Decadent Dark Chocolate Mousse

Dark Chocolate mousse is one of my husband’s favourite desserts so naturally I’ve made this many times.  This Decadent Dark Chocolate Mousse is light and airy, while still being incredibly decadent.  It is extremely easy to make and takes very little time to prepare, but you must make it in advance.  This dessert is best served with something to offset the richness. I normally serve it with unsweetened whipped cream and fresh berries.  You can serve this simply in a bowl, or in parfait glasses as I’ve done. Either way it will be delicious.

TOTAL TIME FOR DARK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

• Preparation Time – 3 minutes plus 2 hours to chill
• Cooking Time – 15 minutes
• Total Time – 2 hours 18 minutes

INGREDIENTS

All these ingredients can be easily sourced at any grocery store. I used Lindt 70% cacao chocolate, but you can use any high quality chocolate.

• 100 g Dark chocolate
• 1 tbsp cream/liquor/espresso
• 1 Egg yolk lightly beaten
• 1 ½ tsp Vanilla paste
• ½ cup Whipping cream
• ½ tbsp White Sugar
• Extra whipping cream for decoration

IS VANILLA PASTE THE SAME AS VANILLA EXTRACT?

While both are made from vanilla beans, vanilla paste and vanilla extract are not entirely interchangeable. Vanilla extract is a liquid (normally made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol) that will impart a light vanilla flavour to your baked goods. Vanilla paste has the consistency of syrup and contains little black flecks of the vanilla pod. The paste is made using the whole pod and has a more intense taste.

CAN I USE MILK CHOCOLATE INSTEAD OF DARK?

If you prefer the taste of milk chocolate to dark, you could definitely substitute a high quality milk chocolate bar.

CAN I USE CHOCOLATE CHIPS FOR MELTING?

Chocolate chips are produced with stabilizing agents to ensure they hold their shape while baking. Because of that, they are not ideal for this recipe as they won’t melt smoothly.

WHAT KIND OF LIQUOR COULD I USE INSTEAD OF CREAM?

I find that any creamy liquor works nicely in this recipe. I’ve used both Bailey’s and Khalua in the past and they worked beautifully. Any liquor that tastes good with chocolate would work however.

INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTIONS

HOW CAN I MAKE THIS DARK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE VEGAN?

To make this recipe vegan you could use an egg substitute like chia egg for the yolk, and use whipped coconut cream instead of the whipping cream.

CAN I SUBSTITUTE VANILLA EXTRACT FOR VANILLA PASTE?

Although vanilla extract is a lighter flavour than vanilla paste, it can be substituted one for one without issue.

HOW CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE DAIRY FREE?

You can use coconut cream as a whipped cream alternative. When you purchase a can of full fat coconut milk it will separate into two parts: the thinner coconut milk, and the thicker solid cream on top. To make coconut whipped cream, simply remove the solid cream and whip it until light and fluffy then add it to the chocolate as described. Not only will this be dairy free, but it will have a delicious coconut flavour.

EQUIPMENT FOR DARK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

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Below is a list of the main equipment/kitchen tools needed to make Dark Chocolate Mousse.

• Whisk – A simple whisk is a tool that all home cooks need. I like using one that’s dishwasher safe.

• Bowl

• Pot

COOKING DIRECTIONS

This Decadent Dark Chocolate Mousse is incredibly easy and quick to prepare, just ensure that you make it in advance to allow it time to chill. The refrigeration will set up the mousse, the making it firmer as well as giving the flavours time to blend. This recipe makes enough for two well portioned servings, but can be easily doubled (or tripled) to serve a larger group.

WHY IS MY CHOCOLATE NOT MELTING?

Melting chocolate can be quite fickle. I always melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl on top of a pot with bowling water. I find that microwaving chocolate can easily burn it, whereas it’s near impossible to burn it using the indirect heat of a double boiler. Make sure your bowl is completely dry: if it has any water in it, your chocolate will immediately seize up and harden.

WHY IS MY DARK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE NOT FLUFFY?

After you mix your whipped cream into your chocolate mixture, it will appear to liquify. The whipped cream will appear to deflate. Don’t worry! Gently mix the whipped cream into your chocolate mixture and then place it in the fridge: it will turn out light and fluffy.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU OVER MIX CHOCOLATE MOUSSE?

It would be hard to over mix this recipe. Gently stir until the whipped cream is completely mixed into the chocolate and stop.

MAKE AHEAD STORAGE

You cannot prepare the parts of this recipe in advance. It will keep in the fridge for 4-5 days without issue.

CAN YOU LEAVE DARK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE OVERNIGHT?

You can certainly keep it in the fridge, but it cannot be left as room temperature since it contains both egg and cream.

FINISHED DISH

Enjoy this Decadent Dark Chocolate Mousse!

OTHER CHOCOLATE DISHES

Healthy Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Easy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Dark Chocolate Almond Bark with Salted Caramel

Dark Chocolate Cashew Butter Cups

Dark Chocolate Truffle Cake

OTHER DESSERTS

Nut Free Carrot Cake

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

I’d love to know how it turned out! Please let me know by leaving a comment and rating below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #cooking.with.carbs.