Chocolate Hazelnut Mascarpone Cups

An Irresistible No-Bake Dessert That Tastes Like Pure Luxury

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that delivers on both flavor and elegance, then look no further than these Chocolate Hazelnut Mascarpone Cups. Creamy, nutty, and delicately sweet, this no-bake treat brings together the best of two worlds: the richness of mascarpone and the decadent charm of chocolate hazelnut spread (think Nutella!). Ideal for entertaining or treating yourself to something indulgent, this dessert is everything you love about hazelnut cream desserts—elevated with a modern, fresh twist.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this dessert is easy to assemble, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress. It’s also an excellent option if you’re looking for healthy mascarpone recipes, because you can easily control the sugar content, swap in Greek yogurt, or use high-quality dark chocolate for an antioxidant-rich twist.

What Are Chocolate Hazelnut Mascarpone Cups?

These delightful cups are made up of three luscious layers:

Crunchy Hazelnut Cacao Base – A wholesome blend of roasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and a touch of sweetness forms the base.
Chocolate Mascarpone Cream – A luxurious whipped filling combining mascarpone cheese, Nutella, and vanilla.
Hazelnut Topping – A decorative and textural finish featuring melted chocolate hazelnut spread, crushed roasted hazelnuts, and optional shaved chocolate.

The result? A mini dessert that looks elegant, tastes like a dream, and feels like a gourmet treat—yet it requires no oven and minimal prep time.

Pourquoi Vous allez adorer Cette Recette

This dessert checks every box: it’s decadent, easy to make, and ideal for all occasions. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

✅ No baking required
✅ Naturally gluten-free
✅ Customizable and versatile
✅ Rich in flavor, but not overwhelmingly sweet
✅ Perfect for individual servings and portion control
✅ Great make-ahead dessert

Si vous aimez chocolate hazelnut desserts ou mascarpone-based desserts, this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for.

Ingredients Breakdown

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in creating depth of flavor, satisfying texture, and creamy indulgence.

🥄 Hazelnut Crumble Base

1 cup roasted hazelnuts (skins removed) – Provides nutty crunch and aroma.
2 tbsp cocoa powder – Adds chocolaty richness and depth.
2 tbsp maple syrup or honey – A natural sweetener to bind and sweeten.
1 tbsp coconut oil – Helps the crumble hold together.
Pinch of sea salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.

🥄 Mascarpone Cream Layer

1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature) – Rich, creamy, and smooth.
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (optional, for a lighter texture) – Adds tang and protein.
1/3 cup powdered sugar or alternative sweetener – To sweeten without grittiness.
1/4 cup chocolate hazelnut spread – Nutella or any healthier alternative.
1 c. à thé d'extrait de vanille – To elevate and round out the flavor.

🥄 Topping

1/4 cup Nutella (or hazelnut spread) – For drizzle and visual appeal.
2 tbsp chopped roasted hazelnuts – For crunch and contrast.
Shaved dark chocolate or cocoa powder – Optional but beautiful.

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Food processor (for base)
Dessert cups, jars, or ramekins
Spatula and piping bag (optional for neat layering)
Spoon for drizzling

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Mascarpone Cups

Step 1: Make the Hazelnut Base

Toast your hazelnuts (if not already roasted) at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, shaking halfway. Let cool, then rub off skins using a kitchen towel.
Add hazelnuts to a food processor. Pulse until crumbly but not a fine meal—you want texture!
Add cocoa powder, maple syrup, coconut oil, and salt. Pulse until the mixture begins to stick when pressed between fingers.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into each dessert cup. Press down gently to form an even base.
Chill in the fridge while preparing the cream.

Step 2: Make the Mascarpone Chocolate Filling

In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone, Nutella, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
If using Greek yogurt, gently fold it in with a spatula or mix on low speed until incorporated. Don’t overmix.
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Spoon or pipe the cream mixture over the chilled base layer.

Step 3: Decorate with Hazelnut Topping

Slightly warm the Nutella (10–15 seconds in the microwave).
Drizzle over the mascarpone cream layer.
Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts and dark chocolate shavings on top.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Let the assembled cups chill for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the cream to set. Serve chilled and enjoy every silky, nutty bite.

Customization Ideas

Ces dessert cups are extremely versatile. You can personalize them based on preferences, dietary needs, or what’s in your pantry.

🍓 Fruit Addition:

Add a layer of fresh raspberries or strawberries between the crumble and cream for brightness.
Top with caramelized bananas for a Banoffee-style twist.

🍪 Crunchy Layer:

Add crushed Biscoff cookies or graham crackers to the base for added sweetness.
Mix in puffed rice or crushed cornflakes for a playful crunch.

🥥 Vegan Twist:

Swap mascarpone with whipped coconut cream ou plant-based cream cheese.
Use vegan chocolate hazelnut spread.

🍸 Boozy Upgrade:

Add 1 tbsp of Frangelico ou Baileys pour the mascarpone mixture for an adult version.

Perfect Occasions for Serving

Chocolate Hazelnut Mascarpone Cups are elegant and portable, making them ideal for:

🎂 Birthday celebrations
🍽 Dinner parties
🌿 Romantic date nights
🎁 Giftable homemade desserts
🍓 Brunch spreads
🍫 Holidays (Valentine’s Day, Christmas, New Year’s Eve)

Serve them in mini mason jars for a rustic look or elegant glassware for a fine-dining feel.

Storage Tips

Réfrigérateur: Store tightly covered for up to 3 days. Best served chilled.
La congélation: Not recommended due to mascarpone’s delicate texture—it may split when thawed.
Make-Ahead Tip: Make the base and cream separately, and assemble the day you serve.

Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)

Calories: 325
La protéine: 6g
Carbs: 21g
Sucre: 15g
Fat: 26g
La fibre: 3g

Adjust based on toppings and sweetener types used.

Expert Tips for Success

✔ Use room-temperature mascarpone to prevent curdling when mixing.
✔ Taste as you go! Add more Nutella for richness, or extra yogurt for tang.
✔ For clean layers, use a piping bag and a steady hand when filling cups.
✔ Drizzle toppings just before serving for the freshest look.
✔ Serve with a demitasse spoon for a luxe feel.

What Readers Say

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Heaven in a cup. I brought these to a girls’ night and everyone asked for the recipe!” — Nadia G.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“My kids call these Nutella cheesecake cups—they’re creamy, dreamy, and so easy.” — William T.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I subbed the mascarpone with whipped cream cheese and it still came out amazing. Super versatile!” — Anika L.

Foire aux Questions (FAQ)

Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

Yes! While mascarpone has a softer, richer flavor, fromage à la crème works in a pinch. It’ll be slightly tangier and firmer.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe as written is gluten-free. Just ensure your hazelnut spread and cocoa are certified GF if needed.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. Prepare the entire dessert a day in advance and store in the fridge. Add the toppings just before serving.

What’s a healthy alternative to Nutella?

Try natural hazelnut butter mixed with melted dark chocolate and a touch of honey.

Conclusion: A Luxurious Treat You’ll Make Again and Again

Ces Chocolate Hazelnut Mascarpone Cups are everything you want in a dessert: simple yet elegant, creamy yet crunchy, indulgent yet customizable. Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner or need a last-minute treat, these cups deliver satisfaction in every bite.

They’re the perfect way to indulge your chocolate cravings while still using high-quality, thoughtful ingredients. And trust us—your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen.