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The dessert, French classic

Dark chocolate mousse

Dark chocolate mousse is a classic French dessert for 6 people, made with 70 percent chocolate, eggs and a little butter. It takes 25 minutes of active work and is made entirely the day before, for a cost of €1.50 per person and a very easy difficulty level. The key to success is folding in the whipped egg whites very gently, in three additions, to keep an airy texture.

An airy dark chocolate mousse, intense yet light, made the day before and always a hit at the table.

Dark chocolate mousse
For
6 people
Work
25 min
Total time
6 h
Prep
Prepared the day before
Difficulty
Very easy
Cost per person
€1.50
Calories per person
380 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach

A good dark chocolate mousse comes down to two things, intensity and lightness. The 70 percent chocolate gives it character, almost bold, while the whipped egg whites bring that airy texture that melts in your mouth without ever feeling heavy. It's the dessert that reassures everyone at the table, kids and grandparents alike, and it needs no special equipment.

Make it for a dinner with friends or a family meal, any time of year, because it's prepared the day before and frees up the day itself for the rest of the menu. We especially like it for meals where the starter and main already take up your time, it becomes the dessert you serve without a second thought, with total confidence.

The schedule

What happens when, so you can be with your guests instead of in the kitchen.

  1. The day before 4 steps, 6 h
  2. The same day Nothing to do
  3. Before the guests arrive 1 step
  4. When it's time to serve 1 step

The day before, melt the chocolate, whip the egg whites and assemble the whole mousse before chilling it overnight. The day of, there's nothing left to do until twenty minutes before serving, when you take the glasses out of the fridge. Right before serving, just scatter on the chocolate shavings.

The ingredients

6 people

Pantry

  • Dark chocolate 70 percent 300 g
  • Sugaroften in the pantry 40 g
  • Chocolate shavings 30 g
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Dairy

  • Eggs 6
  • Butter 30 g

Allergens Lactose, Eggs

The recipe, moment by moment

The day beforeWhat's better after resting overnight in the fridge.

  1. Break the chocolate into pieces and melt it gently with the butter in a double boiler, then let it cool slightly.

    Avoid any contact with water, even a single drop can make the chocolate seize.

  2. Separate the egg whites from the yolks, and stir the yolks one by one into the warm chocolate, mixing well.

    The chocolate should be warm, not hot, or the yolks will cook.

  3. Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks with the salt, add the sugar near the end, then fold them into the chocolate in three additions with a spatula.

    Start with a big spoonful of egg whites to loosen the chocolate, then fold in the rest very gently.

  4. Pour into glasses or one large bowl, cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator overnight. 6 h

    Six hours in the fridge gives a nice dense, velvety texture.

Before the guests arriveThe last hour, right before the doorbell rings.

  1. Take the mousse out of the fridge about twenty minutes before serving.

    Slightly less cold, it releases more flavor.

When it's time to serveThe final touches, right in front of your guests.

  1. Scatter dark chocolate shavings on top at the very last moment.

    Shave the chocolate with a peeler from a slightly warm bar.

Our tips to get it right

  • Use eggs at room temperature, the whites whip up more easily and hold more volume.
  • Make sure your bowl and whisk are completely clean and dry before whipping the whites, the smallest trace of grease will stop them from whipping properly.
  • Serve the mousse in individual glasses rather than one big bowl if you have guests, it looks more elegant on the table and saves you from spooning it out in front of everyone.

The variations

  • Swap part of the dark chocolate for milk chocolate for a milder mousse that kids tend to prefer.
  • Add a teaspoon of instant coffee or a bit of orange zest to the melted chocolate for a different flavor.
  • For a quicker version, make the mousse the morning of instead of the day before, it just needs a bit less time in the fridge, three hours is enough if you're short on time.

What to serve it with

  • A few almond tuiles for crunch
  • A strong coffee at the end of the meal
  • Fresh berries on the side

Storage

The mousse keeps for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in covered glasses. It doesn't freeze well, the egg whites lose their texture. Always serve it well chilled, no reheating needed.

Questions about this recipe

Why does my chocolate mousse deflate instead of staying airy?

The chocolate was probably too hot when you folded in the egg whites, which makes them deflate. Always let the chocolate cool slightly before mixing, and fold in the whites very gently, in three additions.

Can you make this mousse without raw eggs for kids or pregnant women?

The traditional recipe uses raw eggs in the whipped whites, which can be a concern for sensitive groups. Use very fresh, well refrigerated eggs, or choose pasteurized eggs if you want to limit any risk.

What chocolate should I use for this mousse?

A dark chocolate with 70 percent cocoa gives the perfect balance between intensity and sweetness. Below 60 percent, the mousse turns too sweet and loses its character.

How should I present the mousse for a dinner with guests?

Clear individual glasses show off the texture nicely and save you from spooning it out in front of everyone. Add the chocolate shavings right before serving so they keep their crisp look.

Can a dark chocolate mousse be made ahead?

Yes, it's even recommended. The recipe needs 25 min of work in total, split up like this, the day before, 4 steps, before the guests arrive, 1 step, when it's time to serve, 1 step.

How long does it take to make a dark chocolate mousse?

Allow 6 h in total, including resting and cooking time, of which 25 min is actual work. The recipe is rated "very easy".

How many calories are in a dark chocolate mousse?

About 380 kcal per person, for a recipe meant for 6 people. The calories are calculated by Kiloach, your kilo coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a dark chocolate mousse cost?

About €1.50 per person, that's €9.00 for 6 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains lactose, eggs. Remember to ask your guests about their allergies before putting your menu together.

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