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Perfect Chocolate Mousse

My traditional chocolate mousse is a silky, airy dessert sure to impress any guest. While it may look fancy, this recipe takes only 15 minutes to prep with a few pantry staples. Recipe includes a how-to video tutorial!RAW EGG NOTE: This recipe is made the traditional French way, meaning it's authentic and is made using raw eggs. Because of this, it may not be recommended for pregnant women, children, or people with compromised immune systems.

Prep Time
15 mins
Additional Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 6 servings (approximately ⅔ cup per serving)
Calories: 469 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French

Ingredients

For Chocolate Mousse
  • 6 6 oz dark chocolate bar finely chopped
  • 4 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter cut into 4 pieces
  • 5 5 large eggs whites and yolks separated
  • ¼ ¼ cup granulated sugar divided
  • Pinch of espresso powder about ⅛ teaspoon, optional
  • ⅛ ⅛ teaspoon table salt
  • 1 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ ½ cup heavy cream plus additional for whipped cream topping, indicated below
Whipped Cream Topping (optional)
  • ½ ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
  • ¼ ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Combine chopped chocolate and butter in a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-25 second intervals, stirring well in between, until ingredients are completely melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. If using espresso powder, stir that in here as well. Set aside.
  2. In a separate large bowl, combine egg yolks, 1 Tablespoon of granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds, until ingredients are lightened in color and slightly thickened.
  3. Add the chocolate mixture into egg yolk mixture in 3 parts, whisking well after each addition until completely combined. Set aside.
  4. Pour egg whites in another large, clean, dry, bowl, and use an electric mixer to beat until foamy. Slowly increase mixer speed to medium-high and add remaining sugar, about half a Tablespoon at a time (allowing about 10-15 seconds after each addition), until all sugar has been added and mixture reaches stiff peaks (see note if you have questions about stiff peaks).
  5. Stir your chocolate mixture, then take a large spoonful (about ⅓-½ cup) of the egg white mixture and use a spatula to stir into the chocolate until completely combined to make it loose and easy to stir (the mixture should flow easily off the spatula). If the mixture is still thick, add a bit more egg whites.
  6. Gradually, gently fold the remaining egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Do not over-mix and be as light-handed about this as possible. A few streaks remaining are fine.
  7. In yet another bowl (yes, all of these dishes are worth it, I promise!) whip heavy cream on high-speed with an electric mixer until you reach stiff peaks.
  8. Use a spatula to fold whipped cream into chocolate mousse mixture (again, being gentle and not over-mixing) until combined.
  9. Immediately divide mousse into ramekins or serving dishes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours and up to 2 days before topping with whipped cream (instructions below) and serving.
Whipped Cream
    Cup of Yum
  1. Combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat until stiff peaks are just achieved.
  2. Dollop over chocolate mousse before serving.

Notes

  • If refrigerating I recommend serving the mousse within two days as it tends to degrade a bit.
  • Mousse may be covered and frozen in the container for up to several months. When ready to serve, let thaw (covered) in the refrigerator overnight.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 469kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 25g (8%) Protein 8g (16%) Fat 37g (57%) Saturated Fat 22g (110%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 11g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 202mg (67%) Sodium 118mg (5%) Potassium 295mg (8%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 19g (38%) Vitamin A 1025IU (21%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 70mg (7%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings (approximately ⅔ cup per serving)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 469

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 469kcal 23%
Carbohydrates 25g 8%
Protein 8g 16%
Fat 37g 57%
Saturated Fat 22g 110%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 11g 55%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 202mg 67%
Sodium 118mg 5%
Potassium 295mg 6%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 19g 38%
Vitamin A 1025IU 21%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 70mg 7%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.