Chocolate Mousse with Strawberries

Name: Chocolate Mousse with Strawberries
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate, chopped; 3 large eggs, separated; 50g granulated sugar; 300ml heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Fresh strawberries, for topping

Highlighted under: Treats & Confections

I absolutely love making Chocolate Mousse with Strawberries because it combines rich chocolate flavors with the freshness of berries. Each spoonful feels indulgent yet light, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. The contrast of creamy mousse and juicy strawberries makes this treat irresistible. Whenever I serve it, I see joy on everyone's faces – it truly is a crowd-pleaser. This recipe has become a staple in my home, especially for special celebrations or cozy nights in.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-01-23T20:57:27.471Z

Making Chocolate Mousse was a delightful adventure for me. I experimented with various methods until I found the perfect balance between the rich chocolate and light texture. It took a few tries, but the result is simply divine! I love whipping the cream to soft peaks – it's a satisfying moment that contributes to that airy mousse consistency.

One specific tip I’d share is to choose high-quality chocolate; it makes a significant difference in flavor. I also recommend letting the mousse chill for at least an hour before serving, as this enhances the taste further. Pair it with fresh strawberries for a refreshing twist that really elevates the dessert!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Luxurious, creamy texture that's utterly satisfying
Fresh strawberries provide a delightful contrast
Quick and easy to make, perfect for any occasion

Understanding the Chocolate

Choosing the right dark chocolate is crucial for achieving a rich and satisfying mousse. I recommend using chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a deeper flavor. When melting the chocolate, do so gently to avoid scorching; if using a microwave, heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between. The chocolate should be glossy and completely melted for the best texture.

Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before adding it to the whipped mixtures. A temperature that’s too hot can cook the egg yolks, which can ruin the recipe. In my experience, cooling the chocolate to a lukewarm temperature can help ensure smooth incorporation without clumping.

Perfecting the Whip

For a light and airy mousse, it's essential to whip the egg whites thoroughly. They should be beaten until stiff peaks form, which means that when you lift the beater, the peaks stand upright and do not droop. If you find they aren't whipping up well, make sure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of fat or oil, as even a small amount can affect the whipping process.

Similarly, when whipping the heavy cream, aim for soft peaks. This means the cream should hold its shape but still have a smooth consistency. Over-whipping can lead to graininess, which is not ideal for a mousse. To enhance stability, you can add a teaspoon of powdered sugar to the cream as you whip it, which can create a softer and more stable whipped texture.

Serving and Storage Tips

For an elegant touch, serve the mousse in clear glasses or ramekins to showcase the rich, dark color contrasted with the bright strawberries. Adding a sprig of mint on top can elevate the presentation further. For a fun twist, consider garnishing with crushed nuts or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added texture and flavor.

If you're planning to make this dessert ahead of time, chocolate mousse can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure it's tightly covered to prevent it from absorbing any odors. Unfortunately, this mousse doesn't freeze well due to the whipped cream; the texture can become compromised upon thawing. However, you can prepare the individual components ahead of time for quick assembly when you're ready to serve.

Ingredients

Before you start, gather all the fresh ingredients and tools needed for this delicious dessert!

Ingredients for Chocolate Mousse

200g dark chocolate, chopped
3 large eggs, separated
50g granulated sugar
300ml heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Fresh strawberries, for topping

Make sure you have everything prepped and ready to create this delightful dessert!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your luscious Chocolate Mousse with Strawberries.

Melt the Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate in a microwave or over a double boiler until smooth. Let it cool slightly.

Whip the Egg Whites

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Combine Ingredients

In another bowl, whip the cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Fold in the melted chocolate, followed by the egg yolks. Finally, gently fold in the beaten egg whites until fully incorporated.

Chill and Serve

Spoon the mousse into serving glasses, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve topped with fresh strawberries.

Your Chocolate Mousse with Strawberries is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an added touch, you can drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving. Also, feel free to use whipped cream instead of whipped egg whites for a variation in texture.

Key Ingredient Roles

The dark chocolate in this mousse is not only the primary flavor but also contributes to the overall texture. Its fat content provides richness, while the cocoa solids add depth. When incorporating, make sure it's entirely melted and cooled to maintain the desired consistency in the final dessert.

Eggs play a pivotal role in creating the mousse's light and airy texture. The egg whites provide volume and lift, while the yolks enrich the flavor. If you're concerned about raw eggs, consider using pasteurized eggs, which offer the same benefits without the risk.

Variations to Try

For those who love the combination of chocolate and coffee, a tablespoon of espresso powder can be added to the melted chocolate. This enhances the chocolate flavor without imparting a coffee taste. Alternatively, a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier or Frangelico can add a sophisticated twist to your mousse.

To make this recipe a bit healthier, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt. This will reduce the fat content while still maintaining a creamy texture. Keep in mind that using yogurt will slightly alter the taste, so you might want to adjust sweetness or vanilla accordingly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your mousse ends up too dense, it may be due to overmixing the chocolate with the whipped cream or egg whites. Be gentle when folding in the whipped mixtures to preserve the airiness. Additionally, if you notice a grainy texture, it could be from improperly melted chocolate; ensure that it’s smooth and melted completely before mixing.

Should you find that your mousse doesn't set well after chilling, it might be due to insufficient whipping of the cream or egg whites. Make sure to achieve the proper peaks before folding. If all else fails, serving it layered with fresh strawberries can hide texture issues while providing a refreshing contrast.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this mousse ahead of time?

Absolutely! This mousse can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

→ What type of chocolate should I use?

I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. Look for chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa.

→ Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?

For a version without eggs, you can use a whipped topping or a vegan alternative to the mousse base.

→ How long will the mousse last in the fridge?

The mousse is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge.