Christiane’s Classic Chocolate Mousse Recipe

When I was growing up my parents hosted lively dinner parties filled with friends from many cultures. One of those friends, Christiane from France, made the most silky, deeply chocolatey mousse. I often missed dessert at the party, so I remember sneaking into the fridge the next morning to find the little pot of that “gold” my mom had saved for me. Make this for your Valentine and you’ll earn a million gold stars.

Made with amore,

Elena

Small bowls of chocolate mousse on a long white tray.

Prep time: 25 min Chill Time: 3 hrs Total Time: 3 hrs 25 min Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 6 eggs at room temperature (room temp is important)
  • 205 grams high-quality dark chocolate (52%–60% cacao). You may use slightly less than 56% but do not exceed 60% or the texture will change.
  • Pinch of salt

Freshly whipped cream and raspberries for garnish

Directions

1. Separate the yolks from the whites into two large bowls. Be careful that no yolk gets into the whites. Add the pinch of salt to the egg whites.

2. Whisk the yolks with a fork until smooth and set aside.

3. Place the chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat and begin to melt it slowly. Stir often and watch closely to avoid burning.

4. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the egg whites with the pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. Set aside.

5. As soon as the chocolate is melted and smooth, remove it from the heat immediately. Important: do not let the chocolate cool.

6. Add about half the hot chocolate to the egg yolks and stir vigorously with a fork to temper and combine. Add the remaining chocolate and stir until smooth. The mixture will thicken slightly—that’s normal.

7. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the chocolate-yolk mixture. Do this in roughly four additions. Use a spatula or wooden spoon and fold from top to bottom, scraping the sides, so you incorporate the chocolate without deflating the whites. Stop folding once the mixture is an even, uniform color—do not overmix.

8. Spoon the mousse into ramekins or small glass dishes. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best texture.

When ready to serve, top each portion with freshly whipped cream and a few raspberries. This mousse is easy to make a day ahead for gatherings—just keep it chilled until serving.

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment to tell me how it turned out. I love connecting with you through your experiences with my recipes.

Love, Elena

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5 from 1 vote

Mousse au Chocolat

By: Elena Davis
Servings: 6 servings
Prep: 25 minutes
Chill: 3 hours
Total: 3 hours 25 minutes
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Small bowls of chocolate mousse on a long white tray.
This mousse is wonderfully smooth and deeply irresistible. It’s perfect for a romantic dessert or any chocolate craving.

Ingredients

  • 6 eggs, at room temperature — important that they are at room temp
  • 205 grams high-quality dark chocolate (52%–60%) — do not exceed 60% cacao
  • 1 pinch salt
  • Freshly whipped cream and raspberries for garnish

Instructions

  • Separate yolks and whites into two bowls. Add the salt to the whites and ensure no yolk contaminates them.
  • Whisk the yolks with a fork until smooth and set aside.
  • Melt the chocolate gently over low heat, stirring frequently to keep it smooth.
  • Beat the egg whites with the salt until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  • Remove the chocolate from heat as soon as it is melted and smooth. Do not let it cool.
  • Stir half the chocolate into the yolks to combine, then add the rest and stir until smooth. The mixture may thicken slightly.
  • Fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture in about four additions, folding gently until uniform in color. Do not overmix.
  • Divide the mousse among ramekins or small glasses and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Notes

Top with freshly whipped cream and raspberries before serving.

This mousse keeps well in the refrigerator, so you can prepare it a day ahead for gatherings.

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 8gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10gFiber: 4g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Tried this recipe?Share your result and tag @cucinabyelena or use #cucinabyelena