Description
This Easy Chocolate Mousse recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and decadent dessert that comes together in just 20 minutes. Made with simple ingredients like heavy cream and chocolate, this mousse is light and fluffy, perfect for an elegant treat or casual indulgence. Garnished with chocolate shavings and fresh berries, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chocolate Base
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (divided)
- 6 ounces chocolate chips (approximately 1 cup)
Whipped Cream & Flavoring
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Garnishes (optional)
- Chocolate shavings or chocolate curls
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Candied nuts
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat half of the heavy cream (about 3/4 cup) for approximately 1 minute. Stir in the chocolate chips until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Let this rest for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt completely.
- Cool the Mixture: Whisk the chocolate and cream mixture until smooth and glossy. Set it aside to cool while preparing the whipped cream.
- Whip the Cream: In a medium bowl, pour the remaining 3/4 cup of cold heavy cream. Using a hand mixer, stand mixer, or whisk, beat the cream until soft peaks form. Reserve 1/2 cup of this whipped cream in a small bowl, cover, and refrigerate for topping later. Continue whipping the remaining cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold Everything Together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture in three batches using a large spatula. Fold thoroughly but gently to keep the mousse light and airy. Then, fold in the powdered sugar and vanilla paste until evenly incorporated.
- Chill and Serve: Spoon or pipe the mousse into 4 small ramekins or glasses. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set, but no more than 4 hours for best texture. When ready to serve, top with the reserved whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings, curls, or fresh berries as desired.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor and better texture.
- Make sure the heavy cream is very cold before whipping to achieve better volume.
- This mousse can be prepared a day in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Be gentle when folding to maintain the mousse’s light and airy texture.
- Letting the chocolate cool slightly before folding in whipped cream prevents it from melting the cream and losing volume.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: French-inspired
