Indulgent Airy Chocolate Mousse

Featured in: Sweet Easy Treats

This indulgent chocolate mousse is crafted by melting semi-sweet chocolate with butter, then folding in whipped cream and beaten egg whites for a light, airy texture. Chilling in small cups allows the mousse to set beautifully, making it a perfect elegant treat to serve at parties. Garnish with shaved chocolate or fresh berries for an extra touch of sophistication.

Preparation and chilling time combine to about two hours, with simple steps that balance rich flavor and delicate texture. Using quality chocolate ensures a luxurious taste, and the mousse offers a refined French-inspired finish for any occasion.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:04:00 GMT
Elegant chocolate mousse dessert cups, garnished with fresh berries, ready for a special occasion. Save to Pinterest
Elegant chocolate mousse dessert cups, garnished with fresh berries, ready for a special occasion. | recipesbies.com

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

This dessert has always been a favorite at gatherings due to its delicate texture and rich 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.
Creamy chocolate mousse dessert cups, boasting a rich, dark chocolate flavor, chilled to perfection. Save to Pinterest
Creamy chocolate mousse dessert cups, boasting a rich, dark chocolate flavor, chilled to perfection. | recipesbies.com

These mousse cups always bring smiles to my family's faces during celebrations.

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

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

Individual servings of decadent chocolate mousse dessert cups, with smooth texture and delicate garnish. Save to Pinterest
Individual servings of decadent chocolate mousse dessert cups, with smooth texture and delicate garnish. | recipesbies.com

Enjoy this elegant dessert chilled for the perfect finish to any meal.

Answers to Recipe Questions

How can I achieve a light and airy texture?

Whip the cream until soft peaks form and beat egg whites to stiff peaks, then gently fold both into the chocolate mixture without overmixing.

What type of chocolate works best?

Semi-sweet chocolate provides balance, but bittersweet (70% cocoa) can yield a richer depth of flavor.

Can this dessert be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made up to 24 hours in advance and kept chilled until serving.

What garnishes complement the mousse?

Shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves add both visual appeal and fresh flavors.

Is there a substitute for raw eggs?

Pasteurized eggs or eggless alternatives can be used for safety, especially for sensitive diets.

Indulgent Airy Chocolate Mousse

Airy chocolate mousse served in elegant cups, ideal for refined gatherings and individual indulgence.

Prep duration
20 mins
0
Overall time
20 mins
Published by Sophie Turner


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type French

Serves 8 Serving size

Dietary Details No meat included, Contains No Gluten

What you 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

How to Make It

Step 01

Melt chocolate and butter: Combine chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water; stir until smooth. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.

Step 02

Incorporate egg yolks: Whisk egg yolks with vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Gradually add the cooled chocolate mixture, stirring until fully blended.

Step 03

Beat egg whites: Whip egg whites in a clean bowl until soft peaks form. Add sugar and continue until stiff peaks develop.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Lighten chocolate mixture: Fold one-third of the whipped cream into the chocolate mix to lighten it gently.

Step 06

Incorporate remaining cream and egg whites: Carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream, then fold in beaten egg whites in two additions each to maintain a smooth, airy texture without overmixing.

Step 07

Fill serving vessels: Evenly distribute the mousse into 8 small shot glasses using a spoon or piping bag.

Step 08

Chill until set: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow mousse to set properly.

Step 09

Garnish and serve: Optionally decorate with shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves just before serving.

Equipment You'll Need

  • Heatproof mixing bowls
  • Saucepan for double boiler
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small shot glasses

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens, and reach out to a healthcare pro if unsure.
  • Contains eggs, milk, dairy, and cocoa
  • May contain traces of nuts due to shared processing facilities

Nutrition info (by portion)

Nutrition info is for guidance. Please consult a medical expert if you need advice.
  • Total Calories: 210
  • Fat content: 16 g
  • Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein content: 4 g