No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Recipe

There’s a delightful secret in this Cheat’s Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse—and it’s not the Nutella. Instead of heavy cream and whipped egg whites, silken tofu creates a luxuriously smooth texture. Even people who think tofu doesn’t belong in dessert are often surprised at how rich and indulgent the result is.

Cheat’s Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse served with raspberries, blueberries, white chocolate and coconut.

Note: This recipe is a favorite that has been refined over time with clearer kitchen notes, updated photos, and helpful tips. It’s simple, quick to prepare, and perfectly suited for special occasions or everyday treats.

Life is full of small blessings, and for me those blessings include good friends, family moments, and the meals we share. Recently, a sunny drive up through the hills gave me time to appreciate spring’s early colors and to reconnect with longtime friends. Later, an impromptu visit with neighbors stretched into an easy afternoon of conversation and laughter. Those relaxed gatherings inspired a simple but elegant dessert I love to bring along: this chocolate hazelnut mousse made with silken tofu.

Glasses of Cheat's Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse.

The mousse is quick to blend and only needs time in the refrigerator to set. It’s an especially good choice when you want a refined dessert without hours of preparation. I like to dress each serving with fresh berries, a little shredded coconut, and chocolate curls for a pretty finish.

My husband was skeptical the first time I made this—how could tofu possibly replace cream and eggs in a chocolate mousse? He took a spoonful and, with a grin, declared it “one of the best things you’ve ever made.” That reaction is exactly why I keep making it.

Four glasses of Tofu Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse garnished with berries, coconut and white chocolate.

Tofu Chocolate Mousse

This Cheat’s Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse is perfect for Valentine’s Day, date night, or any time you want a rich chocolate dessert without the fuss. The recipe uses just a few ingredients—silken tofu, chocolate-hazelnut spread (such as Nutella), and a touch of vanilla—and comes together in minutes in a blender. After chilling, it becomes firm enough to spoon into glasses and garnish for a lovely presentation.

What is Silken Tofu?

Silken tofu is a soft, undrained tofu with a custard-like texture that blends smoothly. Unlike firm tofu, it holds a lot of moisture and creates a creamy base when pureed, making it an excellent ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes. Its mild taste lets other flavors—like chocolate and hazelnut—shine through, so you won’t detect an overtly “tofu” flavor in this mousse.

More Chocolate Recipes to Love

If you enjoy this mousse, you might also like other chocolate-forward treats such as chocolate banana fig bread, coffee-glazed baked chocolate doughnuts, chocolate coconut oat porridge, chocolate marble pumpkin bread, zucchini oat chocolate chunk muffins, and chocolate banana quinoa muffins.

Cheat’s Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse

Silken tofu replaces heavy cream and egg whites to create a silky, egg-free chocolate hazelnut mousse that’s surprisingly indulgent.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 3–4 hours
Servings: 4
Calories: 350 kcal
Author: Liren Baker

Ingredients

  • 11.5 oz (1 box) silken tofu
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (for example, Nutella)
  • Chocolate shavings, for garnish
  • Fresh berries, for garnish
  • Shredded unsweetened coconut, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place the silken tofu and vanilla extract in a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the chocolate hazelnut spread and blend again until fully incorporated and silky.
  3. Spoon the mixture into serving cups or bowls. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until chilled and set to a mousse-like consistency.
  4. Before serving, garnish with chocolate curls, fresh berries, and a sprinkle of shredded coconut. Serve cold.

Notes

This is one of the easiest egg-free mousses to make. The texture is silky and pudding-like at first, then firms after chilling. It’s a fast, reliable dessert that disappears quickly when served.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 350 kcal | Carbohydrates: 37 g | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 16 g | Sodium: 27 mg | Potassium: 375 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 31 g | Calcium: 86 mg | Iron: 3.1 mg