This Kinder Bueno Dessert in a Glass is one of those treats that instantly feels a little special. It layers a buttery cookie crumble, a silky mascarpone chocolate cream, and rich hazelnut spread; then finishes with pieces of Kinder Bueno for that signature crispy, creamy hazelnut-chocolate flavor. Every spoonful gives you a mix of textures; crumbly, velvety, and slightly crunchy; which makes this dessert incredibly satisfying.
What I love most about this recipe is how impressively elegant it looks with very little effort. You simply build the layers in small glasses, which means no baking and no complicated techniques. It is the kind of dessert I pull out when I want something that feels bakery-quality but still fits into a busy evening schedule.
The mascarpone cream is the real star here. When blended with whipped cream, condensed milk, and chocolate ganache, it turns into a light yet indulgent mousse-like filling that pairs beautifully with the hazelnut spread and cookie base. My kids absolutely loved the Kinder Bueno topping, and honestly, the adults went back for seconds too.
If you are looking for a quick no-bake dessert that looks impressive at the table, this one is a keeper for celebrations, dinner parties, or simply when the chocolate craving hits. Love this recipe? Pin it to your Dessert board on Pinterest so you don’t lose it!
Kinder Bueno Chocolate Hazelnut Dessert in a Glass
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings20
minutes5
minutes956
kcalIngredients
- Cookie Base
1¼ cups cookies, finely crushed
2 tbsp butter, melted
- Chocolate Ganache
4 oz milk chocolate, chopped
4 oz white chocolate chips
½ cup heavy whipping cream, hot
- Cream Filling
1 cup mascarpone cheese
½ cup + 1 tbsp heavy whipping cream
¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- Assembly
¾ cup hazelnut cream (such as Nutella)
4 Kinder Bueno bars, chopped
Directions
- Prepare the cookie base. Place the cookies in a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs. Transfer to a bowl, add the melted butter, and stir until evenly combined.
- Make the ganache. Place the milk chocolate and white chocolate chips in a bowl. Pour the hot whipping cream over the chocolate and whisk until smooth and fully melted. Let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the mascarpone cream. In a separate bowl, beat the mascarpone with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the whipping cream and condensed milk, then continue mixing until light and creamy.
- Combine the filling. Pour the prepared ganache into the mascarpone mixture and mix until fully incorporated. The result should be a smooth, fluffy chocolate cream.
- Assemble the dessert. Spoon the cookie crumb mixture into serving glasses, pressing gently with a teaspoon to form the first layer.
- Add the cream layer. Transfer the chocolate mascarpone cream into a piping bag and pipe a generous layer over the cookie base.
- Add the hazelnut layer. Spoon hazelnut cream on top as the third layer.
- Finish and serve. Top each glass with chopped Kinder Bueno pieces. Chill for about 20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Cooking Notes
• Allow the ganache to cool slightly before mixing it into the mascarpone cream; hot chocolate can cause the mixture to become too thin.
• If the cream feels too soft for layering, chill it for about 10 minutes before piping.
• Graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or chocolate cookies all work well for the base.
• For cleaner layers, use a piping bag instead of spooning the cream into the glasses.
Nutrition
Yields: 6 Servings
Estimated Nutrition per Serving
Calories: 956 kcal
Fat: 70 g
Carb: 70 g
Protein: 12 g
Recipe Science
This layered dessert combines several classic pastry components into a simple no-bake format. A crumb crust forms the base, providing structural contrast to a soft mascarpone cream filling enriched with chocolate ganache. The final layer of hazelnut spread and Kinder Bueno introduces additional fat, sugar, and crisp wafer texture, creating a balanced dessert experience in each spoonful.
The mascarpone plays an important structural role. Its naturally high fat content stabilizes the whipped cream and ganache mixture, producing a mousse-like texture without gelatin or baking. The ganache, created by emulsifying chocolate with hot cream, contributes both flavor and body to the filling. When folded together, the ingredients create a smooth, aerated cream that holds its shape during layering.
From a practical standpoint, desserts in glasses are efficient for home cooks because they eliminate slicing and allow portion control. They also chill quickly and can be prepared several hours ahead. The recipe is flexible; different cookie bases, chocolate types, or spreads can be substituted without changing the method. Leftovers should be stored refrigerated for up to two days.
Dietary Notes & Health Alerts:
This dessert is high in saturated fat and added sugar due to chocolate, mascarpone, cream, and sweetened condensed milk. A single serving exceeds 20 percent of the FDA Daily Value for saturated fat. Individuals monitoring cholesterol or calorie intake may consider reducing the hazelnut spread layer, using light mascarpone, or serving smaller portions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• No Baking Required: Perfect when you want a beautiful dessert without turning on the oven.
• Rich Chocolate-Hazelnut Flavor: The combination of mascarpone, chocolate ganache, and hazelnut cream creates an indulgent layered taste.
• Elegant Presentation: Individual dessert glasses make this feel like something straight from a café or restaurant.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: You can assemble these a few hours before serving and keep them chilled.
• Kid and Crowd Approved: The Kinder Bueno topping adds a fun, familiar flavor everyone enjoys.
FAQ
• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the glasses up to 6 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator.
• What cookies work best for the base?
Digestive biscuits, graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or chocolate cookies all work well.
• Can I substitute the mascarpone?
Cream cheese can be used, but soften it first and add a tablespoon of extra cream to keep the texture smooth.
• Can I freeze this dessert?
Freezing is not recommended because the mascarpone cream may separate when thawed.
• Can I make it less sweet?
Yes. Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate and reduce the hazelnut spread layer slightly.
Conclusion
Desserts like this remind me why simple layered treats are always worth keeping in your recipe collection. They look impressive, come together quickly, and deliver that rich chocolate comfort everyone loves.
Cooking is always about making recipes your own, so feel free to swap cookies, try different chocolates, or adjust the layers to your taste. What would you add to your version; extra chocolate, caramel drizzle, or maybe toasted hazelnuts?
Happy cooking,
Your Recipe Curator


