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Chocolate Mousse Recipe

Chocolate Mousse Recipe

justbelieveyoucan
If you’re looking for a rich, airy, and indulgent homemade chocolate dessert, this chocolate mousse recipe is exactly what you need. Perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or just a quiet moment of indulgence, this classic French dessert is surprisingly easy to make — and even easier to fall in love with.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
resting time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course dessert
Cuisine French cuisine
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • heatproof bowl
  • mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g dark chocolate (around 70% cocoa) chopped
  • 3 large eggs separated
  • 50 g granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 250 ml heavy cream chilled
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Melt the chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir gently until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
    Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, beat the chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form. Store in the fridge until needed.
    Beat egg whites: In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and continue whisking until stiff, glossy peaks appear.
    Add egg yolks and vanilla: Stir the egg yolks and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate. Mix until smooth.
    Combine everything: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture. Then fold in the egg whites in three parts, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
    Chill and serve: Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.

Notes

1. Use High-Quality Chocolate

The key to a delicious chocolate mousse is using good-quality chocolate. Opt for a dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. The richer the chocolate, the better the flavor. Avoid chocolate chips, as they don’t melt as smoothly and might not create the desired texture.

2. Chill the Whipped Cream

For the lightest and fluffiest mousse, make sure your heavy cream is chilled before whipping. Cold cream whips better and faster, helping achieve that perfect texture without over-whipping.

3. Don’t Overmix the Ingredients

When folding in the whipped cream and egg whites, be gentle! Overmixing can deflate the mousse, so fold the ingredients carefully until just combined. The goal is to maintain the airiness that gives mousse its light texture.

4. Incorporate Flavor Variations

For an extra twist, try adding flavor variations to your chocolate mousse. A teaspoon of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor, or a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier or Baileys can add a unique depth of taste. For a fruity version, try mixing in some pureed raspberries or strawberries for a fresh contrast.

5. Use a Double Boiler to Melt the Chocolate

To prevent burning, melt your chocolate using a double boiler method. Simply place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir occasionally until it’s completely smooth and melted, ensuring you don’t risk overheating the chocolate.

6. Let the Mousse Set

While it’s tempting to dig in right away, letting the mousse set in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or even overnight) improves its texture and flavor. The mousse will firm up, creating the perfect consistency to scoop and enjoy.

7. Serve in Small Portions

Chocolate mousse is rich, so serving it in small, individual portions (like small glasses or jars) is a great idea. This allows guests to savor the dessert without feeling overwhelmed by its richness, and it also makes for a more elegant presentation.

8. Top with Fresh Berries

To balance the richness of the chocolate, add some fresh, tart berries like raspberries or blackberries. They add a burst of freshness and a pop of color, making your mousse look even more irresistible.

9. Use an Electric Mixer for Perfect Whipped Cream

If you're not comfortable whipping cream by hand, use an electric mixer to get a perfectly smooth and fluffy whipped cream. Start at a slow speed, then gradually increase the speed to avoid splattering.

10. Serve with Something Crunchy

For added texture, serve your chocolate mousse with a crunchy element. Crumbled biscuits, hazelnuts, or almonds can create a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy mousse.
Keyword chocolate, mousse