Ina Garten’s Foolproof Chocolate Mousse Recipe That Wows

Chocolate mousse captivates dessert lovers with its luxurious, silky texture that whispers decadence.

Rich and indulgent, this classic French-inspired treat transforms simple ingredients into an elegant culinary masterpiece.

Smooth chocolate blends seamlessly with whipped cream, creating a cloud-like dessert that melts effortlessly on your palate.

Subtle hints of espresso and liqueur can elevate the mousse from delightful to extraordinary.

Every spoonful promises a velvety experience that balances sweetness with deep, complex chocolate notes.

Light yet intensely flavorful, this dessert represents a perfect harmony of technique and ingredients.

The careful balance of egg whites and cream ensures a dreamy, airy consistency that feels both luxurious and comforting: prepare to be transported.

Why Ina Garten’s Chocolate Mousse Wins Fans

• Indulge in Decadent Layers: This chocolate mousse combines three different chocolates (bittersweet, milk, and espresso-infused) creating a rich, complex flavor profile that transforms a simple dessert into a gourmet experience.
• Effortlessly Elegant Technique: The recipe uses classic French cooking methods like melting chocolate over a water bath, beating egg whites to soft peaks, and carefully folding ingredients, which sounds sophisticated but is surprisingly simple for home cooks.
• Quick Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Prepared in just 20 minutes of active cooking time and requiring only chilling, this mousse can be made ahead of time – perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Luxurious Texture Adventure: The combination of whipped egg whites and cream creates an incredibly light, airy texture that melts smoothly on your tongue, while the chocolate provides a deep, intense richness that makes each bite feel like a luxurious treat.

Your Ingredient List for Chocolate Mousse

• Bittersweet Chocolate: Rich base with deep chocolate flavor, choose high-quality dark chocolate for best results.
• Milk Chocolate: Adds creamy sweetness and smooth texture to the mousse.
• Espresso: Enhances chocolate depth and provides subtle coffee undertone.
• Kahlúa: Coffee liqueur that adds complex flavor and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm background note and complements chocolate flavors.

• Egg Yolks: Creates smooth, silky texture and adds richness to the mousse.
• Egg Whites: Provides light, airy structure and helps create volume.

• Heavy Cream, Sugar: Creates light whipped cream topping with pleasant sweetness, use cold cream for best volume.
• Sweetened Whipped Cream: Optional garnish that adds extra creamy and sweet finish.
• Pinch of Salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor of the mousse.

Simple Steps to Chocolate Mousse Perfection

Step 1: Melt The Chocolate Medley

• Bittersweet chocolate
• Milk chocolate
• Espresso

Stir gently until silky smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in Kahlúa and vanilla. Let cool for 15 minutes. Gradually incorporate egg yolks, whisking after each addition.

Step 2: Whip Egg White Cloud

Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites with a tiny salt pinch until soft, billowy peaks form. Gently blend half the whites into warm chocolate mixture. Carefully fold remaining whites using a rubber spatula.

Step 3: Craft Dreamy Cream Layer

Without washing mixer bowl, whip cold heavy cream with sugar on high speed until soft peaks emerge. Tenderly fold cream into chocolate mixture until completely blended.

Step 4: Chill And Prepare

• 6-inch round soufflé dish
• Four to five 10-ounce glass bowls

Pour mousse into chosen container. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours or overnight. Before serving, crown with sweetened whipped cream.

Serving Tip: Serve chilled for maximum indulgence. Perfect for elegant dinner parties or romantic dessert moments.

Smart Tips for Rich Chocolate Mousse

• Pick Premium Chocolate: Select top-quality bittersweet and milk chocolate for a rich, smooth flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Let Chocolate Cool Completely: Wait the full 15 minutes before adding egg yolks to prevent accidental cooking and maintain a silky texture.
• Whip Egg Whites Carefully: Stop whisking when soft peaks form to ensure a light, fluffy consistency that blends perfectly into the mousse.
• Fold with Finesse: Use a gentle folding technique with a rubber spatula to keep the mousse delightfully airy and preserve its delicate structure.
• Patience Pays Off: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to achieve the perfect creamy, firm texture that will impress your guests.

Storing Leftover Chocolate Mousse

• Airtight Container Method: Transfer the mousse into a sealable glass or ceramic container with a tight-fitting lid. Glass containers help prevent flavor absorption and maintain the mousse's delicate texture while allowing easy visibility of contents.
• Layering Protection Method: Create a barrier between the mousse and potential refrigerator odors by placing a sheet of plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing the container. This extra step prevents moisture buildup and preserves the mousse's smooth consistency.
• Temperature Control Method: Position the mousse in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, away from the door. Consistent cool temperatures between 35-40°F help maintain the mousse's structural integrity and prevent potential bacterial growth.

Creative Ideas for Mousse Add-ins

• Espresso Chocolate Blast: Increase espresso for a stronger coffee kick, adding a shot of cold brew or espresso powder to intensify the mocha flavor profile.
• Nutty Chocolate Dream: Fold in chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts for a crunchy texture and rich nutty undertone that complements the smooth chocolate base.
• Liqueur Lovers Edition: Swap Kahlúa with other liqueurs like Grand Marnier, Bailey's Irish Cream, or amaretto to create unique flavor combinations that enhance the dessert's complexity.
• Vegan Chocolate Cloud: Replace dairy ingredients with coconut cream, use dark chocolate without milk solids, and substitute egg whites with aquafaba for a plant-based version that maintains the original's luxurious texture.

Mousse Wrap-Up You’ll Appreciate

Rich chocolate mousse embodies culinary elegance with Ina Garten’s signature touch.

Complex layers of bittersweet and milk chocolate dance with espresso notes, creating a symphony of flavors.

Kahlúa whispers subtle sophistication through each silky spoonful.

European techniques merge seamlessly in this classic dessert, promising indulgent moments of pure pleasure.

Chocolate lovers will discover an irresistible balance between intense cocoa and delicate cream.

Chocolate mousse becomes more than a dessert—it’s a passionate culinary experience that beckons you to savor, share, comment, and spread deliciousness across your social circles.

Ina Garten Easy Chocolate Mousse Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Chocolate mousse perfection comes straight from Ina Garten’s famous culinary repertoire, promising rich indulgence with minimal effort. Silky chocolate whispers elegance and comfort, delivering a dessert that delights with its luxurious simplicity and classic French charm.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chocolate:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) bittersweet chocolate, chopped, such as Lindt
• 4 ounces (113 grams) milk chocolate, chopped, such as Lindt

Liquids:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) Kahlúa
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) cold heavy cream

Other Ingredients:

• 2 extra-large organic egg yolks, at room temperature
• 4 extra-large organic egg whites, at room temperature
• ⅓ cup (67 grams) sugar
• Kosher salt
• Sweetened Whipped Cream, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a double boiler by placing a large heatproof bowl over a pan of gently simmering water. Combine bittersweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and espresso powder in the bowl, stirring periodically until completely smooth and glossy (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Remove the chocolate mixture from heat and whisk in Kahlúa liqueur and pure vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool for approximately 10-12 minutes at room temperature.
3. Incorporate egg yolks into the chocolate mixture one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to ensure smooth integration.
4. In a clean mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip egg whites with a tiny pinch of salt. Beat until soft, billowy peaks form that hold their shape but are not stiff.
5. Gently introduce half of the whipped egg whites into the warm chocolate mixture, stirring to lighten the base. Carefully fold in the remaining egg whites using a silicone spatula, maintaining as much air volume as possible.
6. Rinse the mixer attachments and whip cold heavy cream with granulated sugar until soft peaks develop. Delicately fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, ensuring no white streaks remain.
7. Transfer the mousse into a 6-inch (15.24 centimeters) round soufflé dish or divide among 4-5 individual 10-ounce (295 milliliters) serving glasses.
8. Refrigerate the mousse for a minimum of 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.
9. Before serving, garnish with dollops of sweetened whipped cream and optionally dust with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.

Notes

• Select premium chocolate bars with high cocoa content for a rich, deep flavor that transforms your mousse into a luxurious dessert.
• Let the chocolate mixture cool completely before incorporating egg yolks to prevent unexpected scrambling and maintain a silky smooth consistency.
• Whip egg whites carefully until they form soft, glossy peaks that hold their shape without becoming dry or stiff.
• Incorporate whipped cream and egg whites using delicate folding techniques that preserve the mousse’s light, airy texture and prevent deflation.
• Refrigerate the mousse for a minimum of two hours, allowing the dessert to set perfectly and develop an irresistibly creamy mouthfeel.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 55mg
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 170mg