A rich and decadent dessert doesn’t have to be complicated. This easy chocolate mousse recipe uses just three ingredients and skips the eggs, making it one of the simplest yet most luxurious treats you can whip up. Smooth, fluffy, and deeply chocolatey, it’s the perfect finish to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only three ingredients are required.
- No eggs needed, making it suitable for egg-free diets.
- Quick prep time with minimal cooking.
- Can be made ahead, ideal for entertaining.
- Easily scalable for a crowd.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 500 ml whipping cream (around 35% fat, suitable for whipping)
- 250 g dark chocolate, roughly chopped (preferably 50% – 60% cocoa solids)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Heat 250 ml of the cream in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until bubbles form around the edges.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Add vanilla extract. Let it sit for a minute.
- Whisk gently until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the remaining 250 ml cold cream and whisk until combined.
- Taste and optionally sweeten with caster or icing sugar if the mousse is too bitter.
- Chill the mixture until very cold (several hours or overnight in the fridge; or 1 hour in the freezer, stirring every 10-15 minutes).
- Once fully chilled, whip the mixture with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Do not overwhip.
- Spoon or pipe into serving glasses or bowls.
- Serve immediately for a softer texture, or refrigerate for 1-2 hours for a firmer mousse.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 8 half-cup servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 3 minutes
- Chilling time: 1 hour 30 minutes (or overnight for best results)
- Total time: Approximately 1 hour 43 minutes
Variations
- White Chocolate Mousse: Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier variation.
- Mocha Mousse: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the hot cream before mixing.
- Mint Chocolate Mousse: Replace vanilla extract with peppermint extract.
- Nutty Delight: Top with chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or pistachios.
Storage/Reheating
- Store the mousse in covered containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This mousse is not intended for reheating.
- It can be frozen in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge and re-whip if necessary.
FAQs
1. Can You Make Chocolate Mousse Without Eggs?
Yes, this recipe is entirely egg-free and still yields a rich, airy mousse.
2. Can You Freeze Chocolate Mousse?
Yes, freeze it in airtight containers. Thaw in the fridge before serving, and optionally re-whip if needed.
3. Can I Use Chocolate Chips In This Recipe?
Only if they are suitable for melting. Standard baking chips usually do not melt smoothly.
4. Can I Make Chocolate Mousse With Cocoa Powder?
Not with this recipe. It relies on the cocoa butter in solid chocolate to set properly.
5. What If My Mousse Splits When Whipping?
Reheat the mixture gently in a saucepan while whisking until it becomes smooth again. Chill thoroughly before re-whipping.
6. Why Is My Mousse Grainy?
It may have been overwhipped. Reheat, whisk smooth, chill, and whip again for better texture.
7. Can I Use Heavy Cream?
Heavy cream may be too thick depending on the fat content. Use cream around 35% fat for best results.
8. How Long Should I Chill The Mousse Before Whipping?
At least several hours or overnight in the fridge. If in a rush, chill in the freezer for 1 hour, stirring every 10-15 minutes.
9. Can I Make This Mousse Ahead Of Time?
Yes, the base can be prepared a day in advance. Whip it on the day of serving.
10. What Toppings Go Well With Chocolate Mousse?
Try chocolate shavings, fresh berries, nuts, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
Conclusion
This easy chocolate mousse is proof that indulgent desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just three simple ingredients and a few steps, you can create a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and sure to impress. Whether you’re entertaining or treating yourself, this mousse is the perfect go-to recipe for any chocolate lover.
PrintEasy Chocolate Mousse
A rich, smooth, and fluffy chocolate mousse made with just three ingredients and no eggs. Quick to prepare and perfect for any chocolate lover.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
- Yield: 8 half-cup servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Whipping
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
500 ml whipping cream (around 35% fat, suitable for whipping)
250 g dark chocolate, roughly chopped (preferably 50% – 60% cocoa solids)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat 250 ml of the cream in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until bubbles form around the edges.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Add vanilla extract and let sit for 1 minute.
- Whisk gently until smooth and fully melted.
- Add the remaining 250 ml cold cream and whisk to combine.
- Optionally taste and sweeten with caster or icing sugar if desired.
- Chill mixture until very cold (several hours or overnight in the fridge, or 1 hour in the freezer, stirring every 10–15 minutes).
- Once chilled, whip with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Do not overwhip.
- Spoon or pipe into serving glasses or bowls.
- Serve immediately for a soft texture or refrigerate for 1–2 hours for a firmer mousse.
Notes
- Do not overwhip the mousse or it may split or become grainy.
- Chill thoroughly before whipping for best texture.
- Sweeten to taste if the chocolate is too bitter.
- Can be made a day ahead for convenience.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg