Description
A rich and airy chocolate mousse topped with fresh whipped cream, perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort. This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and takes under 20 minutes of active prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 oz bittersweet chocolate (at least 60% cocoa)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (full-fat)
- 3 large eggs, separated, room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon coffee or espresso powder
- For whipped cream topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring to a gentle simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top without touching the water. Chop chocolate into small pieces and melt in the bowl, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a clean bowl, add egg whites with a pinch of salt. Whisk or beat with a hand mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add half the sugar and continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract and remaining sugar until soft peaks form. Avoid overwhipping.
- Whisk egg yolks until smooth. Slowly add a few tablespoons of melted chocolate to temper the yolks, then fold yolk mixture back into the rest of the chocolate.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the chocolate mixture using a spatula with gentle sweeping motions.
- Fold in whipped egg whites in three additions, stopping when no white streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide mousse into serving dishes or one large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, whip the cream topping until soft peaks form and dollop generously on top. Optionally, garnish with grated chocolate or cocoa powder.
Notes
Use room temperature eggs for best whipping results. Do not overheat chocolate to avoid scrambling yolks. Fold gently to keep mousse airy. Chill at least 2 hours or overnight for best texture and flavor. Whip cream topping just to soft peaks to avoid graininess. Optional coffee powder enhances chocolate flavor without coffee taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 40
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 17
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Protein: 5
Keywords: chocolate mousse, silky chocolate mousse, easy chocolate dessert, whipped cream topping, chocolate dessert recipe, quick mousse, rich chocolate mousse