Indulgent Airy Chocolate Mousse

Featured in: Simple Comfort Treats

This chocolate mousse features a smooth blend of semi-sweet chocolate melted with butter, combined with whipped cream and softly beaten egg whites for a light, airy texture. The mixture is chilled in small elegant cups, creating a refined dessert ideal for parties or individual treats. Garnish with shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves to enhance the indulgence and visual appeal. Preparation involves careful folding to maintain fluffiness and chilling for optimal texture.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:23:00 GMT
Decadent chocolate mousse dessert cups, rich and airy, topped with fresh berries, ready to enjoy. Pin this
Decadent chocolate mousse dessert cups, rich and airy, topped with fresh berries, ready to enjoy. | terracrumb.com

Indulgent, airy chocolate mousse served in elegant small shot glasses—perfect for parties or as a chic individual treat.

This dessert has always impressed my guests with its lightness and decadent chocolate flavor.

Ingredients

  • Chocolate Mixture: 120 g semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces, 2 large eggs, separated, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Cream: 180 ml heavy cream (minimum 35% fat), chilled
  • Garnish (optional): Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder, Fresh berries or mint leaves

Instructions

Step 1:
Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (double boiler), stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 2:
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the vanilla extract. Gradually stir the cooled chocolate mixture into the yolks until fully combined.
Step 3:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Step 4:
In another bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Step 5:
Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to lighten it.
Step 6:
Carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream, followed by the beaten egg whites, in two additions each, until the mousse is smooth and airy. Do not overmix.
Step 7:
Spoon or pipe the mousse evenly into 8 small shot glasses.
Step 8:
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, until set.
Step 9:
Just before serving, garnish with shaved chocolate, berries, or mint leaves if desired.
Elegant individual serving of chocolate mousse dessert cups, perfect for an after-dinner treat or party dessert. Pin this
Elegant individual serving of chocolate mousse dessert cups, perfect for an after-dinner treat or party dessert. | terracrumb.com

This recipe is perfect for elegant family gatherings and special occasions alike.

Required Tools

Heatproof mixing bowls, Saucepan (for double boiler), Electric mixer or whisk, Rubber spatula, Measuring cups and spoons, Small shot glasses

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs, Milk, Dairy, Cocoa. May contain traces of nuts if chocolate is processed in shared facilities. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 4 g (per serving)

Smooth, dark chocolate mousse dessert cups in small glasses, a sophisticated and easy French recipe. Pin this
Smooth, dark chocolate mousse dessert cups in small glasses, a sophisticated and easy French recipe. | terracrumb.com

Enjoy this delightful dessert chilled for maximum flavor and texture.

Recipe Questions

What chocolate type works best for rich mousse?

Using semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate with 60-70% cocoa provides a balanced richness and depth of flavor without excessive sweetness.

How can I achieve the mousse's airy texture?

Careful folding of whipped cream and egg whites into the chocolate mixture preserves lightness and creates the signature airy mousse consistency.

Can this dessert be prepared in advance?

Yes, the mousse can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and kept chilled to maintain its texture and freshness.

What garnishes complement the chocolate cups?

Shaved chocolate, fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, and fresh mint leaves add flavor contrast and elegant presentation.

Are there alternatives for using raw eggs?

Pasteurized eggs or egg substitutes can be used to reduce any health concerns while maintaining texture, especially for sensitive guests.

Indulgent Airy Chocolate Mousse

Rich, airy chocolate mousse presented in elegant cups, ideal for chic servings and special occasions.

Prep time
20 mins
Time to cook
120 mins
Time Required
140 mins
Created by Nora Whitfield


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine type French

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Info Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You Need

Chocolate Mixture

01 4.2 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
03 2 large eggs, separated
04 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cream

01 3/4 cup heavy cream (minimum 35% fat), chilled

Garnish (optional)

01 Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder
02 Fresh berries or mint leaves

Directions

Step 01

Melt Chocolate and Butter: Combine chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Step 02

Incorporate Egg Yolks: Whisk egg yolks with vanilla extract in a separate bowl, then gradually mix in the cooled chocolate until fully blended.

Step 03

Beat Egg Whites: Whip egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks develop.

Step 04

Whip Heavy Cream: In a clean bowl, whip chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form.

Step 05

Lighten Chocolate Mixture: Fold one-third of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture gently to lighten it.

Step 06

Combine Remaining Components: Carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream followed by the beaten egg whites in two additions each until the mixture is smooth and airy, taking care not to overmix.

Step 07

Portion Mousse: Spoon or pipe the mousse evenly into 8 small shot glasses.

Step 08

Chill Until Set: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.

Step 09

Garnish: Before serving, garnish with shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves as desired.

Equipment Needed

  • Heatproof mixing bowls
  • Saucepan for double boiler
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small shot glasses

Allergy Details

Review every item for possible allergens. Talk to your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains eggs, milk, dairy, and cocoa. May contain traces of nuts due to shared processing facilities.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Details are for information. Always discuss dietary choices with your doctor.
  • Energy (cal): 210
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 4 g