Indulgent Airy Chocolate Mousse

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

This dish presents an elegant chocolate mousse with a light and airy texture, made by folding whipped cream and egg whites into a rich chocolate base. Melted semi-sweet chocolate is combined with butter and vanilla, then carefully blended with whipped cream and fluffy egg whites to create a smooth consistency. The mousse is portioned into small cups and chilled until set, garnished with shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves for a visually appealing and delicious finish that suits special occasions.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:46:00 GMT
Decadent chocolate mousse dessert cups, perfectly chilled and garnished with fresh berries for a treat. Save to Pinterest
Decadent chocolate mousse dessert cups, perfectly chilled and garnished with fresh berries for a treat. | amberkettle.com

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

This recipe quickly became a favorite at our family gatherings due to its lightness and decadent 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.
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| amberkettle.com

Our children love helping with the folding process, making it a fun family activity before enjoying dessert together.

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

Per serving: Calories 210, Total Fat 16 g, Carbohydrates 15 g, Protein 4 g

Silky smooth chocolate mousse dessert cups served in elegant glasses, a simple yet impressive dessert. Save to Pinterest
Silky smooth chocolate mousse dessert cups served in elegant glasses, a simple yet impressive dessert. | amberkettle.com

Serve chilled and garnish just before serving to keep your mousse fresh and elegant.

Recipe FAQs

How do I achieve the perfect airy texture?

Whip the cream to soft peaks and beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the chocolate mixture without overmixing to keep the mousse light and airy.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, the mousse can be made up to 24 hours ahead and chilled until serving to enhance flavors and texture.

What type of chocolate works best?

Semi-sweet chocolate is recommended for balance, but bittersweet (70% cocoa) provides a richer, deeper flavor.

How should I store leftover mousse cups?

Keep them covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness and texture.

Are there alternatives for raw eggs?

Use pasteurized eggs or omit egg whites for a safer option, especially for those with dietary restrictions.

Indulgent Airy Chocolate Mousse

Light and airy chocolate mousse served in elegant cups with optional berry or mint garnish.

Prep duration
20 min
Time to cook
120 min
Total duration
140 min
Created by Molly Easton


Skill level Medium

Cuisine French

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary details Meat-free, Wheat-free

What You'll Need

Chocolate Mixture

01 4.2 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
02 2 tbsp unsalted butter, diced
03 2 large eggs, separated
04 2 tbsp granulated sugar
05 1/2 tsp 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 chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.

Step 02

Mix Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Whisk egg yolks with vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Gradually fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the yolks until fully blended.

Step 03

Whip Egg Whites: Beat egg whites in a clean bowl until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks develop.

Step 04

Whip Heavy Cream: Whip chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form.

Step 05

Incorporate Whipped Cream: Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to lighten the batter.

Step 06

Fold Remaining Cream and Egg Whites: Carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream followed by the beaten egg whites, in two additions each, until the mousse is smooth and airy without overmixing.

Step 07

Portion into Serving Vessels: Distribute the mousse evenly into eight small shot glasses using a spoon or piping bag.

Step 08

Chill Until Set: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to firm up.

Step 09

Add Garnish: Prior to 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

Be sure to look at every ingredient. If you have concerns, ask your healthcare provider.
  • Contains eggs, milk, dairy, and cocoa. Possible traces of nuts due to shared processing facilities. Verify labels for allergen information.

Nutrition Info (one portion)

Information shown is for general reference. Please speak to your doctor for nutrition advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Lipids: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 4 g