Indulgent Airy Chocolate Mousse

Featured in: Happy Bites

This dessert features a light and airy chocolate mousse crafted by melting semi-sweet chocolate and butter, then folding in whipped cream and egg whites gently to maintain its fluffy texture. The mousse is portioned into small cups and chilled until set, offering a smooth, luxurious finish enhanced with optional garnishes like shaved chocolate or fresh berries. Ideal for parties or individual indulgence, this French-inspired treat combines silky chocolate richness with a delicate texture.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:22:00 GMT
Smooth, rich chocolate mousse dessert cups, garnished with fresh berries ready for a special occasion. Save
Smooth, rich chocolate mousse dessert cups, garnished with fresh berries ready for a special occasion. | munchhug.com

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

I first made this mousse for a dinner party and it was an instant hit with all my friends.

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

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.
Whisk the egg yolks:
with the vanilla extract. Gradually stir the cooled chocolate mixture into the yolks until fully combined.
Beat the egg whites:
until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Whip the heavy cream:
until soft peaks form.
Fold whipped cream into chocolate mixture:
Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream in to lighten it.
Fold remaining whipped cream and egg whites:
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.
Spoon or pipe the mousse:
evenly into 8 small shot glasses.
Chill mousse:
in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, until set.
Garnish before serving:
with shaved chocolate, berries, or mint leaves if desired.
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This dessert always sparks joy during family gatherings and 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.

Elegant presentation of individual chocolate mousse dessert cups, showcasing airy texture and decadent chocolate flavor. Save
Elegant presentation of individual chocolate mousse dessert cups, showcasing airy texture and decadent chocolate flavor. | munchhug.com

This chocolate mousse is sure to impress guests with its rich flavor and elegant look.

Recipe Guide

How do you achieve the mousse's airy texture?

Whipping egg whites until stiff peaks and folding them gently into the chocolate and cream mixture helps incorporate air, creating the mousse's signature lightness.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes, bittersweet chocolate with higher cocoa content can be used for a richer flavor, while semi-sweet provides a balanced sweetness.

What is the purpose of chilling the mousse?

Chilling allows the mousse to set properly, developing a firm yet airy texture and enhancing the flavor melding of ingredients.

Are there any tips for folding ingredients together?

Gently fold whipped cream and egg whites using a spatula with slow, sweeping motions to avoid deflating the mixture and maintain fluffiness.

What garnishes complement this dessert best?

Shaved chocolate, cocoa powder, fresh berries, or mint leaves add visual appeal and subtle flavor contrasts.

Indulgent Airy Chocolate Mousse

Silky, airy chocolate mousse served in elegant small cups for a delightful indulgence.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat time
120 min
Complete duration
140 min
Created by Samantha Reed


Skill level Medium

Heritage French

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition preferences Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Chocolate Mixture

01 4.2 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
03 2 large eggs, separated
04 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 1/2 teaspoon 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

Method

Phase 01

Melt Chocolate and Butter: Combine the semi-sweet chocolate and unsalted butter in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Phase 02

Incorporate Egg Yolks: Whisk the egg yolks together with vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Gradually stir the cooled chocolate mixture into the yolks until fully incorporated.

Phase 03

Beat Egg Whites: Using a clean bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks develop.

Phase 04

Whip Heavy Cream: Whip the chilled heavy cream in another bowl until soft peaks form.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Combine Remaining Ingredients: Carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream, followed by the beaten egg whites in two additions each, until the mixture is smooth and airy. Avoid overmixing.

Phase 07

Portion Mousse: Spoon or pipe the mousse evenly into 8 small shot glasses.

Phase 08

Chill Until Set: Refrigerate the mousse for at least 2 hours until fully set.

Phase 09

Add Garnish: Just before serving, garnish with shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves if desired.

Tools needed

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

Allergy alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains eggs, milk, dairy, and cocoa. May contain traces of nuts.

Dietary info (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Lipids: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 4 g