Chocolate Mousse with Whipped Cream is one of those timeless desserts that brings together elegance, simplicity, and pure chocolate indulgence. This classic French-inspired dessert is known for its silky-smooth texture, airy lightness, and deep chocolate flavor. It is the perfect balance between richness and fluffiness, making it an unforgettable sweet treat for any occasion—from cozy weeknight dinners to festive celebrations.

What makes chocolate mousse so special is how it transforms a few humble ingredients into a luxurious dessert with restaurant-quality sophistication. Every spoonful feels like a cloud of velvety chocolate melting on your tongue. Whether you’re a newbie in the kitchen or an experienced home cook, this recipe is approachable, reliable, and incredibly satisfying.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures everything I enjoy about chocolate desserts: smoothness, richness, and depth of flavor. The combination of melted chocolate and airy whipped cream creates a dessert that is indulgent yet not overly heavy. It’s also a recipe that feels therapeutic—melting chocolate, folding it gently, and watching it transform into a beautifully fluffy mousse.

Another reason this recipe stands out is its versatility. You can dress it up with various toppings, turn it into parfaits, pipe it into glasses, or even use it as a filling for cakes and pastries. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.

Why This Dish Is a Must Try

This dessert is a must try because it offers:

• A luxurious, restaurant-style experience at home
• A surprisingly simple preparation process
• A perfect dessert for holidays, date nights, dinner parties, or personal indulgence
• A make-ahead option that reduces stress when entertaining
• Adaptability for flavor variations like coffee, berries, caramel, and more

If you’ve never made mousse before, this recipe will show you just how easy it is to create something truly elegant.

Preparation Time and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (melting and heating ingredients)
Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling time (2 hours refrigeration)

Servings and Nutritional Info

Servings: 4
Calories: Approx. 320 calories per serving (may vary depending on chocolate and cream used)
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French/European

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Mousse:

• 200 g dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), chopped
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream (chilled)
• Pinch of salt

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream (chilled)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Directions

1. Melt the chocolate and let it cool slightly.
2. Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form and refrigerate.
3. Beat egg whites with sugar to form stiff peaks.
4. Stir vanilla and egg yolks into the melted chocolate.
5. Fold egg whites into the chocolate mixture.
6. Fold in whipped cream until mousse becomes light and airy.
7. Spoon into serving glasses and chill for at least 2 hours.
8. Top with freshly whipped cream and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water or microwave in short intervals until smooth. Allow it to cool for a few minutes—it should be warm but not hot.

Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Cream

Whip 1 cup of cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Do not overbeat. Place it in the refrigerator while you prepare the remaining steps.

Step 3: Beat the Egg Whites

In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become frothy. Slowly add the sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Step 4: Add Yolks to the Chocolate

Stir the egg yolks and vanilla extract into the slightly cooled melted chocolate until fully combined and smooth.

Step 5: Fold in Egg Whites

Add one-third of the beaten egg whites to the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Gently fold in the remaining egg whites using a spatula until no streaks remain.

Step 6: Fold in Whipped Cream

Gently fold the chilled whipped cream into the mixture until airy and evenly combined. The mousse should be fluffy and smooth.

Step 7: Chill the Mousse

Divide the mousse evenly into serving glasses or bowls. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.

Step 8: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

Whip the remaining heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spoon or pipe on top of chilled mousse just before serving.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve the mousse chilled in dessert glasses, ramekins, or coupe bowls. Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, fresh berries, or mint leaves. For a more elegant look, pipe the mousse and whipped cream using a piping bag with a star nozzle.

This dessert is perfect after a fancy dinner, during celebrations, or any time you’re craving chocolate bliss.

Recipe Tips

• Chill your mixing bowls for better whipped cream results.
• Ensure chocolate is not too hot when adding yolks to avoid curdling.
• Fold gently to maintain airiness—overmixing will deflate the mousse.
• Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
• Allow enough chilling time for mousse to set properly.

Variations

Coffee Chocolate Mousse

Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water to the melted chocolate for a deep mocha flavor.

Orange Chocolate Mousse

Add 1 teaspoon orange zest and a splash of orange liqueur for a citrusy twist.

White Chocolate Mousse

Use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate and reduce sugar to balance the sweetness.

Mint Chocolate Mousse

Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the chocolate mixture for a refreshing minty flavor.

Spiced Chocolate Mousse

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or chili powder for a warm, aromatic twist.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration

Store the mousse in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered tightly to prevent absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

Chocolate mousse freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
Frozen chocolate mousse also doubles as a delicious semifreddo-like dessert.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Heatproof bowl for melting chocolate
• Spatula
• Serving glasses or ramekins
• Whisk

FAQ

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but reduce or omit the sugar since milk chocolate is much sweeter.

Can I make this mousse without eggs?

Yes, you can make an eggless version by folding melted chocolate into whipped cream mixed with a stabilizer like gelatin.

Is raw egg safe in mousse?

Use pasteurized eggs if you’re concerned about raw eggs.

Can I prepare this a day ahead?

Absolutely. It actually sets even better when chilled overnight.

Why is my mousse grainy?

Either the chocolate was too hot when mixed with yolks, or the chocolate seized from moisture.

Conclusion

Chocolate Mousse with Whipped Cream is a classic dessert that beautifully balances richness, elegance, and simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a luxurious treat that feels special every single time. Whether you’re preparing it for guests or treating yourself, this mousse guarantees satisfaction, smooth texture, and irresistible chocolate flavor. It’s an easy yet impressive dessert that deserves a special place in your recipe collection.