Easy Chocolate Mousse Recipe

Introduction

This easy chocolate mousse is a creamy, luscious dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with cream cheese, cocoa, and whipped crème fraîche, it offers a rich yet light texture that’s sure to please chocolate lovers.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar (plus more as needed)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 4 ounces crème fraîche
• 2 teaspoons confectioners’ sugar
• Milk or dark chocolate shavings (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the cream cheese and heavy cream. Whip on high speed until soft peaks form, about 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Reduce the mixer speed to medium, then gradually add whole milk, cocoa powder, ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well blended, about 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and add more confectioners’ sugar if needed to adjust sweetness.
3. Step 3: Spoon the mousse evenly into four to six small serving bowls. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days to chill and set.
4. Step 4: In the same stand mixer (no need to clean), whisk together the crème fraîche and 2 teaspoons confectioners’ sugar on high speed until fluffy, about 1 minute.
5. Step 5: Once the mousse is chilled, top each serving with a dollop of whipped crème fraîche and garnish with chocolate shavings. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate shavings instead of milk chocolate as garnish.
• Chill the bowls before serving to keep the mousse colder longer.
• Substitute crème fraîche with lightly sweetened whipped cream if unavailable.
• Add a pinch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.

Storage

Store the mousse covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The whipped crème fraîche is best added just before serving but can be stored separately in an airtight container for 1 day. To reheat, let the mousse sit at room temperature for a few minutes if you prefer it slightly softer, but it is typically enjoyed chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this mousse dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy ingredients like cream cheese, heavy cream, and crème fraîche, so it is not suitable for dairy-free diets without substitutions. Consider using dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream, and a suitable non-dairy whipped topping as alternatives.

Can I prepare the mousse in advance?

Yes, this mousse can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Add the whipped crème fraîche topping just before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy.

Easy Chocolate Mousse Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 89 reviews

This easy chocolate mousse recipe is a creamy, decadent dessert that requires no baking and comes together quickly using a stand mixer. Featuring a rich blend of cream cheese, heavy cream, and cocoa, topped with light whipped crème fraîche and chocolate shavings, it’s perfect for an elegant yet simple treat that can be prepared ahead of time.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Mousse

• 4 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar (plus more as needed)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Whipped Crème Fraîche

• 4 ounces crème fraîche
• 2 teaspoons confectioners’ sugar

Garnish

• Milk or dark chocolate shavings

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mousse: Using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the cream cheese and heavy cream. Whip at high speed until the mixture forms soft peaks, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This creates the fluffy base of your mousse.
2. Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to medium and gradually add whole milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, about 1 to 2 minutes. Taste the mousse and add more confectioners’ sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
3. Chill the Mousse: Spoon the prepared mousse evenly into four to six small serving bowls. Cover each bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the mousse to firm up and the flavors to meld. For best results, it can be chilled for up to 3 days.
4. Make the Whipped Crème Fraîche: Without cleaning the mixer bowl, add the crème fraîche and 2 teaspoons of confectioners’ sugar. Whisk on high speed until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, approximately 1 minute.
5. Assemble and Serve: After chilling, top each bowl of mousse with a generous dollop of the whipped crème fraîche. Finally, garnish with milk or dark chocolate shavings for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your elegant chocolate mousse dessert!

Notes

• For best results, ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before whipping to avoid lumps.
• If you prefer a sweeter mousse, adjust confectioners’ sugar incrementally to taste.
• You can prepare the mousse up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated.
• If crème fraîche is not available, you can substitute with lightly sweetened sour cream, though the flavor will differ slightly.
• Use good quality cocoa powder and vanilla extract for the richest flavor.
• Chilling time is crucial to achieve the proper mousse texture.

Keywords: chocolate mousse, easy chocolate dessert, no bake chocolate mousse, creamy chocolate mousse, whipped crème fraîche dessert