Chocolate mousse is a rich, creamy dessert that has been adored for decades. This velvety dessert features the perfect balance of sweet, chocolatey goodness and airy texture. It’s often served chilled and is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or even a casual dinner with loved ones. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chef, this simple yet luxurious treat will win over any crowd. With just a few ingredients, you can make an indulgent dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Quick Facts
| Course | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | French |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 4-6 servings |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 minutes |
| Calories | ~350 per serving |
Equipment Needed
Before you dive into making this luscious dessert, it’s important to have the right equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Electric Mixer (handheld or stand mixer) – for whipping cream
- Heatproof Bowl – for melting the chocolate
- Saucepan – for warming the cream
- Whisk – for mixing ingredients
- Spatula – for folding the ingredients
- Serving Cups or Bowls – for serving the mousse
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this irresistible chocolate mousse:
- 200g (7oz) dark chocolate (preferably 70% cocoa)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional, depending on how sweet you want it)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 egg whites (optional, for extra fluffiness)
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate: Start by melting the chocolate. Use a heatproof bowl placed over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir until smooth and completely melted. Let it cool slightly.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the cold cream until stiff peaks form. Add the sugar if desired, and vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine the Chocolate and Cream: Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream with a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream; fold it slowly until it’s just combined.
- Whisk Egg Whites (Optional): If you’re using egg whites, beat them with a pinch of sugar until stiff peaks form, then fold them into the mousse mixture for extra fluffiness.
- Chill the Mousse: Spoon the mousse into serving cups and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or overnight for best results).
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the mousse is set, garnish with chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or fresh berries for an extra touch of elegance.
Essential Note
- Choosing Chocolate: The quality of chocolate plays a big role in the flavor of your mousse. Opt for good-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa is ideal) to create a rich, balanced taste.
- Temperature Matters: Be sure to use cold whipping cream for best results. If it’s not cold enough, it may not whip properly.
- No-Bake Dessert: This mousse doesn’t require baking, which makes it a convenient option for quick and easy desserts.
