly delicious!

Why This No-Bake Nutella Mousse Will Be Your New Favorite

There are countless reasons why this 5-ingredient Nutella mousse has quickly climbed to the top of dessert wish lists. Its simplicity is truly unmatched, making it accessible even for novice bakers (or rather, no-bakers!). Here’s why this creamy, dreamy treat deserves a spot in your recipe collection:

Effortless Preparation: No baking required! This is a huge win, especially when you’re looking for a quick dessert or trying to avoid heating up your kitchen. The prep time is minimal, allowing you more time to enjoy.
Only 5 Ingredients: You read that right! With just heavy cream, Nutella, vanilla extract, Oreo cookies, and unsalted butter, you can create a masterpiece. These are common pantry staples, making impromptu dessert sessions a breeze.
Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of whipped heavy cream and Nutella results in a light yet deeply satisfying mousse that melts in your mouth. It’s perfectly balanced – sweet, chocolatey, and nutty.
Versatile Serving Options: While mini cheesecake pans work wonderfully for individual portions, feel free to use ramekins, martini glasses, small jars, or even a large serving bowl. Adapt it to your personal style or event.
Customizable Flavor Intensity: Love a strong Nutella kick? Feel free to adjust the amount of Nutella to suit your preference. This recipe is forgiving and encourages personalization.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a summer BBQ, a holiday gathering, or just a treat-yourself moment, this mousse fits right in. It’s elegant enough for a party and comforting enough for a cozy night in.
Make-Ahead Friendly: In fact, chilling is essential! This dessert benefits from several hours in the refrigerator, making it an ideal candidate for preparing in advance.

The Magic Behind the 5 Simple Ingredients

Each ingredient in this no-bake Nutella mousse plays a crucial role in creating its perfect texture and flavor. Let’s delve into what makes them so special:

Nutella: The star of the show! This beloved hazelnut spread provides the signature flavor and sweetness. Its smooth consistency integrates beautifully into the whipped cream, creating that iconic mousse texture. Gently warming the Nutella ensures it mixes seamlessly without deflating the cream.
Heavy Cream: This is what gives the mousse its light, airy, and creamy structure. When whipped to stiff peaks, it provides the perfect base for holding the Nutella and creating a luscious, cloud-like dessert. Always make sure your heavy cream is very cold for best whipping results.
Oreo Cookies: Crushed Oreos form the delightful, chocolatey base for our mousse. They add a satisfying crunch and a hint of extra chocolate flavor that complements the Nutella beautifully. Plus, the cream filling in Oreos helps bind the crust slightly.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to both the cream and the Nutella, balancing the sweetness and making it even more aromatic.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is essential for binding the crushed Oreo cookies into a firm, delicious crust. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dessert, ensuring a perfectly sweet finish.

This minimalist ingredient list proves that you don’t need dozens of components to create an extraordinary dessert. Sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication!

5 from 1 vote

Nutella Mousse – The Easiest No-Bake Recipe

By

Julie Maestre

These delicious and adorable Nutella mousse cups are incredibly simple to make, requiring no baking, and are absolutely perfect for any party or just a delightful sweet treat. They are rich, creamy, and guaranteed to be a hit!

Prep:

10 minutes

Chill:

4 hours

Total:

10 minutes
(+ 4 hrs chill)

Servings:

8
servings

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Ingredients

▢

1 1/2
cup
Heavy Cream
▢

1
cup

Nutella
▢

1
tsp
Vanilla Extract
▢

12-15
Oreo Cookies
▢

5
tbsp
Unsalted Butter, melted

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Instructions

In a large, chilled bowl, add the heavy cream. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed until it forms stiff peaks, similar to the consistency of Cool Whip or thick whipped cream. Be careful not to overmix, as it can turn buttery.
Gently fold in the vanilla extract into the whipped cream until just combined.
Place the Nutella in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it for approximately 15 seconds. This makes it slightly more fluid and easier to mix.
Stir the warmed Nutella for about 1 minute to ensure it cools down a bit before you combine it with the delicate whipped cream. This prevents the cream from melting.
Add the slightly cooled Nutella to the whipped cream mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold it in until no streaks of Nutella or cream remain and the mixture is uniformly brown and airy. Avoid aggressive stirring to maintain the mousse’s light texture.
For the crust: Place the Oreo cookies into a food processor and pulse until finely crushed into crumbs. Drizzle in the melted unsalted butter and pulse again until well combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
Press the crumbled buttered cookies evenly onto the bottom of your mini cheesecake pan, ramekins, or desired serving dishes. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to compact it firmly.
Carefully pour or spoon the Nutella mousse filling over the prepared cookie crust. Smooth out the tops with a spatula.
Refrigerate the mousse for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely and achieve its perfect mousse consistency.

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Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Julie Maestre

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Refrigerate:

4 hours

Total Time:

10 minutes
(+ 4 hrs chill)

Course:
Dessert

Cuisine:
American

Servings:

8
servings

Calories:
506

Keyword:
No Bake Nutella Dessert, Nutella Mousse, Easy 5-Ingredient Dessert, Chocolate Hazelnut

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Pro Tips for the Perfect No-Bake Mousse

Achieving that perfect, airy mousse texture and rich flavor is easy with a few simple tricks:

Chill Your Equipment: For best results when whipping heavy cream, ensure your mixing bowl and whisk (or beater attachments) are very cold. Pop them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before you start.
Don’t Overmix the Cream: Whip the heavy cream until it holds firm peaks, but stop before it starts to look curdled or grainy. Over-whipped cream can result in a heavier, less airy mousse.
Warm Nutella, Not Hot: Microwaving the Nutella helps thin it out, making it easier to fold into the whipped cream. However, ensure it’s not hot, as hot Nutella will melt the whipped cream and ruin the mousse texture. Stirring for a minute after heating helps it cool slightly.
Gentle Folding is Key: When combining the Nutella with the whipped cream, use a spatula and a gentle folding motion. This preserves the air pockets in the whipped cream, which are essential for the mousse’s light and airy consistency.
Firmly Press the Crust: A well-compacted crust is crucial for holding the mousse. Use the bottom of a glass or a flat measuring cup to really press those cookie crumbs down into an even layer.
Patience with Chilling: The 4-hour refrigeration time is not just a suggestion; it’s vital. This allows the mousse to firm up properly, develop its full flavor, and become sliceable (if using a pan). Overnight chilling is even better!

Creative Variations & Serving Suggestions

While this Nutella mousse is divine on its own, here are some ideas to elevate your dessert or customize it for different tastes:

Toppings & Garnishes:

Fresh Fruits: Sliced bananas, fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a beautiful burst of color and a refreshing tartness that cuts through the richness of the Nutella.
Extra Nutella Drizzle: Melt a little more Nutella and drizzle it generously over the top just before serving.
Chocolate Shavings: A sprinkle of dark or milk chocolate shavings adds an elegant touch and extra chocolatey goodness.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top is always a welcome addition.
Chopped Nuts: Toasted hazelnuts, almonds, or pecans can add an extra layer of crunch and complement the hazelnut flavor.
Cocoa Powder: A light dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder gives it a sophisticated finish.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips for a fun texture.

Crust Alternatives:

If Oreos aren’t your preference, consider these crust variations:

Graham Cracker Crust: A classic choice that offers a slightly less intense chocolate flavor and a buttery, crumbly texture.
Digestive Biscuit Crust: Popular in Europe, these biscuits make a wonderful, slightly less sweet base.
Waffle Cone Crumbs: For a unique flavor and crisp texture, crush up some waffle cones.

Flavor Boosters:

A Pinch of Salt: Adding a tiny pinch of sea salt to either the mousse mixture or the crust can wonderfully enhance the chocolate and hazelnut flavors.
Coffee/Espresso Powder: A teaspoon of instant espresso powder (dissolved in a tiny bit of hot water) can deepen the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
Liqueur: For an adult twist, fold in a tablespoon of hazelnut liqueur (like Frangelico) or coffee liqueur (like Kahlua) with the Nutella.

Storing Your Decadent Nutella Mousse

This no-bake Nutella mousse is excellent for making ahead, which means you’ll likely have leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To keep your mousse fresh and delicious:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If it’s in individual serving dishes, cover each tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other odors and drying out.
Freezing: While mousse generally doesn’t freeze well due to its delicate, airy structure (it can become icy or lose its texture upon thawing), if you must, ensure it’s in a freezer-safe, airtight container. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be there.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Mousse

Can I make this Nutella mousse ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert is best made ahead of time, as it requires a minimum of 4 hours to chill and set properly. Preparing it the day before you plan to serve it is ideal, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to become perfectly firm.

What if I don’t have a food processor for the crust?

No problem! Place the Oreo cookies in a Ziploc bag and crush them using a rolling pin, meat tenderizer, or the bottom of a sturdy glass. It might take a little more effort, but it works just as well.

Can I make this dessert less sweet?

Nutella is quite sweet, but you can balance it by using unsweetened whipped cream (not adding any sugar when whipping the heavy cream). You can also add a small pinch of salt to the mousse mixture to help cut through the sweetness. Additionally, serving it with tart fruits like raspberries can also provide a nice contrast.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written with Oreo cookies, this recipe is not gluten-free. However, you can easily adapt it by using gluten-free sandwich cookies for the crust. Ensure all other ingredients (heavy cream, Nutella, vanilla, butter) are certified gluten-free if strict dietary requirements are needed.

Can I use light whipped cream instead of heavy cream?

For the best, most stable mousse, heavy cream (with at least 36% fat content) is recommended. Light whipped cream or whipping cream typically has a lower fat content and might not whip up as firm or hold its structure as well, resulting in a less airy and stable mousse.

More Dessert Recipe Ideas You’ll Love…

If you enjoyed this easy no-bake dessert, you might also like these other sweet treats:

Tres Leches Cupcakes
Italian Lemon Ricotta Cookies
No-Bake Cheesecake
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Whip Up Your Own Nutella Dream!

This no-bake Nutella Mousse is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, chocolatey, and nutty, all nestled atop a delightful cookie crust. Whether you’re a seasoned dessert maker or just starting out, this recipe promises delicious results with minimal effort. Don’t wait – dive into the world of easy, irresistible desserts and make this Nutella mousse today!

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