There are desserts that whisper indulgence… and then there are ones that practically shout “you need this in your life!” That’s exactly what these Chocolate Hazelnut Mascarpone Cups do. They’re rich, creamy, chocolatey dreams layered into little cups of joy, perfect for any time you want to treat yourself or impress someone special. Imagine velvety mascarpone cream swirled with cocoa, nestled between layers of crunchy hazelnut goodness and a dark chocolate drizzle—yeah, it’s as good as it sounds.
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These are fancy enough for a dinner party, but easy enough to whip up on a quiet Tuesday night when your sweet tooth demands something next-level. They’re cozy, luxurious, and surprisingly simple. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making excuses just to make them again. Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Hazelnut Mascarpone Cups
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or treating yourself after a long day. These cups are individually portioned, making them ideal for everything from intimate gatherings to solo indulgence.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, accessible ingredients that still feel luxurious. No need for anything exotic—just quality basics that come together beautifully.
Quick and Easy: There’s no baking involved! If you can mix, layer, and chill, you can make these. This is a no-stress dessert that delivers maximum impact.
Customizable: Want to make it boozy? Add a splash of hazelnut liqueur. Prefer it dairy-free? Sub in coconut cream and plant-based chocolate. You’ve got options!
Crowd-Pleasing: These cups are decadent, chocolatey, nutty, and creamy—all the things dessert dreams are made of. And because they’re served in individual cups, they feel like a personal treat for every guest.
Ingredients in Chocolate Hazelnut Mascarpone Cups
Here’s what makes these cups so irresistible—the magic is in the layering and contrast of textures and flavors:
Mascarpone Cheese: The silky star of the show. It brings a rich, creamy base that’s lighter than cream cheese and melts beautifully on your tongue.
Heavy Cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it adds airiness and softness to the mascarpone, making the whole mixture feel luxurious but not too dense.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling without any grittiness. It dissolves seamlessly and lets the chocolate shine.
Cocoa Powder: Adds that deep, slightly bitter chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness. A good-quality unsweetened cocoa makes a big difference here.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash to round out the flavor and enhance the richness of the cream.
Hazelnuts: Toasted and chopped for crunch. They bring in a nutty warmth and a perfect texture contrast to the soft cream.
Chocolate Cookies or Graham Crackers: Crushed to form the base layer (and maybe a sprinkle on top too). They soak up just enough moisture to soften slightly without losing their crunch.
Dark Chocolate: Melted and drizzled over the top—this is your glossy, decadent finishing touch.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prep Your Ingredients: Toast and chop your hazelnuts, crush your cookies, and get your mascarpone and cream out to come to room temperature. This makes everything mix together more smoothly.
Make the Creamy Filling: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat the mascarpone with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped cream—don’t overmix!
Layer It Up: Start with a spoonful of crushed cookies at the bottom of each cup. Follow with a generous layer of the mascarpone chocolate cream. Add a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts.
Repeat and Finish: Add another layer of cookies, more cream, and a final topping of hazelnuts. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top.
Chill: Let the cups chill in the fridge for at least an hour so everything sets and the flavors meld together.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve cold and dig in! Every spoonful is a little layered journey of crunch, cream, and chocolate bliss.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: Approx. 350–400 (varies by ingredients used)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Mascarpone Cups
These are already pretty perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to dress them up or complement them:
With Berries: A few fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries on top add brightness and a pop of color.
Espresso Pairing: Serve with a small cup of strong coffee or espresso for a classy dessert moment.
Mint Garnish: A sprig of fresh mint adds freshness and makes the presentation even more elegant.
Extra Crunch: Add a mini chocolate wafer or biscotti on the side for dipping.
Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream takes this over the top.
Additional Tips
Make Ahead: These cups can be made up to 24 hours ahead. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Add Liqueur: For a grown-up twist, fold a bit of hazelnut liqueur (like Frangelico) into the mascarpone mixture.
Dietary Swaps: Use dairy-free whipped topping and vegan mascarpone to make a plant-based version.
Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, tightly covered. They actually get even better after a day!
Presentation Tip: Serve in clear glasses or jars so you can see all those beautiful layers.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute mascarpone with cream cheese?
A1: Yes, though the texture and flavor will be slightly tangier and denser. Try mixing cream cheese with a bit of heavy cream to lighten it up.
Q2: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can assemble the cups the night before and refrigerate. Just wait to drizzle the chocolate until just before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep them covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making them even more delicious.
Q4: Can I freeze this dessert?
A4: Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy texture can change once thawed. Stick to refrigeration for best results.
Q5: What’s the best chocolate to use for the drizzle?
A5: Go for a good-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa. You can also use semi-sweet if you prefer something less intense.
Q6: Can I add fruit layers?
A6: Definitely! Thin slices of banana or strawberries make a lovely addition between the cream layers.
Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Yes! This recipe is easily scalable. Just double all the ingredients and use a larger mixing bowl.
Q8: What’s a good cookie base?
A8: Chocolate wafers, crushed graham crackers, or even biscotti crumbs work beautifully.
Q9: Is this kid-friendly?
A9: Very much so—just skip the liqueur! Kids love the creamy, chocolatey layers.
Q10: Can I make this sugar-free?
A10: Yes! Use a powdered sugar substitute and check that your chocolate is low or no sugar.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Hazelnut Mascarpone Cups are the kind of dessert that feels like a reward. They’re rich, satisfying, and secretly super easy to make. Whether you’re serving them up for guests or sneaking one after dinner in your pajamas (no judgment here!), they deliver that perfect mix of elegance and comfort.
Print
Chocolate Hazelnut Mascarpone Cups
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Hazelnut Mascarpone Cups are the ultimate indulgence, with a chocolate cookie crust, a rich and creamy mascarpone filling, and the irresistible combination of chocolate hazelnut spread. These individual desserts are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Crust:
- 12 chocolate creme sandwich cookies
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- For the Chocolate Hazelnut Mascarpone Cream:
- 8.8 ounces (250 grams) mascarpone cheese, softened at room temperature
- 2/3 cup (200 grams) chocolate hazelnut spread
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- To make the cookie crust, crush the chocolate creme sandwich cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by hand in a ziplock bag. Combine the crumbs with melted butter until evenly mixed.
- Press the mixture into the bottoms of the cupcake liners, creating an even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- For the mascarpone cream, beat the mascarpone cheese, chocolate hazelnut spread, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to deflate it.
- Spoon or pipe the mascarpone cream over the cooled cookie crusts, filling each cup to the top.
- Chill the cups in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Before serving, garnish with additional chocolate hazelnut spread or chocolate shavings, if desired.
Notes
- For an extra touch, drizzle a little chocolate hazelnut spread on top before serving.
- If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can also serve these in individual dessert cups or small glasses.
- The cups can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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