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Easy No-Bake Chocolate Mousse Cups

easy no-bake chocolate mousse cups - featured image

A quick and elegant no-bake chocolate mousse recipe perfect for Mother’s Day brunch, featuring a silky texture and rich chocolate flavor with minimal ingredients and effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz (170 g) dark chocolate (bittersweet or semisweet)
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) cold heavy cream (can substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp instant espresso powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional toppings: fresh berries, shaved chocolate, or whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Chop 6 oz (170 g) of dark chocolate into small pieces. Melt in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler), stirring occasionally until smooth, or microwave in 20-second bursts stirring each time. Set aside to cool slightly but not harden (about 5-7 minutes).
  2. Pour 1 ½ cups (360 ml) of cold heavy cream into a chilled mixing bowl. Add 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp instant espresso powder, and a pinch of salt. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form (around 3-5 minutes).
  3. Take about one-third of the whipped cream and stir it into the melted chocolate to lighten the mixture. Then gently fold in the remaining whipped cream using a spatula, folding carefully to keep the mousse airy (about 5 minutes).
  4. Spoon the mousse into serving cups or ramekins. Smooth tops with the back of a spoon or leave rustic.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set to allow the mousse to firm up and flavors to meld.
  6. Just before serving, garnish with fresh berries, a dusting of cocoa powder, or shaved chocolate.

Notes

Chill your bowl and beaters for fluffier whipped cream. Use a gentle folding technique to keep mousse airy. Let melted chocolate cool slightly before mixing with cream to avoid deflating. Espresso powder enhances chocolate flavor without coffee taste. Refrigerate at least 2 hours for best texture. Avoid freezing to maintain silky texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake, chocolate mousse, easy dessert, Mother's Day brunch, quick dessert, chocolate cups, mousse cups, no oven dessert