Chocolate Mousse for Beginners

4.7
(12)

This chocolate mousse for beginners is the all-time easiest method, perfect for beginners, but even experts may want to pay attention, because this technique produces the most delicious, most perfectly-textured mousse I've ever had.

3
closeup of chocolate mousse garnished with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and three fresh raspberries served in a stemmed glass
3
3
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Chill Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
1 hr 25 mins
Servings:
4

In honor of everyone’s favorite made-up holiday, I’ve simplified my already very simple chocolate mousse recipe. Besides being super easy to do, this ended up being the most delicious, perfectly textured chocolate mousse I’ve ever enjoyed. I was thrilled with that part of this exercise, but I was left slightly annoyed knowing that I’ve been making chocolate mousse all these years with a completely unnecessary step in the recipe.

 One of the keys to this streamlined method is having access to a metal mixing bowl you can place directly over the heat. If you don’t, you can use a saucepan—but it’s much harder to get the whisk into the corners of the pan. The other keys tips are use really nice chocolate (duh), and do not over-whip the cream. Whether you’re a beginner making this for the first time, or an expert looking to save a step, I think this is the perfect chocolate mousse, and I really do hope you give it a try soon. Enjoy!

More recipes: Try the latest and greatest recipes from Chef John!

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 3 1/2 ounces dark chocolate (62% cacao is ideal)

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • 2 large egg yolks

  • 1 tablespoon white sugar

  • 1/4 cup water

  • 1 tiny pinch salt

  • 1/2 cup chilled heavy whipping cream

Directions

  1. Break up or chop chocolate into small pieces and set aside with butter.

  2. Add egg yolks, sugar, water, and salt to a metal mixing bowl. Cook, whisking, directly over medium-low heat until the mixture is thick, foamy, and hot to the touch (145 to 150 degrees F (63 to 65 degrees C)). 

    Chef's Note:

    This mixture can also be cooked in a saucepan, but make sure the whisk is getting into the corners of the pan so egg doesn’t stick.

  3. Once the yolk mixture is thick and hot, add chocolate and butter, and whisk until all chocolate is melted. Let rest for a few minutes on the counter, whisking occasionally to further cool the mixture to just above or at room temperature. The chocolate mixture shouldn’t go into the whipped cream while still warm, but if cooled too long, the mixture may get too firm to fold in.

  4. Whisk cold cream until medium stiff peaks form. If cream is whisked further, it will separate and the final texture will be grainy.

  5. Transfer about 1/3 of chocolate mixture into whipped cream, and fold with a spatula until almost incorporated. Gently fold in remaining chocolate, trying to keep as much air in the mixture as possible.

  6. Transfer into 4 serving dishes, wrap, and chill before serving, at least 1 hour.

    closeup of chocolate mousse garnished with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and three fresh raspberries served in a stemmed glass

    Chef John

    Chef's Note:

    You can use 1/4 cup water as specified, or you can use another liquid for part of the water, such as a combination of 2 tablespoons water + 2 tablespoons cold coffee, or 3 tablespoons water + 1 tablespoon rum, if you would like a flavor other than pure chocolate for your mousse.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

227 Calories
19g Fat
9g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 227
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19g 25%
Saturated Fat 11g 56%
Cholesterol 181mg 60%
Sodium 81mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 9g 3%
Dietary Fiber 0g 2%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 5g 10%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 44mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 108mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.