Name: Chocolate Mousse Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 large eggs, separated; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Shaved chocolate or whipped cream

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Luxurious, airy, and utterly decadent, Chocolate Mousse is the French dessert that never fails to impress. This classic treat is all about lush chocolate flavor wrapped in delicate creaminess, with each spoonful melting into a smooth, silky cloud. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a little self-care, this Chocolate Mousse recipe delivers a show-stopping finale to any meal with just a handful of good-quality ingredients. The best part? No baking required — just a little patience as it sets in the fridge, resulting in a dessert that’s both rich and incredibly light.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Chocolate Mousse so magical is how a short list of basics can be transformed into something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from providing structure to enhancing flavor, ensuring your mousse is perfectly balanced — never too heavy, never too sweet.

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (chopped): Use a high-quality chocolate for a deeply indulgent flavor and smooth texture.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and helps create that irresistibly silky consistency.
3 large eggs (separated): The separated eggs give the mousse its lift and signature airy mouthfeel.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sugar sweetens the mousse and helps stabilize both the egg yolks and whites.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped cream lightens the mousse and adds luscious richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A bit of vanilla enhances the chocolate’s complexity and aroma.
Pinch of salt: Just a touch of salt balances out the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Shaved chocolate or whipped cream for garnish (optional): These add a final flourish of elegance and extra decadence right before serving.

How to Make Chocolate Mousse

Step 1: Melt Chocolate and Butter

Set a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water, then add your chopped semi-sweet chocolate and unsalted butter. Stir gently and let the mixture melt together until completely smooth and glossy. This step is all about patience, allowing the chocolate and butter to combine without any risk of burning, ensuring your Chocolate Mousse is both rich and velvety.

Step 2: Whisk Egg Yolks with Sugar

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with half of your sugar until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and slightly ribboned. This step not only sweetens the yolks but helps to create the wonderful lightness the mousse is famous for. Once done, gradually add the yolk mixture to your warm (not hot) melted chocolate, whisking until smooth.

Step 3: Beat Egg Whites

Now’s the time for a little kitchen magic! In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Then add the remaining sugar slowly and beat until stiff, glossy peaks hold their shape. These whipped whites are what give Chocolate Mousse its irresistible airy lift, so take care not to overmix or deflate them.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

Pour your cold heavy cream and vanilla extract into a bowl and whip until soft peaks appear. The whipped cream will fold into the chocolate base, bringing a lighter-than-air texture without weighing everything down. Stop just at soft peaks for the silkiest mousse.

Step 5: Assemble the Mousse

Gently fold the whipped cream into your chocolate mixture, being careful to keep as much volume as possible. Once that’s combined, add the beaten egg whites in two additions, using a gentle folding motion. The aim is to incorporate everything without losing the fluffiness. Divide your beautiful Chocolate Mousse into serving dishes and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until perfectly set.

How to Serve Chocolate Mousse

Garnishes

Dress up your Chocolate Mousse with clouds of whipped cream, delicate chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder. These final touches add visual appeal and a delightful layer of texture or contrast to every bite. Whether you go simple or fancy, a thoughtful garnish turns each cup into a restaurant-worthy treat.

Side Dishes

Although Chocolate Mousse makes a statement all on its own, pairing it with crisp butter cookies, almond biscotti, or a scattering of fresh fruit like raspberries or sliced strawberries can create a lovely contrast. For a luxurious finish, serve with a sip of espresso or dessert wine to enhance the chocolate notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping finale, consider piping your mousse into elegant glasses, vintage teacups, or even edible chocolate cups. Layer it with crushed cookies, a touch of fruit compote, or a hint of citrus zest for extra flair. When serving for a gathering, try using mini jars or shot glasses for perfectly portioned, grab-and-go delights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chocolate Mousse keeps beautifully! Simply cover each portion tightly with plastic wrap or seal in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This makes it the perfect dessert to prepare ahead, ready whenever your chocolate craving strikes.

Freezing

Believe it or not, you can freeze Chocolate Mousse for up to a month. Freeze in individual serving cups, covered well, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. While the texture may be slightly denser after freezing, the flavor will still be sensational.

Reheating

Chocolate Mousse is best enjoyed cold and doesn’t require reheating. However, if you find the mousse too firm straight from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to soften up for that perfect spoonful.

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Mousse without raw eggs?

Yes! You can use pasteurized eggs for extra safety, or replace the egg whites with extra whipped cream for a mousse that’s still light and airy, though the classic version will always be the fluffiest.

What’s the best type Dessert

Semi-sweet chocolate is recommended for its balanced flavor, but you can substitute bittersweet for a more intense, less sweet mousse or milk chocolate for a milder, creamier version. Always opt for high-quality chocolate for the best taste.

Can I make Chocolate Mousse ahead for a party?

Absolutely! In fact, Chocolate Mousse tastes even better after a few hours of chilling. You can make it the day before, store it in the fridge, and garnish just before serving for effortless entertaining.

Is Chocolate Mousse gluten-free?

Great news — this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Since it contains no flour or gluten-containing thickeners, it’s a delicious option for guests with gluten sensitivities.

How can I add extra flavor to my mousse?

Try stirring in a splash of coffee liqueur, espresso, or a hint of orange zest into the melted chocolate. These little steps add new depths of flavor to your Chocolate Mousse without overpowering its chocolatey charm.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making Chocolate Mousse from scratch — it’s a little bit of culinary magic in your own kitchen. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and experience the joy of each creamy, chocolate-laden bite. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this timeless dessert; you deserve it!

Chocolate Mousse Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of this delightful Chocolate Mousse. A decadent French dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mousse:

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 large eggs, separated
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For Garnish (optional):

Shaved chocolate or whipped cream

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Instructions

Melt Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt chocolate and butter until smooth. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
Prepare Yolk Mixture: Whisk egg yolks with half the sugar until thick. Combine with melted chocolate.
Whip Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with salt until stiff peaks form.
Whip Cream: In another bowl, whip cream and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Combine Mixtures: Fold whipped cream into chocolate mixture, then fold in beaten egg whites gently.
Chill: Spoon mousse into dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Garnish: Top with shaved chocolate or whipped cream before serving.