If you’re looking for a dessert that feels both luxurious and light, the Vanilla Mousse Recipe is a true showstopper that never disappoints. This creamy, airy delight blends rich whipped cream with the delicate warmth of vanilla, all set to a silky smooth texture that melts in your mouth. It’s wonderfully simple yet sophisticated, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to an elegant finish after any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows a white bowl filled with a steaming yellow mixture being whisked with a metal whisk held by a woman's hand in the top right corner. The bowl sits on a wooden board, which rests on a wooden table with two brown eggs and one cracked eggshell nearby. In the background, there is a white bowl with a whisk inside it on a wooden board, and a metal canister with white contents is partially visible on the right side. A gray cloth with red stripes is draped next to the bowl on the right. The background is dark, and the steam rising from the bowl adds warmth to the scene. The surface is white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the right ingredients is half the joy in making this Vanilla Mousse Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s lending creaminess, sweetness, or that signature vanilla flavor that ties everything together beautifully.

1 cup heavy whipping cream: This is what gives your mousse its signature light, fluffy texture—chilled is best for whipping.
2 egg yolks: They add richness and help create a velvety custard base.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the cream without overpowering the vanilla.
½ cup whole milk: Adds moisture and softens the custard for that melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste): The real star that infuses every bite with warm, aromatic notes.
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin: This ensures the mousse holds its beautiful shape once chilled.
1 tablespoon cold water: Used to bloom the gelatin so it blends smoothly into the mixture.

How to Make Vanilla Mousse Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

Start by sprinkling the gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes. This “blooming” step is crucial because it hydrates the gelatin, allowing it to dissolve effortlessly later on without lumps, giving your mousse that perfect silky texture.

Step 2: Warm the Milk

Gently heat the whole milk in a saucepan over low heat until it’s warm but not boiling. This temperature is key for tempering the eggs later—too hot and you risk scrambling, too cool and it won’t combine properly.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar

In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and turns a pale yellow. This step dissolves the sugar and aerates the yolks just enough to give a light, silky base to your mousse.

Step 4: Temper the Eggs

Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. This gentle combination prevents the eggs from cooking too quickly. Think of this as coaxing the yolks into a warm hug from the milk, setting the stage for a creamy custard.

Step 5: Thicken the Mixture

Return the combined milk and egg mixture to the saucepan and heat it over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and the bloomed gelatin, making sure it dissolves fully. This custard is the luscious heart of your Vanilla Mousse Recipe.

Step 6: Whip the Cream

Using a chilled bowl and beaters, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Soft peaks mean the cream holds shape but still softly bends, ready to be folded into the custard to keep your mousse light and airy.

Step 7: Fold and Chill

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled custard mixture with a spatula, working carefully to keep as much air in as possible. Then, divide the mixture into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—or until nicely set. This waiting game builds anticipation for a texture that feels like clouds on your tongue.

How to Serve Vanilla Mousse Recipe

The image shows six clear glass cups filled with a light creamy dessert, each topped with a swirl of whipped cream. The dessert inside the cups is pale yellow and smooth, filling most of the cup with the fluffy whipped cream sitting neatly on top. The cups are placed on a metal fridge rack inside a refrigerator, with the light from above softly illuminating the scene. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your vanilla mousse by adding simple garnishes that complement its delicate flavor. Fresh berries, a sprinkle of toasted almonds, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can add textures and tastes that make each spoonful exciting and unique.

Side Dishes

This mousse pairs beautifully with light, fresh accompaniments like a crisp biscotti, a tangy berry compote, or even a small scoop of sorbet. These sides contrast the creamy mousse and create a balanced dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Presenting your Vanilla Mousse Recipe in individual glass cups or elegant ramekins lets the mousse’s silky texture shine visually. Layering it with crushed cookies or fresh fruit adds both flair and flavor. For a wow-factor, serve it inside hollowed-out citrus shells or fancy stemware for celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The mousse maintains its texture well for up to 2 days, making it still delightful even after a day or two.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s not ideal for mousse since the texture can become grainy upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, do so in individual portions and expect a slight change in creaminess once defrosted.

Reheating

Reheating is not recommended for this Vanilla Mousse Recipe because it’s meant to be enjoyed chilled and creamy. Warmth will break down the delicate structure and lose the airy texture that makes mousse so special.

FAQs

Can I use gelatin substitutes to make this mousse?

Yes, agar-agar is a common vegetarian substitute for gelatin, but it sets differently and needs to be prepared carefully to mimic the texture of traditional gelatin. Follow package instructions closely for best results.

Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in this recipe?

The eggs are gently cooked when tempering with the warm milk, creating a custard base that is safe to eat. However, if you’re concerned about raw eggs, using pasteurized eggs is a good alternative.

How can I make this Vanilla Mousse Recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a plant-based milk. Replace gelatin with agar-agar and use a vegan sugar option. Keep in mind the texture might differ slightly.

Can I add flavors other than vanilla?

Absolutely! While vanilla is classic, you can easily customize this mousse by infusing the milk with coffee, citrus zest, or adding extracts like almond or lavender for exciting twists.

How long does it take for the mousse to set properly?

Refrigerating the mousse for at least 2 hours is essential for it to firm up nicely. For best texture, you can chill it for up to 4 hours or even overnight.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Vanilla Mousse Recipe — it’s elegant, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re a dessert novice or a seasoned chef, this mousse will become a go-to favorite that keeps guests coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and enjoy every silky bite as much as I do!

Vanilla Mousse Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 34 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This classic Vanilla Mousse recipe is a light and airy dessert that combines whipped cream, egg yolks, and gelatin to create a smooth and creamy treat. Flavored with pure vanilla extract, it’s perfect for a sophisticated yet simple dessert that sets beautifully in the fridge.

Ingredients

Vanilla Mousse Ingredients

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 egg yolks
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
1 tablespoon cold water

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Instructions

Bloom the Gelatin: Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the gelatin thickens and absorbs the water.
Warm the Milk: Gently heat the whole milk in a saucepan over low heat until it is warm but not boiling to prepare it for tempering with eggs.
Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and pale in color.
Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. This gradual mixing prevents the eggs from curdling.
Thicken the Mixture: Return the entire mixture to the saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring continuously until it slightly thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved.
Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, ensuring it is light and aerated.
Fold and Chill: Gently fold the whipped cream into the vanilla mixture until smooth and fully combined. Pour the mousse into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing it to set completely.

Notes

Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, when tempering the eggs to avoid scrambling them.
Use a chilled bowl and beaters for whipping cream to achieve better volume.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mixture to retain airiness and light texture.
If you prefer a stronger vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
The mousse can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: French