Heavenly Chocolate Mousse Cups

Name: Heavenly Chocolate Mousse Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), chopped; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 large eggs, separated; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Pinch of salt; Whipped cream; Chocolate shavings; Fresh berries

Highlighted under: Classic Bakery Favorites

I absolutely adore these Heavenly Chocolate Mousse Cups! Each time I make them, I'm reminded of the joy that chocolate can bring. With a rich and velvety texture, these mousse cups are a decadent treat that can impress anyone. The combination of dark chocolate with a hint of vanilla really elevates this dessert. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet craving, these cups never fail to satisfy my chocolate lover’s heart. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to whip up, making them a go-to recipe in my kitchen.

Created by

Mario

Last updated on 2026-02-01T17:34:28.165Z

When I first tried making chocolate mousse, I was surprised at how simple it could be. Using high-quality dark chocolate made a significant difference in flavor, and folding the egg whites gently into the mixture created that delightful airy texture. I learned that patience is key while letting the mousse set in the fridge; it truly enhances the flavors and makes the mousse light and airy.

One of my favorite tips is to sprinkle a little sea salt on top before serving. It beautifully contrasts with the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor. Each bite is a heavenly experience that leaves my friends and family asking for more!

Why You Will Love These Mousse Cups
Luxuriously rich chocolate flavor that melts in your mouth
Silky texture that’s surprisingly easy to achieve
Perfect for entertaining or indulging on a quiet night at home

Mastering the Chocolate Mousse

The key to achieving a perfectly smooth and rich chocolate mousse lies in the quality of your chocolate. I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 60-70%, as its depth of flavor contributes to the mousse's luxurious taste. Avoid chocolate chips; they often contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting smoothly. When melting your chocolate and butter, ensure the water is simmering, not boiling, to prevent any scorching, which can ruin the texture.

During the mixing process, patience is crucial. When folding in the egg whites, it's essential to do so gently but thoroughly, as this aeration will give the mousse its light, airy structure. Use a rubber spatula to lift from the bottom of the bowl, turning the mixture over itself instead of stirring, which can deflate the eggs. This step can take longer than you might expect, so keep folding until no streaks are visible.

Perfecting the Textures

The addition of heavy cream brings a delightful creaminess to the mousse. Whipping the cream to soft peaks ensures it will fold in easily without losing volume, creating that perfect combination of richness and lightness. Take care not to overwhip, as this can lead to a grainy texture instead of the desired silky smoothness.

As for serving, presenting the mousse in individual cups not only elevates the dessert's appearance but also makes it easier to manage portion sizes. You can use versatile options like small mason jars or decorative glass cups. For a playful twist, try layering the mousse with crushed cookies or fruit in the cups—this adds a delightful crunch and contrasting flavor to the rich chocolate.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Mousse

8 ounces dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 large eggs, separated
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy cream
Pinch of salt

For Garnishing

Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings
Fresh berries

Instructions

Directions

Melt the Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter. Set over a pot of simmering water, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Whip the Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until pale and thick.

Combine Mixtures

Fold the melted chocolate into the egg yolk mixture until well combined.

Beat the Egg Whites

In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture in thirds.

Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Fold it into the chocolate mixture until no streaks remain.

Chill the Mousse

Spoon the mousse into serving cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.

Serve

Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and fresh berries before serving.

Enjoy Your Dessert!

Pro Tips

Using high-quality chocolate makes all the difference in flavor. Also, ensure your bowls and utensils are completely clean when whipping egg whites for the best results.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about these Heavenly Chocolate Mousse Cups is that they can be made ahead of time. After chilling, they will keep well for up to three days in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover the cups to prevent any odors from infiltrating the mousse. This feature is perfect for stress-free entertaining, allowing you to prepare them a day or two prior to your gathering.

If you’re considering freezing the mousse, I recommend doing so before adding any toppings. Mousse can be frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours, and then add your garnishes before serving. This not only saves time but also offers a delightful texture that feels luxuriously refreshing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chocolate seizes while melting, which can happen if moisture gets in, don’t fret! You can rescue it by adding a teaspoon of warm water or heavy cream and stirring gently until it comes back together. This trick helps restore the glossy texture necessary for your mousse.

When folding in the whipped cream or egg whites, if you notice the mousse isn’t incorporating well, it may be because the chocolate mixture is too cold or too thick. Allow it to warm slightly at room temperature to become more pliable; then proceed with your folding technique. This ensures a smooth blend and avoids a dense mousse.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but keep in mind that the mousse will be sweeter and less intense in flavor.

→ How long can I store the mousse?

The mousse can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

You can substitute the chocolate with a vegan alternative and use aquafaba instead of egg whites.

→ Can I make a bigger batch?

Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients according to the number of servings you need.