Light Chocolate Mousse

Name: Light Chocolate Mousse
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa); 300ml heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; A pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

When I first attempted to make this light chocolate mousse, I was amazed at how effortlessly it came together. With just a few simple ingredients, I managed to create a dessert that feels indulgent yet airy. It’s perfect for satisfying a chocolate craving without feeling too heavy afterward. The fluffy texture and rich chocolate flavor make every bite a delight, and I guarantee you’ll be going back for seconds. If you're searching for a dessert that impresses without the fuss, this mousse is the answer.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-30T05:15:28.803Z

During my first experience with making chocolate mousse, I learned that the key is to whip the cream just enough to achieve the perfect lightness. I accidentally over-whipped it once, and let me tell you, it resulted in a dense, less enjoyable dessert. Since then, I always keep a close watch on that cream, ensuring it reaches soft peaks for the ideal texture.

Additionally, incorporating high-quality chocolate really makes a difference. It enhances the rich flavor without the need for excessive sugar, proving that simplicity often leads to the best results. I recommend using dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a truly luxurious finish.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
A heavenly balance of lightness and richness
Quick to prepare with minimal ingredients
Perfect for any chocolate lover's palate

Perfectly Melted Chocolate

Melting chocolate can be tricky, but using a double boiler method ensures even heating. Make sure the bottom of your heatproof bowl does not touch the simmering water, as direct contact can lead to overheating and seizing the chocolate. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy, about 5-7 minutes. If you notice any lumps, remove the bowl from the heat and stir off the heat to gently melt them.

Once melted, it’s essential to allow the chocolate to cool slightly before combining it with the whipped cream. If the chocolate is too hot, it can cause the cream to deflate, which will impact the mousse's texture. Aim for a temperature around room temperature to ensure a perfect fold later on.

Whipping Cream to Perfection

When whipping the heavy cream, it’s crucial to start with chilled equipment. Use a cold mixing bowl and beaters to achieve the best volume. Beat on medium speed until you see soft peaks forming, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Over-whipping can lead to graininess, so keep a close eye. The cream should hold its shape without looking buttery.

Incorporating powdered sugar not only sweetens the cream but also helps stabilize it, which is beneficial for the mousse's texture. If you'd prefer a less sweet mousse, feel free to adjust the sugar to taste or substitute it with a sweetener of your choice.

Chilling for the Perfect Set

Chilling the mousse is a vital step for achieving that airy texture. Allow it to rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but if you have time, letting it set overnight can enhance the flavors even more. The longer chilling time allows for a more stable structure and a richer chocolate taste.

For serving, consider presenting the mousse in elegant glass cups to showcase its beautiful layers. You can also play with toppings—feel free to garnish with whipped cream, fresh mint leaves, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for an upgraded flavor profile.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Light Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients

200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
300ml heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Make sure to use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor!

Instructions

Steps to Prepare Light Chocolate Mousse

Melt the Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl, gently melt the dark chocolate over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip.

Combine the Mixtures

Once the chocolate has cooled to room temperature, fold a third of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Then gently fold in the remaining cream until fully combined.

Chill and Serve

Divide the mousse into serving cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with chocolate shavings or fresh berries if desired.

Enjoy your delightful mousse on its own or paired with fresh fruit!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a splash of your favorite liqueur to the chocolate mixture before folding in the whipped cream.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of chocolate is crucial to this mousse’s flavor. I recommend using dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content, as it provides the depth and richness needed to balance the lightness of the whipped cream. If you prefer a sweeter mousse, you could opt for a milk chocolate variant, but be mindful of adjusting the sugar accordingly.

Heavy cream is the star of the show here, providing a luxurious mouthfeel. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with whipped coconut cream. Just note that this will alter the flavor slightly, introducing a hint of coconut that can be quite enjoyable.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This chocolate mousse is perfect for making ahead of time. It can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, just keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. If you decide to freeze it, be aware that the texture may change slightly—freeze for no more than one month, and thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

When serving leftovers, give the mousse a good stir to reincorporate the ingredients, as it may separate slightly during storage. Alternatively, you can transform leftover mousse into a frozen dessert by placing it in an ice cream maker for a couple of churning cycles.

Variations and Flavor Additions

If you want to take your chocolate mousse to the next level, consider adding flavor extracts like orange or mint. A teaspoon of either will add a delightful twist that complements the chocolate beautifully. For a nutty flavor, fold in some finely crushed hazelnuts or almonds after combining the mixtures.

For a more decadent experience, you could also layer the mousse with crushed cookies or fruit puree between servings. Raspberry or cherry coulis could provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate, making every bite even more exciting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate, but it will result in a sweeter mousse. Adjust the sugar accordingly.

→ How long can I store the mousse?

The mousse can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it's covered.

→ Is there a dairy-free option for this mousse?

Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate.

→ Can I make this mousse in advance?

Yes, it's perfect for making a day ahead! Just keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve.