Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate mousse is the quintessential romantic French dessert. It is the ideal treat to offer at the end of a special meal because it can be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
The name “mousse” comes from the French word meaning “foam.” The light and airy texture of this classic dessert comes from whipping air into cream and gently folding it into the chocolate mixture.
How to Make Homemade French Fries
For the best chocolate mousse, it is important to use the highest quality chocolate available. The better the chocolate, the better the mousse. Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate is preferred because it will impart a rich flavor without being too sweet.
This recipe incorporates a splash of cognac or coffee liqueur into the chocolate mixture for added panache. Brewed espresso also works well if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mousse:
4 large egg yolks
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups heavy cream, divided
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon cognac, coffee liqueur, or brewed espresso
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping and Garnish:
Whipped cream
Chocolate curls, or chocolate shavings
Steps to Make It
Gather the ingredients.
Chocolate Mousse ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whip the egg yolks and granulated sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, whip the egg yolks and granulated sugar
In a small saucepan, gently warm 3/4 cup of the heavy cream over low heat until it just begins to steam. Do not boil. (Return the remaining 1 1/4 cups of heavy cream to the refrigerator until ready to use in step 8.)
In a small saucepan, gently warm heavy cream
While whisking the egg mixture, slowly pour half of the warm cream into the egg mixture to temper the egg yolks. Once combined, pour the combined egg yolk and cream mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining warm cream.
combine cream and egg mixtures
Cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken and reaches 160 degrees on an instant read thermometer, about 3 to 5 minutes.
egg mixture and cream mixture combined in a saucepan
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate, your choice of cognac, coffee liqueur or brewed espresso, and the vanilla extract. Mix well until the chocolate has melted.
add chocolate to the saucepan
Pour the chocolate mixture into a medium bowl, cover and chill thoroughly.
Pour the chocolate mixture into a medium bowl, and cover with plastic wrap
Once the chocolate has chilled, whip the remaining 1 1/4 cups heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
whip heavy cream
Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until combined and no white streaks show.
Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture
Spoon into serving bowls and chill until ready to serve.
Spoon Chocolate Mousse into serving bowls and chill
When ready to serve, top with additional whipped cream and garnish with chocolate curls.
chocolate mouse in cups with whipped cream and chocolate curls
What is the difference between Pudding and Mousse?
While pudding and mousse are both delicious, creamy desserts, there are a few distinct differences that make each of these treats unique.
Pudding is made with a combination of milk and sugar that is cooked and thickened with cornstarch. The result is a dessert that is thicker and more dense. Mousse has a much lighter and fluffier texture because air is whipped into the mixture. Sometimes this is achieved by using whipped egg whites, while other recipes use whipped cream.