Chocolate Peppermint Mousse Pie Recipe
This Chocolate Peppermint Mousse Pie is a decadent dessert perfect for the holidays, featuring a rich hazelnut chocolate crust topped with a fluffy peppermint-infused chocolate mousse. It’s a no-bake mousse layered on a baked crust, combining creamy textures with a refreshing minty finish.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Crust
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing the pan)
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 Tablespoons unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Mousse Filling
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (Nutella)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
For Garnish
- 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9-inch springform pan with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Make the Crust: In a food processor, pulse the chopped hazelnuts together with 1/4 cup granulated sugar until finely ground but not pasty. Add the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, 6 tablespoons softened butter, and kosher salt. Pulse again until the mixture is evenly combined. The mixture may be crumbly; use your hands to press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Poke the crust surface with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until set. Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely.
- Bloom and Dissolve Gelatin: In a small saucepan, pour in 1/2 cup cold water. Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin evenly over the water and let it bloom for 2 minutes without stirring. Then, heat the saucepan over low heat while whisking constantly until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture is clear. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix the Filling Base: In a mixing bowl, beat together the chocolate hazelnut spread, softened cream cheese, and peppermint extract until smooth. Gradually add the dissolved gelatin to this mixture, beating on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape down sides of the bowl as necessary to incorporate all ingredients evenly. Set aside.
- Whip the Cream and Combine: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with 2/3 cup granulated sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, taking care to combine without deflating the whipped cream.
- Assemble and Chill the Pie: Pour the mousse filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight to allow the mousse to set fully.
- Remove from Pan: When ready to serve, run a plastic knife carefully along the edges between the pie and the pan to loosen it. Remove the sides of the springform pan.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the top of the mousse pie evenly with powdered sugar and crushed peppermint candy canes for a festive finishing touch. Slice and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the mousse to prevent melting or curdling of the filling.
- The quality of chocolate hazelnut spread affects the flavor; use your favorite brand for best results.
- For a firmer mousse, ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved and well incorporated.
- This pie is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute hazelnuts with almonds if desired, but it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Keywords: Chocolate Peppermint Mousse Pie, Holiday Dessert, Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse, Peppermint Pie, No-Bake Mousse, Springform Pan Dessert