Mousse au chocolat, or chocolate mousse, is a French dessert that is light, fluffy, and intensely chocolatey. It is made with just a few ingredients, and can be easily whipped up at home. This recipe is foolproof and yields a perfect mousse every time.
Ingredients
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 4 eggs, separated
- 1/4 cup (60ml) coffee or water
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Method
- Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the coffee or water to a boil, then pour it over the chocolate. Let the chocolate sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until pale and thick. Add the melted chocolate and whisk until combined.
- In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture until combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk the cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until combined.
- Pour the mousse into individual serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Serve chilled.
Potential changes & improvements
There are many ways to change up this recipe to suit your tastes. For a richer mousse, use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate. For a lighter mousse, use whipped cream instead of heavy cream. You can also add in a tablespoon or two of liqueur for an extra kick. Try using orange liqueur, rum, or even mint liqueur. Finally, top the mousse with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder or shaved chocolate.
What other food it works well with
Mousse au chocolat is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of other foods. Try serving it with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. It is also delicious served with a simple shortbread cookie or a chocolate wafer cookie.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake when making mousse au chocolat is not whisking the egg whites properly. Be sure to whisk them until stiff peaks form, otherwise the mousse will not be light and fluffy. Another mistake is not folding the ingredients together gently enough. Be sure to take your time when folding in the egg whites and whipped cream, so as not to deflate them.
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes 4 servings. Each serving contains approximately:
- 500 calories
- 30g fat
- 30g carbohydrates
- 10g protein
Allergens:
- Eggs
- Dairy