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Chocolate Mousse

Classic French Chocolate Mousse

This classic French chocolate mousse uses a cooked custard base and whipped cream to create an ultra-silky, restaurant-quality dessert with deep chocolate flavor and an airy, luxurious texture.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz dark chocolate (60–70% cacao), finely chopped
  • 8 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 cups heavy cream, divided
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp espresso powder (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

Equipment

  • stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Medium saucepan
  • heatproof bowl
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

  1. Finely chop the dark chocolate and place it in a large heatproof bowl. Set aside near the stove.
  2. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until thick, pale, and ribbon-like, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Heat 2½ cups of heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming with bubbles around the edges. Do not boil.
  4. Slowly whisk about half of the hot cream into the egg mixture to temper it, whisking constantly.
  5. Return the egg mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes). Do not boil.
  6. Pour the warm custard over the chopped chocolate. Let sit 30 seconds, then stir until smooth. Add vanilla, espresso powder, and salt.
  7. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely cold.
  8. Whip the remaining 1½ cups of heavy cream to stiff peaks.
  9. Fold one-third of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to lighten it, then gently fold in the remaining cream until just combined.
  10. Spoon mousse into serving glasses. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 3 days.
  11. Whip topping cream with confectioners’ sugar to medium-stiff peaks. Spoon or pipe onto mousse and garnish before serving.

Notes

This mousse can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and add whipped cream topping just before serving for best texture.

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