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Easy Chocolate Mousse

Quick and easy chocolate mousse is made with 5 simple ingredients, no eggs and only a few easy to follow steps! This dessert always wows with it’s smooth, creamy light texture.

Chocolate mousse in a white bowl with whipped cream.
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Why I Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make: This easy chocolate mousse recipe has a fancy French name, but is an easy no-bake dessert with only 5 minutes prep, no raw eggs or gelatin.
  • Simple with intense chocolate flavor: Rich chocolate with whipping cream and powdered sugar, it is incredible decadence in each bite.
  • Light texture: This mousse is mooth and creamy plus light and velvety with the best fluffy texture.
Spoonful of chocolate mousse.

Ingredient Notes

  • Chocolate chips: For the best chocolate mousse, use quality semi-sweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, bittersweet chocolate chips or a combination of chocolate chips. You can also use chopped chocolate bar.
  • Whipping cream: Heavy whipping cream or whole whipping cream.
  • Powdered sugar: For a less sweet chocolate mousse use 1-2 Tablespoons sugar for a sweeter version use 3-4 Tablespoons.
  • Vanilla extract: For a holiday variation try peppermint extract.
  • Pinch of salt: This helps balance the flavors.

How to Make Easy Chocolate Mousse

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and 1/4 cup heavy cream in the microwave using 20-second intervals until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Chill for 5 minutes.

Melted chocolate in a glass bowl.

In a separate chilled bowl using an electric mixture, whip the heavy whipping cream, sugar, vanilla and a pinch of salt until soft stiff peaks form. Gently fold cooled chocolate mixture into the whipped cream.

Showing how to make chocolate mousse.

Divide the chocolate mousse mixture into serving dishes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Once mousse is set, garnish and serve immediately or let sit outside the fridge for 10 minutes for a softer texture.

Chocolate mousse in a glass bowl.

Recipe Tips

While this is an easy mousse recipe, there are a few tips that will ensure it turns out perfectly!

  • Avoid over whipping: If you whip your heavy cream mixture too long, it will start to turn clumpy and curd-like. Whip only until stiff peaks form.
  • Chilled cream and equipment: I like to store my heavy cream near the back of the fridge to ensure it is really cold as well as I like to chill my equipment including beaters and bowl.
  • Cool down the chocolate: Bringing your milk chocolate mixture to room temperature is great, but if you have to chill it overnight that is even better.
  • Serving: Serve this mousse on its own or use it to fill a pie crust, place in a trifle or even use as a filling for a cake.
  • Garnish: Finish with a dollop of whipped cream, chocolate shavings, fresh berries, chopped almonds, coconut flakes or even crushed peppermint candies.

Storage

Mousse is best served the day it is made but can be stored in the refrigerator up to 2 days. While in storage, it may go slightly flat and need to be rewhipped before serving.

Chocolate mousse in a white bowl.

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Spoonful of chocolate mousse.

Easy Chocolate Mousse Recipe

5 from 7 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
Quick and easy chocolate mousse is made with 5 simple ingredients, no eggs and only a few easy to follow steps! This dessert always wows with it's smooth, creamy light texture.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Video

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream , divided
  • 3-4 Tablespoons powdered sugar
  • dash vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt

For serving: whipped cream & chocolate shavings

Instructions

  • Melt chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup chocolate chips and 1/4 cup heavy cream in the microwave using 20-second intervals. Stir well after each interval until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate. Place in the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
  • Whip cream. In a separate chilled bowl, whip remaining 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, 3-4 Tablespoons powdered sugar, pinch of vanilla and salt until soft peaks form. I liked to use an electric hand mixer.
  • Fold chocolate into whipped cream. Once the melted chocolate is at room temperature, gently fold into the whipped cream. Make sure to do this gently to maintain the light and airy texture of the mousse.
  • Divide into bowls. Divide the chocolate mousse mixture into serving glasses or bowls. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the mousse is set.
  • Serve. Once the mousse is set, remove from the refrigerator. If you'd like it softer, leave out about 10 minutes before serving. When ready to serve, top with a dollop of whipped cream and some chocolate shavings.

Notes

Chocolate: You can experiment with the type of chocolate chips you use. You can also chop your own chocolate from a bar. 
For serving: Serve in small bowls. This mousse is rich, so a little goes a long way. Add extra whipped cream and fresh berries if desired. 
Storage: Best served the first day. Store in the refrigerator up to 2-3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 208mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 598IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

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