Over the years, I’ve been bestowed the title of “the person who makes good desserts.” True Story: One day I received a call from a friend who told me her terminally ill mother said, “I want one last batch of Pam’s Caramel Turtle Brownies before I die.” Most of my classic recipes- from caramel pie to caramel turtle brownies -are time-consuming. That’s why, when asked for specialty desserts during the holidays, I’m continually searching for desserts that look special, but take less time and effort. This year, while visiting Branson, I attended a “Cooking with a Chef” presentation. Chef Reggie and I prepared his signature chocolate mousse recipe. He’d developed this as a last minute dessert when his mom had unexpected dinner guests. “I had to use ingredients I had on hand,” he said. That’s why this mousse has three ingredients and doesn’t take long to prepare.
The Best Chocolate Mousse Recipe
Chef Reggie, who is originally from Sweden, explained the difference in his mousse and most American versions. “I don’t add sugar to the whipped cream.” This small change allows the dark chocolate flavor to shine.
Cooking Tips You Need To Know Before You Begin
*Only use heavy whipping cream. Be sure it’s completely chilled.
*To help the cream chill faster, rinse the mixer and beaters with cold water before adding the ingredients.
*Always, ALWAYS, ALWAYS make sure the bowl and beaters are completely dry before beginning to whip the cream.
*Use a higher quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chip in the recipe. I use Gihardelli. It’s easy to find at grocery stores and big box stores.
*Allow the chocolate mixture to cool for ten to fifteen minutes before adding to the whipped cream.
*Sometimes when adding the egg yolks to the chocolate, the result will not be small lumps in the chocolate. This is known as “seizing.” This will work in the mousse recipe because it allows small bits of chocolate to separate in the cream, creating additional flavor bursts.
*Do NOT allow any water to touch the chocolate mixture. Even one drop of water can cause the chocolate to form lumps.
**Mix the cream until stiff peaks form.
Printable Recipe:
- 1 (12-ounce) bag semi-sweet OR dark chocolate chips
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 cups heavy cream
- optional: fresh raspberries, prepared whipped cream
- Place chocolate chips in a double boiler. Melt over low heat, stirring frequently. When chocolate is melted and smooth, allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes.
- Separate eggs. Add eggs to the cooled chocolate mixture. Stir until eggs are blended.
- While chocolate is melting, pour heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Beat until stiff peaks form.
- Add cooled chocolate mixture to whipped cream mixture. Using a mixer, beat until chocolate is combined.
- Spoon chocolate mixture into small bowls or parfait glasses.
- Chill until serving.
- If desired, top with frozen berries and a dollop of whipped cream.
This chocolate mousse recipe is naturally gluten-free, but no one will ever notice a taste difference. Although this recipe does require some “hands-on” time, it’s no bake, has minimal ingredients, and looks elegant. What more could you want in a holiday dessert?
What are your favorite holiday desserts?
I have never tried making a chocolate mousse so let’s see if I can make it successfully. I will add this up for our Holiday Christmas treats at home.
Ooooh, this looks so good. I remember when I was a kid, my mom used to make chocolate mousse for Christmas. So nostalgic for me!
YES! I really love food like this! I want to take the one bowl sit to our sofa and eat this like a queen, lol! Love this post ♥
This looks so good! I can’t remember the last time I had Chocolate mousse!
I haven’t had chocolate mousse in ages, and I’ve never made my own either. Thanks for sharing your recipe. My kids would love this!
Loving your green ceramic tree! My mom made one in the 70s and she passed it to me about 10 years ago. I love it.
I love chocolate mousse! I haven’t tried to make it myself though, for some reason. I’m going to try this recipe!
Chocolate mousse is probably my favorite dessert. Your recipe here looks fantastic and so decadent!
I know I’d be happy with this. I just love all things chocolate. I haven’t had a good mousse in ages.
Cold, heavy cream. Now that’s a GREAT tip! I’ve tried a few mousse recipes and they fall. *sad face* I’ll try this tip and this recipe next time I make a chocolate mousse
Chocolate mousse reminds me of childhood dinners, my Mum used to make a delicious one which she would top with chocolate flakes amazing! I am definitely going to have to try out your recipe.
Oh if people only knew how easy mousse is to make and how much better it taste over regular pudding. Chocolate mousse is the best.
That is not your everyday chocolate pudding it looks so rich and creamy. I will try and make this for a great dessert to the holiday meal.
I would deathly have to say this looks absolutely delicious. I love chocolate mousse anyway but this one looks amazing especially with that heavy cream in there.
I’m a chocolate mousse lover and I make mint chocolate mousse often. I want to try your recipe over the holidays. It would be the perfect ending to a dinner party.
That looks so tasty. I love to serve chocolate mousse to my guests when we have parties or for holiday get-togethers. Everyone loves that classic flavor, and it just looks so nice in a glass dish.