Description
A rich and airy Easy Chocolate Mousse made with melted semi-sweet chocolate, whipped egg whites, and cream for a silky smooth texture. Perfectly light yet indulgent, this classic dessert is enhanced with a hint of espresso powder and vanilla extract, requiring no baking and ready in under 2.5 hours.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Mixture
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped (or dark chocolate)
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Eggs and Sugar
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
Cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream, lightly whipped
Garnish
- Shaved chocolate (optional)
- Raspberries (optional)
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate: Melt the finely chopped chocolate gently over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring constantly until smooth. Stir in the espresso powder. Set aside to cool slightly until warm but not hot.
- Combine Egg Yolks: Whisk the egg yolks one at a time into the melted chocolate until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 tablespoon of sugar and continue beating until glossy medium peaks form.
- Fold in Cream: Gently fold the lightly whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to loosen it, creating a silkier mousse base.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Fold one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Then gently fold in the remaining egg whites just until combined to maintain mousse volume.
- Chill Mousse: Spoon the mousse evenly into serving dishes. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set and chilled.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish the mousse with shaved chocolate and fresh raspberries to add texture and freshness.
Notes
- Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for best flavor.
- Be careful not to overheat the chocolate to avoid burning or seizing.
- Make sure egg whites bowl and beaters are clean and dry for proper whipping.
- Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a firmer mousse, increase chilling time to 3-4 hours.
- Contains raw eggs; use fresh, high-quality eggs and consume promptly.
