Description

This irresistibly smooth and airy chocolate mousse is the easiest recipe you’ll ever make to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth. Made with rich semisweet chocolate, creamy whipped cream, and a hint of vanilla, this dessert balances decadence with simplicity. Perfect for any occasion, it requires no baking and sets in the refrigerator for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Base

8 ounces Semisweet or Bittersweet Chocolate Chips (Substitute with dark or milk chocolate if desired)
2 tablespoons Water (Or brewed coffee for enhanced flavor)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Enhances the rich chocolate notes)

Cream Mixture

2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream (Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (Can substitute with powdered sugar or honey)

For Serving

1 cup Whipped Cream
1/4 cup Chocolate Shavings (For garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the double boiler: Place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water to create gentle steam heat without direct contact with boiling water.
Melt the chocolate: Add the chocolate chips and water to the bowl, stirring continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add vanilla and cool: Stir in the vanilla extract after the chocolate is melted. Remove the bowl from heat and allow the chocolate mixture to cool to room temperature, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Whip the cream and sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Lighten the chocolate: Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture to lighten its texture, taking care not to deflate the cream.
Combine remaining cream: Fold in the remaining whipped cream until the mixture is fully combined without streaks, maintaining the airy consistency.
Fill serving dishes: Spoon the mousse into serving dishes or glasses, filling them about three-quarters full to leave space for garnishes.
Chill the mousse: Refrigerate the filled dishes for at least 1 hour until the mousse sets and firms up.
Garnish before serving: Optionally, add dollops of whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top before serving for added elegance and flavor.
Enjoy and store leftovers: Serve and savor the mousse. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Notes

You can substitute the water with brewed coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream.
If you prefer a sweeter mousse, adjust the sugar to taste or use powdered sugar or honey.
Be gentle while folding to keep the mousse light and airy.
Storage: Keep mousse refrigerated and consume within three days for best freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: French

Keywords: Chocolate mousse, easy chocolate dessert, no-bake chocolate mousse, creamy mousse, elegant dessert, lightweight chocolate mousse