Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chocolate Mousse is irresistibly rich yet surprisingly easy to make. It’s made with simple ingredients, requires no baking, and can be prepared in advance. The texture is velvety and light, with deep chocolate notes that melt in your mouth. You’ll love how versatile it is—serve it plain, topped with whipped cream, or layered with fruit or nuts for a gourmet touch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Dark or semi-sweet chocolate (high-quality, chopped)
- Heavy cream or coconut cream (for vegan version)
- Sugar or maple syrup (optional, depending on chocolate sweetness)
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional for serving:
- Whipped cream or coconut whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Shaved chocolate
- Crushed nuts
Vegan variation:
- Use dairy-free dark chocolate
- Replace cream with coconut cream or silken tofu
Directions
- Melt the chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. If using coconut cream, scoop the solid portion from a chilled can and whip it until fluffy.
- Combine: Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream, along with vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix slowly to maintain the light texture.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste and add sugar or maple syrup if desired, folding it in gently.
- Chill: Spoon the mousse into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or until set and chilled.
- Serve: Top with whipped cream, berries, or chocolate shavings before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Chocolate Mousse: Use coconut cream or silken tofu for a dairy-free, protein-packed version.
- Mocha Mousse: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the melted chocolate for a coffee-chocolate twist.
- Spicy Chocolate Mousse: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon for a subtle kick.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse: Fold in 1–2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
- Mint Chocolate Mousse: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing minty variation.
Storage/Reheating
Store Chocolate Mousse in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve chilled. Do not freeze, as it can affect the texture. Reheating is not necessary or recommended—enjoy it cold for the best flavor and consistency.
FAQs
Can I make chocolate mousse without eggs?
Yes, this version is egg-free and still incredibly light and creamy, thanks to whipped cream or coconut cream.
What type of chocolate works best?
High-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate with 60–70% cocoa gives the best flavor and texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or silken tofu, and use dairy-free chocolate.
Why is my mousse grainy?
It may happen if the chocolate cools too much before mixing or if it seizes. Always fold gently and use room-temperature ingredients when possible.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Yes, but it will be sweeter and less intense in flavor. Adjust sugar accordingly.
How do I get a lighter texture?
Whip the cream just to soft peaks and fold it carefully into the chocolate to trap more air.
Can I use cocoa powder instead of chocolate?
You can, but it will not have the same rich texture—melted chocolate gives mousse its signature smoothness.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes, add 1 tablespoon of chocolate or unflavored protein powder to boost nutrition without altering the taste too much.
How long should I chill it?
At least 2 hours, but overnight chilling yields the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Chocolate Mousse is a timeless dessert that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare. Its silky texture and deep chocolate flavor make it a perfect choice for any occasion, from weeknight treats to elegant dinner parties. With simple ingredients and endless variations, this rich yet airy dessert is sure to impress every chocolate lover—whether vegan, dairy-free, or traditional.
PrintChocolate Mousse
Chocolate Mousse is a rich, velvety dessert that perfectly balances deep chocolate flavor with an airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This easy, no-bake recipe can be made traditional or vegan, offering a decadent treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Folding
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients
- 6 oz (170 g) dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for vegan version)
- 2 tablespoons sugar or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional toppings:
- Whipped cream or coconut whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Chocolate shavings
- Crushed nuts
Instructions
- Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler). Stir until melted and smooth, then let cool slightly.
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. For a vegan version, use chilled coconut cream and whip until fluffy.
- Gently fold melted chocolate into whipped cream along with vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix carefully to keep it light.
- Taste and adjust sweetness with sugar or maple syrup if desired.
- Spoon into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to set.
- Serve chilled with whipped cream, berries, or chocolate shavings on top.
Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa) for the best flavor.
- Ensure the chocolate is slightly cooled before folding into cream to prevent curdling.
- Chill for at least 2 hours for the ideal texture.
- For vegan mousse, use coconut cream or silken tofu and dairy-free chocolate.
- Do not freeze—serve chilled for best consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg