
Dreamy No-Heat Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Tart
I stumbled upon this heavenly treat while organizing my little girl's party, and it's now the cake everyone begs for at family gatherings. Something wonderful happens when you mix smooth cream cheese with velvety chocolate hazelnut spread. This fridge-set version delivers all that luscious flavor wrapped in the creamiest cheesecake texture you'll ever try.
An Impressive Dessert Without Fuss
What's fantastic about this treat is how it gives off professional bakery vibes but comes together so quickly at home. The cloud-like consistency captures the gorgeous chocolate-hazelnut notes while looking totally Instagram-worthy. Guests always ask in disbelief when they learn I didn't even turn the oven on.
What You'll Need
- Chocolate sandwich cookies: They create a rich dark base everyone loves.
- Plain butter: The perfect amount to bind the base together.
- Block cream cheese: This type gives the best consistency.
- Chocolate hazelnut spread: This is what makes everything special, so grab the good stuff.
- Whipping cream: Adds that wonderful lightness to the filling.
- Setting agent: This helps your slices stay picture-perfect.
- Dark chocolate pieces: These transform the top layer into something magical.
- Icing sugar: Just a touch for the right sweetness level.
- Toasted nuts: For that wonderful textural contrast.
Putting It All Together
- Sort out your tin
- Line your springform with baking paper for easy removal when it's time to serve.
- Fix up your base
- Crush cookies into tiny bits, mix with melted butter and firmly pack into your pan bottom.
- Whip up the middle
- Soak the setting agent, then blend your spread with cheese and sweetener until perfectly combined before gently folding your fluffy cream in.
- Build your dessert
- Spread your mixture onto the cookie base, even it out and let it start to firm up.
- Top it off
- Create that shiny chocolate layer and pour it across the top, then let everything set up nicely in the cold.
Beautiful Finishing Details
I enjoy scattering chopped nuts around the edges for that fancy look. A few dollops of cream and warm chocolate drizzles make it seem store-bought. These small touches take barely any time but really make people go wow.
Storage Tips
This treat tastes amazing right out of the fridge when it's properly chilled. It'll stay gorgeous for around 4 days if you keep it covered, or you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just don't leave it out too long on hot days or you'll lose that wonderful firmness.

Common Questions
- → How does the gelatin help set this dessert?
Gelatin makes sure the filling holds its shape without becoming too solid. It gives that fluffy, mousse-like feel that stays firm when sliced.
- → Can I use any cream cheese options?
If you go with spreadable cream cheese, add about 1/2 teaspoon extra gelatin to balance the softer consistency. Block cream cheese works best since it’s firmer.
- → How long should I let it chill?
You'll need 4 hours to let it firm up – 1 hour for the base layer, then another 3 hours after adding ganache. Overnight chilling's even better for perfect results.
- → Can I swap Nutella for another hazelnut spread?
Absolutely, you can. If you opt for homemade hazelnut spread, just add slightly more gelatin since it's usually thinner than store brands.
- → Why wait 3 hours before topping with hazelnuts?
Letting it set ensures the ganache hardens enough so the hazelnuts don’t sink in. This step helps with both looks and crunch.