Description
This Easy Chocolate Mousse is a rich and velvety dessert made with high-quality bittersweet chocolate and whipped heavy cream. It’s a simple yet decadent treat perfect for any occasion, with options to customize flavors like mocha, orange, or spicy Mexican chocolate.
Ingredients
Chocolate Base
- 12 oz bittersweet chocolate or semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (for melting chocolate)
Whipped Cream
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream (chilled and divided)
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Chop Chocolate: Use a sharp knife to finely chop the chocolate. Place the chopped chocolate into a large heatproof bowl.
- Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until it is steaming and bubbles form around the edges.
- Combine and Melt: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften the chocolate.
- Stir Chocolate Mixture: Using a large spoon, stir the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Set aside and allow to cool for 20-30 minutes until thickened but still pourable.
- Whip Cream: In a large bowl, using an electric stand mixer or hand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the remaining 2 1/2 cups of heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Combine Whipped Cream and Chocolate: Add the cooled chocolate mixture to the whipped cream. Continue whipping on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, creating a fluffy mousse.
- Chill: Transfer the mousse into parfait glasses or small ramekins. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours to set.
- Serve: Serve chilled, optionally garnished with additional chocolate shavings, whipped cream, fresh berries, or Pirouette cookies.
Notes
- Cream: Use ice-cold heavy whipping cream for the lightest, airy whipped cream—half and half will not work.
- Dark Chocolate Mousse: Use 70–85% dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.
- Chocolate Orange Mousse: Add a teaspoon of orange zest and a splash of orange extract or liqueur such as Grand Marnier for a citrusy twist.
- Mocha Mousse: Mix 1–2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder with the melted chocolate to add coffee flavor.
- Vegan Option: Replace heavy cream with chilled, whipped full-fat coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate for a plant-based mousse.
- Spicy Mexican Chocolate Mousse: Add a pinch of cinnamon and a dash of cayenne or chili powder to the chocolate mixture for warm, spicy flavor notes.
- Toppings: Get creative with chocolate curls, Pirouette cookies, fresh berries, toasted nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
