A classic French dessert, Mousse au Chocolat is rich, velvety, and irresistibly smooth. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this decadent chocolate mousse is the perfect indulgent treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying a sweet moment for yourself, this mousse will elevate any meal with its luxurious texture and rich chocolate flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and indulgent – The deep, dark chocolate flavor combined with a light, airy texture makes each bite irresistible.
- Simple ingredients – Made with only a few ingredients, this mousse is easy to prepare but tastes like a gourmet dessert.
- Classic French treat – Experience a true French dessert that is both sophisticated and comforting.
- Versatile – Serve as a standalone dessert or pair it with other sweets like fruit or pastries.
- Make ahead – This mousse sets beautifully in the fridge, making it perfect for preparing in advance.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), chopped
- Large eggs (separated)
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy whipping cream
- A pinch of salt
- Whipped cream (for garnish, optional)
- Chocolate shavings (for garnish, optional)
Directions
Prepare the Chocolate:
- Melt the chocolate – In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method), stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Make the Chocolate Mixture:
- Whisk the egg yolks – In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with half of the sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
- Combine with chocolate – Stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract until well combined.
Beat the Egg Whites:
- Whip the egg whites – In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Whip the Cream:
- Whip the heavy cream – In another bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.
Assemble the Mousse:
- Fold everything together – Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, followed by the beaten egg whites. Be careful to maintain the light and airy texture.
Chill and Serve:
- Chill the mousse – Divide the mousse into serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Garnish and serve – Before serving, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add fruit – Serve the mousse with fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or a drizzle of raspberry sauce for a fruity contrast.
- Flavored mousse – Add a splash of liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Baileys for an adult twist.
- Vegan version – Use dairy-free chocolate, coconut cream, and aquafaba (chickpea brine) as egg substitutes for a vegan mousse.
- Chocolate ganache topping – Top with a layer of chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent finish.
- Crumbly base – Serve the mousse on a layer of crushed cookies or graham crackers for added texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- No reheating needed – This mousse is best served chilled and doesn’t require reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this mousse a day ahead?
Yes! The mousse actually tastes better the next day after it has fully set in the fridge.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
You can, but it will change the flavor profile, making the mousse sweeter and less rich. For the best results, use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
How do I know if the egg whites are whipped to the right consistency?
The egg whites should hold stiff peaks when you lift the beaters. The peaks should stand straight up without drooping.
Can I use a hand mixer to beat the egg whites and cream?
Yes, a hand mixer will work well, but make sure you don’t overbeat the cream or egg whites as they can become too stiff.
Can I make this mousse without eggs?
You can substitute the eggs with aquafaba (chickpea brine) or try a no-egg mousse recipe, but the texture may differ.
What if my mousse isn’t setting properly?
If your mousse isn’t setting, try chilling it for longer. Make sure the chocolate and cream are both sufficiently chilled before combining them.
Can I freeze mousse?
Yes, you can freeze mousse. Just be sure to cover it tightly, and let it thaw in the fridge for several hours before serving.
Conclusion
This Mousse au Chocolat is the epitome of indulgence—rich, creamy, and velvety smooth. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a luxurious French dessert that will impress anyone who tries it. Whether for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this chocolate mousse is the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet cravings. Enjoy!
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Mousse au Chocolat
Mousse au Chocolat is a classic French dessert that is rich, velvety, and irresistibly smooth. Made with dark chocolate, whipped cream, and airy egg whites, this decadent chocolate mousse is the perfect indulgence. Whether for a dinner party or a special treat, this easy yet elegant dessert will satisfy any chocolate lover.
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 oz dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), chopped
- 3 large eggs (separated)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- A pinch of salt
- Whipped cream (for garnish, optional)
- Chocolate shavings (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
-
Melt the Chocolate:
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method), stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
-
Prepare the Egg Yolk Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with half of the sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
- Stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract until well combined.
-
Whip the Egg Whites:
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the remaining sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
-
Whip the Heavy Cream:
- In another bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.
-
Assemble the Mousse:
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture.
- Then, carefully fold in the beaten egg whites, maintaining the light and airy texture.
-
Chill and Serve:
- Divide the mousse into serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings before serving.
Notes
- For a fruitier contrast, serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce.
- For an adult twist, add a splash of Grand Marnier or Baileys.
- To make it dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- If using milk chocolate, reduce the sugar to prevent excessive sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert, French Cuisine, Chocolate Dessert
- Method: Whipping, Chilling
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
