Description
This indulgent chocolate mousse is rich, velvety, and sophisticated with airy whipped egg whites and a touch of orange liqueur. Inspired by classic French style, it’s a make-ahead dessert that feels elegant yet simple, perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- For the mousse:
- 6 oz bittersweet chocolate (70–74% cocoa), chopped
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp orange liqueur (optional)
- For Chantilly cream (optional):
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt chocolate and butter over a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with half the sugar until pale and creamy. Slowly fold in melted chocolate and optional orange liqueur.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks. Add remaining sugar gradually and beat to stiff peaks.
- Fold a spoonful of egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten, then gently fold in the rest in two additions.
- Spoon mousse into serving glasses or ramekins. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- For Chantilly cream, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Serve mousse topped with cream.
Notes
- Use high-quality bittersweet chocolate for the best flavor.
- Skip or replace orange liqueur with orange extract for non-alcoholic version.
- Try flavor twists like mint, espresso, citrus zest, or chili powder.
- Layer mousse over crushed cookies for added crunch.
- Make dairy-free with vegan butter, chocolate, and coconut cream instead of Chantilly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (without Chantilly cream)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
