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Classic Chocolate Mousse Recipe

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Chocolate mousse is the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover. With its smooth, airy texture and deep, rich flavor, this dessert is a showstopper for dinner parties or a cozy evening in. Made with bittersweet chocolate, eggs, and heavy cream, the mousse is incredibly easy to prepare and comes together in just under 30 minutes. After a couple of hours in the fridge, it sets into a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth treat that pairs beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of cocoa powder. Whether you’re serving it in individual cups or in one large bowl, this dessert is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

4 oz (115g) bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter

2 large eggs, separated

1/8 tsp cream of tartar (or a pinch of salt)

2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar

1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream

1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt chocolate and butter:
    In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate and butter over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir until smooth. Let cool slightly.
  2. Whip egg whites:
    In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
  3. Whip the cream:
    In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Set aside.
  4. Add yolks to chocolate:
    Stir the egg yolks into the slightly cooled chocolate mixture until smooth and glossy.
  5. Fold everything together:
    Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture. Then fold in the whipped egg whites in two batches, using a spatula and light folding motions to keep the mousse airy.
  6. Chill:
    Spoon into serving glasses or bowls. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.

Notes

Tips for Success:

  1. Use high-quality chocolate: The flavor of your mousse depends on the chocolate, so choose a good quality bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate (at least 60% cocoa).
  2. Don’t overheat the chocolate: When melting the chocolate, ensure it’s done over low heat or using a double boiler to prevent it from burning.
  3. Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
  4. Proper folding technique: When incorporating whipped cream and egg whites into the chocolate, fold gently to maintain the mousse’s airy texture.
  5. Chill for perfect texture: The mousse needs at least 2 hours in the fridge to set and develop the perfect silky, smooth consistency.

Additional Info:

  • Make-ahead: Chocolate mousse is perfect for preparing ahead of time. It can be made a day or two before serving and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain the mousse’s airy texture.
  • Egg Safety: If you’re concerned about raw eggs, use pasteurized eggs to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make chocolate mousse without eggs?
Yes, you can make a no-egg version using whipped cream, melted chocolate, and a bit of gelatin for structure. However, the texture may be slightly different—less airy, but still creamy.

2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but keep in mind that milk chocolate will make the mousse sweeter and less intense. If using milk chocolate, you may want to reduce the sugar.

3. Can I make this mousse dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or another non-dairy whipped cream substitute. Use dairy-free chocolate to keep it fully dairy-free.

4. How can I make this mousse lighter?
You can reduce the fat content by using a lower-fat whipped cream or substituting with a lighter version of heavy cream, though the texture might not be as rich.

Pairings for Chocolate Mousse:

🍨 Sweet Pairings:

  • Fresh Berries: Raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries add a fresh, tart contrast.
  • Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream balances the richness of the mousse.
  • Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle dark or milk chocolate shavings on top for an extra touch of chocolatey goodness.
  • Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce for a sweet, buttery contrast to the chocolate.
  • Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves add a refreshing touch and bring out the chocolate flavor.
  • Almond Tuiles:  A delicate, crispy French cookie beautifully contrast with the smoothness of chocolate mousse and the nutty flavor complements the richness of the chocolate.

☕ Beverage Pairings:

  • Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee complements the rich chocolate flavor.
  • Red Wine: A rich, fruity wine like Merlot or Zinfandel pairs perfectly with the creamy mousse.
  • Dessert Wine: A sweet, fortified wine like Port or Sherry balances the richness of the mousse.
  • Hot Chocolate: For a truly indulgent experience, serve with a cup of rich hot chocolate.

Ready to indulge in this rich, creamy chocolate mousse? Whip it up for a special occasion or just because—you deserve it! 💙

Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific products used and portion sizes. This information is provided for convenience and should not be considered medical or dietary advice.

Nutrition

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