If you’re searching for a dessert that feels impossibly elegant yet is a breeze to whip up, look no further than Mascarpone Chocolate Mousse. This treat offers the silkiest clouds of chocolatey richness, thanks to a blend of creamy mascarpone and whipped cream, all balanced with a hint of vanilla and a touch of salt. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make for special occasions, dinner parties, or simply to treat yourself to something extraordinary—no oven required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Mascarpone Chocolate Mousse is that it comes together with just a handful of quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the mousse’s signature flavor, texture, and irresistible look, so choose them with care.
- Mascarpone Cheese (8 ounces, softened): This Italian cream cheese is the secret to the mousse’s luxurious, velvety body and subtle tang.
- Dark Chocolate (6 ounces, chopped): Go for a high-quality bar—its deep, bittersweet flavor is the backbone of the dessert.
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Just enough to balance the bittersweet chocolate and enhance the overall sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and roundness, bringing all the flavors together.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup, chilled): Whipped to soft peaks, it lightens the mousse and gives it that airy, spoonable texture.
- Pinch of Salt: A tiny bit makes the chocolate flavor pop and keeps everything from tasting flat.
- Cocoa Powder or Shaved Chocolate (for garnish): The finishing touch—choose your favorite for a beautiful presentation and extra chocolate flair.
How to Make Mascarpone Chocolate Mousse
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
Begin by melting your chopped dark chocolate. You can use a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, gently stirring as it melts, or microwave it in short 20-second bursts, stirring in between. The goal is smooth, glossy chocolate—set it aside to cool just slightly so it blends seamlessly into the mascarpone later.
Step 2: Cream the Mascarpone Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat with a hand mixer or sturdy whisk until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. This creates the luscious base for your Mascarpone Chocolate Mousse.
Step 3: Incorporate the Melted Chocolate
Once the chocolate has cooled a bit (but is still fluid), slowly stir it into the mascarpone mixture. Take your time here—make sure every ribbon of chocolate blends in for a uniform, rich color and flavor. You’ll see the mixture transform into a gorgeously thick, chocolatey base.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for best results, then pour in the heavy cream. Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form—when you lift the beaters, the cream should hold its shape but still look pillowy. This step gives the mousse its signature lightness.
Step 5: Fold Everything Together
Now for the magic! Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate-mascarpone base in three additions, using a spatula and a light hand. This keeps the mousse airy and prevents it from deflating. Once you see a smooth, silky mousse with no streaks, you’re ready to portion it out.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time helps the flavors meld and the texture to set perfectly. Just before serving, dust with cocoa powder or shower with shaved chocolate for that irresistible finish.
How to Serve Mascarpone Chocolate Mousse
Garnishes
The beauty of Mascarpone Chocolate Mousse is how beautifully it pairs with a simple flourish. A dusting of cocoa powder, a sprinkle of shaved dark chocolate, or even a few fresh berries can elevate each serving from delicious to dazzling. Try a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This mousse shines brightest as the star of your dessert table, but if you want to serve it alongside something, think of contrasting textures and flavors. Crisp biscotti, buttery shortbread cookies, or tart fresh fruit (like raspberries or orange segments) make wonderful companions without overpowering the mousse’s decadent chocolate notes.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve Mascarpone Chocolate Mousse in elegant stemmed glasses, tiny espresso cups for a tasting menu, or even layered in a trifle dish with berries and crushed cookies for a showstopper. For parties, try piping it into mini tart shells or topping each portion with edible gold leaf for a truly luxurious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Mascarpone Chocolate Mousse (lucky you!), simply cover the bowls or glasses tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. The mousse will stay delicious and fresh for up to 2 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead for a party or special dinner.
Freezing
While this mousse is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Spoon it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to serve, let it thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight. The texture may become denser, but the flavor will still be divine.
Reheating
Mascarpone Chocolate Mousse is meant to be served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve frozen it, just thaw in the fridge until it returns to a creamy consistency, and give it a gentle stir before garnishing and serving.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter, milkier flavor, swap in milk chocolate for the dark. Just keep in mind the mousse will be a bit lighter in color and sweeter in taste, so you might want to slightly reduce the sugar.
Is it possible to make Mascarpone Chocolate Mousse ahead of time?
Yes, this is actually a perfect make-ahead dessert! Prepare the mousse up to a day in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. In fact, the flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.
What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone isn’t available, you can substitute with full-fat cream cheese (softened) for a similar texture, though the flavor will be a touch tangier. For the most authentic result, mascarpone is the way to go.
Can I add other flavors to the mousse?
Definitely! Try a splash of espresso for mocha notes, a bit of orange zest for brightness, or a hint of liqueur (like Grand Marnier or Amaretto) for a grown-up twist. Just add your chosen flavor with the mascarpone mixture so it’s evenly incorporated.
How do I make the mousse extra light and airy?
For an even lighter Mascarpone Chocolate Mousse, use semi-sweet chocolate instead of dark, and be sure to fold the whipped cream in gently, without overmixing. Chilling the mousse for at least 2 hours helps it set to a dreamy, airy consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to impress your friends or simply treat yourself, give this Mascarpone Chocolate Mousse a try. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for celebrations—the kind of recipe that just might become your new signature dessert. Enjoy every spoonful!
Print
Mascarpone Chocolate Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy Mascarpone Chocolate Mousse, a luxurious Italian dessert that’s delightfully smooth and easy to prepare. Combining the luscious texture of mascarpone cheese with intense dark chocolate, this no-bake mousse is perfect for any occasion when you want a decadent yet effortless treat.
Ingredients
Mascarpone Mixture
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate
- 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
Garnish
- Cocoa powder or shaved chocolate, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Mascarpone Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt together until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Chocolate and Mascarpone: Slowly stir the melted chocolate into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated and even in texture.
- Whip Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
- Fold Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate-mascarpone mixture in three additions, taking care to keep the mousse light and airy.
- Chill: Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, dust with cocoa powder or top with shaved chocolate for an elegant finish.
Notes
- For a lighter texture, use semi-sweet chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
- Layer the mousse with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast and added flavor.
- This dessert can be prepared a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator to develop flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook (with melting)
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
