Cheat’s Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse topped with berries, white chocolate and coconut.

Cheat’s Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse

There’s a secret ingredient in this Cheat’s Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse, and it’s not the Nutella. Silken tofu lends creaminess in place of traditional heavy cream and egg whites. I promise you, even the most dubious will be convinced with this easy chocolate mousse recipe!

Cheat’s Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse topped with berries, white chocolate and coconut.
Cheat’s Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse

There’s a secret ingredient in this Cheat’s Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse, and it’s not the Nutella. Silken tofu lends creaminess in place of traditional heavy cream and egg whites. I promise you, even the most dubious will be convinced!

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

Note: This post first appeared February 10, 2013 and has been updated with improved kitchen notes, recipe annotation, photography and video. I hope you enjoy this favorite from my kitchen!

 

Life has a way of surrounding us with good people.

Today, I was reminded of this small blessing. Wherever you are in life’s journey, there are good souls who become friends.

My husband and I drove north this morning, the sun shining unabashedly, giving us a chance to appreciate the green hills dotted with yellow mustard, just starting to bloom. Lunch was on the agenda, in Yountville, where we were to meet one of our best men from the wedding and his wife. We haven’t seen them since our wedding day, over 12 years ago.

Nearly a lifetime has passed, and between us and a dozen years, we each had two children, born just months apart, and a lifetime of experiences. There was a lot of catching up to do.

Glasses of Cheat's Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse.

And then by late afternoon, we found ourselves back home, walking with pup and little ones in tow, to pop in on our friends down the street. Just to say hi. Just to let the doggies play.

Before we knew it, four hours and three bottles of wine had passed, with lots of chatter and loads of laughter.

I feel so blessed for friends, old and new. For the friends we come to value, the ones who touch our lives in so many small ways. I appreciate them, and how they make our little family stronger.

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

Tofu Chocolate Mousse

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. And I have been celebrating a little early and with a lot of chocolate. I have been celebrating my little family, our precious little place in the world, and the people that make it special. To show them just how much I care, I made this Cheat’s Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse.

I say “cheat’s” and you’re probably already guessing that Nutella is involved. But the real secret ingredient is something else. My tofu-doubting husband could not believe that the sinful spoonfuls of silken bliss were made especially creamy from none other than silken tofu.

Silken tofu lends creaminess in place of traditional heavy cream and egg whites in this tofu chocolate mousse. Lest you worry that all you will taste is tofu, I assure you, you won’t! This three-ingredient recipe using silken tofu, chocolate hazelnut spread, and vanilla takes seconds to whir in the blender, and some time to chill in the refrigerator. Serve it garnished with fresh berries and coconut and you have a simple, elegant dessert!

“One of the best things you’ve ever made,” he proclaimed.

Well then! I guess I will have to make more.

What is Silken Tofu?

Silken tofu is undrained, unpressed tofu. Compared to the more common firm tofu, it’s very soft in texture, much like a thick soy milk pudding. It’s commonly used in Asian desserts but is such a versatile ingredient in sweet and savory cooking. For example, I love it in a snack/dessert in the Philippines called Taho: Filipino Silken Tofu with Sago Pearls and Syrup.

More Chocolate Recipes to Love

Chocolate Banana Fig Bread
Coffee-Glazed Baked Chocolate Doughnuts
Chocolate Coconut Oat Porridge
Chocolate Marble Pumpkin Bread
Zucchini Oat Chocolate Chunk Muffins
Chocolate Banana Quinoa Muffins
Chocolate Pudding from Bojon Gourmet

Cheat’s Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse

There’s a secret ingredient in this mousse, and it’s not the Nutella. Silken tofu lends creaminess in place of traditional heavy cream and egg whites. I promise you, even the most dubious will be convinced! This is utter decadence.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350kcal

Ingredients

  • 11.5 oz 1 box silken tofu
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup chocolate hazelnut spread i.e. Nutella
  • chocolate shavings for garnish
  • fresh berries for garnish
  • shredded unsweetened coconut for garnish

Instructions

  • Place silken tofu and vanilla extract in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. 
  • Add Nutella and process until fully blended. Spoon into serving cups and refrigerate for at least 3 hours until well chilled and rather firm in consistency.
  • Garnish with chocolate curls, berries, and shredded coconut, and serve cold.

Video

Notes

This is the easiest egg-free mousse you can make! In some ways, the mousse is quite silky, like a pudding — either way, I promise you will see this disappear so quickly when you serve it!

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 375mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 31g | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 3.1mg
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see! Tag @kitchconfidante on Instagram and hashtag it #kitchenconfidante

Comments

Recipe Rating




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    • Liren Baker

      I couldn’t agree more, Megan! My husband, who normally passes on all tofu to my plate, happily gobbles this dessert up :)

      Reply
  1. Natasha

    Such a lovely post. Random wine and laughter filled evenings with friends make me feel so lucky!

    I love the simplicity of this dessert. My boyfriend thinks tofu is abomination, and I’ve tried a couple of times to convince him otherwise. Perhaps tofu dessert is the ultimate convincer. Can’t go wrong with a little nutella!

    Reply
  2. Rose from Magpies Recipes

    I love healthy desserts that are also easy to make and delicious! Recently made a nutella avocado and banana mousse that was surprisingly awesome, and have been meaning to try tofu desserts too! Happy Valentines day Liren!

    Reply
  3. Laura (Tutti Dolci)

    I am not a tofu lover, but I trust you, Liren! This mousse does look sinfully silky – I might just have to get over my tofu aversion and try it out :).

    Reply
  4. Brian

    Such a beautiful recipe. I’ve done chocolate pudding with tofu, but this looks even better.

    Reply
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