Smooth and velvety with a light texture, this chocolate mousse is made with 4 simple ingredients, no eggs and only a few easy to follow steps! It’s perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings with minimal effort.
Want more easy chocolate desserts? Try chocolate dump cake, chocolate souffle or chocolate lasagna!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: This easy chocolate mousse recipe has a fancy French name, but it’s an easy no-bake dessert with only 5 minutes prep, no raw eggs and no fancy techniques!
- Simple ingredients: You only need 4 ingredients plus a pinch of salt!
- Intense chocolate flavor: Rich chocolate with whipping cream and powdered sugar combine together for incredible decadence in each bite.
- Light texture: Smooth and creamy plus light and velvety with the best fluffy texture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chocolate chips: Try using dark chocolate chips, bittersweet chocolate chips or a combination of chocolate chips. For the best chocolate mousse, use quality chocolate.
- Chopped chocolate bar: Skip the chocolate chips and use chopped chocolate bar instead.
- Double the whipped cream: Double the ingredients used in step 2 to make homemade whipped cream to top your chocolate mousse.
- Adjust sugar: For a less sweet chocolate mousse use 1-2 Tablespoons sugar for a sweeter version use 3-4 Tablespoons.
- Garnish: Finish with a dollop of whipped cream, chocolate shavings, fresh berries, chopped almonds, coconut flakes or even crushed peppermint candies.
- Extract: For a different flavor, try peppermint extract for a festive holiday flair or add coconut extract to the whipped cream for a variation.
- Serving: Serve the mousse in fancy glasses, champagne flutes or small bowls. Serving them in mini-cups like an espresso cup is a great idea for a party!
How to Make Chocolate Mousse
Melt chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and 1/4 cup heavy cream in the microwave using 20-second intervals until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Chill for 5 minutes.
Whip cream and add chocolate: In a separate chilled bowl using an electric mixture, whip the heavy whipping cream, sugar, vanilla and a pinch of salt until soft stiff peaks form. Gently fold cooled chocolate mixture into the whipped cream.
Chill and serve: Divide the chocolate mousse mixture into serving dishes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Once mousse is set, garnish and serve immediately or let sit outside the fridge for 10 minutes for a softer texture.
Expert Tips
While this is an easy mousse recipe, there are a few tips that will ensure it turns out perfectly!
- Avoid over whipping: If you whip your heavy cream mixture too long, it will start to turn clumpy and curd-like. Whip only until stiff peaks form.
- Chilled cream and equipment: I like to store my heavy cream near the back of the fridge to ensure it is really cold as well as I like to chill my equipment including beaters and bowl.
- Cool down the chocolate: Bringing your milk chocolate mixture to room temperature is great, but if you have to chill it overnight that is even better.
Storage Instructions
Chocolate mousse is best served on the first day you make it, but it will store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It may lose some of the whipped volume but will still taste amazing.
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Chocolate Mousse Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream , divided
- 3-4 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- dash vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
For serving: whipped cream & chocolate shavings
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and 1/4 cup heavy cream in the microwave using 20-second intervals. Stir well after each interval until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate. Place in the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream, sugar, vanilla and a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. I liked to use an electric hand mixer.
- Once the melted chocolate is at room temperature, gently fold into the whipped cream. Make sure to do this gently to maintain the light and airy texture of the mousse.
- Divide the chocolate mousse mixture into serving glasses or bowls. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the mousse is set.
- Once the mousse is set, remove from the refrigerator. If you'd like it softer, leave out about 10 minutes before serving. When ready to serve, top with a dollop of whipped cream and some chocolate shavings.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 5 Ingredients Or Less, American, Chocolate, Desserts, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Valentine's Day, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
this was such a great little dessert and so easy to make as well! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe
I love how this turned out. Light, airy, and delicious! Also very easy to make.
Okay this could not have been anymore delicious! Everyone loved it, I can’t wait to make it again.