Chocolate Mousse
Craving something rich and chocolatey? This chocolate mousse recipe is smooth, creamy, and comes together with just a few basic ingredients. It’s perfect for date nights, holidays, or anytime you need a sweet treat.
This post contains affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
If you’re craving something sweet and chocolatey, this mousse is the perfect treat for you. It looks a bit luxurious, but it’s surprisingly doable at home—even on regular weeknights. It’s not just for special occasions!
There are so many flavors you can explore, too. Fruity ones like strawberry, mango, or lemon are super refreshing and work really well if you’re in the mood for something light.
But chocolate? It’s a classic for a reason.
It’s sweet but not too sweet, and if you experiment with different types of chocolate, you’ll get to enjoy all kinds of variations—some richer and sweeter, others slightly bitter with a bold, deep flavor.
Is it your first time making this dessert at home? Start with chocolate! Just a few ingredients and a little chill time, and you’re all set.
How to Make the Best Chocolate Mousse
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Yield: 6 servings
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Medium mixing bowl
- Hand electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester (optional, only if using fresh orange zest)
- Whisk (if you prefer to manually whip the cream)
Ingredients:
- 2½ c. heavy cream, divided
- 8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips or baking chocolate
- ¼ c. granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
Optional, to serve:
- 1 t. orange zest, preferably organic
- Whipped cream
- maraschino cherries
- mandarin orange slices
Instructions:
Step 1: Heat 1 cup of heavy cream with chocolate chips over medium-low heat.
Step 2: Stir constantly, until the chips have melted. Set aside.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, beat eggs and sugar with a hand-held mixer at medium speed for 3-minutes.
Step 4: While mixing on the same setting as above, slowly add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture. Stir in the orange zest, if using.
Step 5: Once combined, pour back into the pan used to melt the chocolate. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Step 6: Remove from heat and cool slightly before transferring to the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours.
Step 7: Once chilled, whip the remaining heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Step 8: Gently fold the chilled chocolate into the whipped cream until thoroughly combined. The mixture should have a fluffy consistency.
Step 9: To serve, spoon the chocolate mousse into a piping bag and pipe it into small dessert dishes. If you like, top it with whipped cream and maraschino cherries or mandarin oranges. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Homemade Chocolate Mousse
This mousse is great on its own, but you can dress it up with a variety of toppings or pair it with other irresistible treats.
- Light meals: This mousse pairs best with lighter main courses like grilled chicken, baked fish, or fresh salads. It’s a lovely way to end a lighter dinner.
- Fresh fruits: The tartness of fresh berries can cut through its richness and add a pop of color. Try layering the mousse with fresh berries in a glass for a fun presentation.
- Coffee or Espresso: Dark roast coffee creates a nice contrast to the smooth mousse. If you’re into more indulgent options, try a mocha or a chocolate-infused coffee.
Tips About Making a Classic Chocolate Mousse Dessert
- Use quality chocolate: Chocolate is the star of this recipe, so go for a good-quality one. Believe it or not, it really makes a difference in both flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the chill time: It may be tempting to dig in early, but chilling your mousse is what gives it that classic airy texture. Give it a solid two hours in the fridge to set properly. The wait is worth it!
- Make it kid-friendly: Skip the orange zest or bold dark chocolate if you’re making this for the little ones. Use milk chocolate for a sweeter, more familiar taste, and top with whipped cream and sprinkles.
How to Store This Chocolate Mousse
Fridge: Chocolate mousse stores beautifully in the fridge. Just cover each dish tightly with plastic wrap or store in airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezer: If you have leftovers, you can freeze it in individual portions. Cover it well to prevent freezer burn. Once you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge for a few hours before eating. The mousse may lose a bit of fluffiness but still tastes delicious.
Kitchen Tools That’ll Help You Make the Perfect Chocolate Mousse
Silicone Spatula Set
Looking for an alternative to wooden spoons? This spatula set is easy to clean and doesn’t absorb odors. You can also use it when making brownies and cakes.
Piping Bags with Tips
If you want your mousse to look extra fancy, piping bags are the way to go. Go for disposable or reusable options with a few different tip shapes to play around with.
Dessert Glasses or Ramekins
Use clear dessert glasses if you want your treats to look a little fancy, or go with colorful ramekins to match your table. Enjoy the creamy texture and add all the toppings you want without making a mess!
FAQs about this Creamy Chocolate Mousse
Can you make chocolate mousse without cream?
Yes. If you want to skip the cream, you’d need a different method—like using whipped egg whites or another base such as silken tofu. It’ll have a different texture but still be rich and chocolatey.
Can you use cocoa powder for chocolate mousse?
You can use cocoa powder, but the texture and flavor might not be as smooth or intense as when using melted chocolate. You can also try pairing cocoa powder with a little melted butter or add it to a whipped base for extra richness.
This chocolate mousse is creamy, satisfying, and customizable. When it comes to toppings, use what you have and make it your own (or whatever your guests will enjoy).
Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner or just need a cozy sweet treat, you really can’t go wrong with this one.
Print
Chocolate Mousse
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Craving something rich and chocolatey? This chocolate mousse recipe is smooth, creamy, and comes together with just a few basic ingredients. It’s perfect for date nights, holidays, or anytime you need a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 c. heavy cream, divided
- 8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips or baking chocolate
- 1/4 c. granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
Optional, to serve:
- 1 t. orange zest, preferably organic
- Whipped cream
- maraschino cherries
- mandarin orange slices
Instructions
- Heat 1 cup of heavy cream with chocolate chips over medium-low heat.
- Stir constantly, until the chips have melted. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, beat eggs and sugar with a hand-held mixer at medium speed for 3-minutes.
- While mixing on the same setting as above, slowly add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture. Stir in the orange zest, if using.
- Once combined, pour back into the pan used to melt the chocolate. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly before transferring to the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours.
- Once chilled, whip the remaining heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the chilled chocolate into the whipped cream until thoroughly combined. The mixture should have a fluffy consistency.
- To serve, spoon the chocolate mousse into a piping bag and pipe it into small dessert dishes. If you like, top it with whipped cream and maraschino cherries or mandarin oranges. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you want to add irresistible brightness and citrusy notes to the mousse, don’t skip the orange zest.
- Making this ahead of time for guests? Hold off on adding the toppings until just before serving. Whipped cream and fruits are best added at the last minute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
