This silky smooth Chocolate Mousse is made with only four ingredients and three simple steps. No cooking, no fancy techniques, and no eggs.
Behold the easiest Chocolate Mousse in the universe! This recipe comes together so quickly that you’ll be diving into decadent chocolate mousse in no time. You can easily adjust the recipe to feed more or less, based on what you need.
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Why you’ll love this recipe
- Ease: Literally three easy steps. You can do this!
- Basic ingredients: Only four ingredients needed.
- Texture: So creamy, velvety, and smooth.
- Flavor: Incredible chocolate flavor in every bite.
- No bake: No raw eggs and no need to cook or bake this simple dessert.
- Easily change recipe size: This recipe can be scaled up or down based on how much you need.
Ingredients needed
- Chocolate chips
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Chocolate mousse recipe overview
*Full recipe below in recipe card*
- Melt heavy cream and chocolate chips until sooth and combined.
- Cool to room temperature (about 15 minutes).
- Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the melted chocolate. Transfer into individual serving dishes (if desired) and chill.
Key technique: How to fold in whipped cream
Folding is a lifting and scooping motion that incorporates batters while maintaining an airy quality. Use a large rubber/silicone spatula to cut through the center of the batter. Bring some batter up from the bottom and flip it over. Repeat scraping down the side of the bowl, into the center, flipping, and repeating.
Recipe tips
Use good quality chocolate chips that you enjoy the taste of. This is the primary flavor of the mousse.
When whipping heavy cream it should be very cold, straight from the fridge.
Allow at least 2 hours for the mousse to chill and firm up before serving.
If you plan on serving this mousse topped with whipped cream you can make extra whipped cream during step 2 of the recipe and set some aside for topping.
Straight from the fridge the mousse will be on the firmer side. Allow it to sit at room temperature for several minutes and it will soften.
Can this be used as a filling for cake or pie?
I’ve received several questions about whether or not this mousse can be used as a filling for cakes or pies. I have tried it and the answer is yes.
Pies: Pour the assembled mousse (before chilling) into a baked and cooled crust. Spread into an even layer and chill for at least 3 hours. The recipe as written makes about 2 and ½ cups of mousse.
Cakes: This mousse does not work as frosting but it can be used as filling between the layers of a layer cake or in the center of cupcakes. I chill the mousse first, allow it to soften at room temp for about 10 minutes, then add it to to the cake. Store in the refrigerator.
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Recipe
Easy Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips , I use semisweet
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream, for melting chocolate chips
- ⅔ cup chilled heavy whipping cream, for whipping
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, heat chocolate chips and ½ cup cream until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. I do this in the microwave in 20 seconds increments, stirring well between each. Set aside to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally (this took about 15 minutes).
- In the bowl of a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat ⅔ cups chilled cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form (see note about making extra for topping). Transfer the whipped cream to the refrigerator until the chocolate has cooled to room temperature.
- Using a rubber/silicone spatula, fold* the whipped cream into the melted chocolate. Once fully combined, transfer the mousse into individual serving dishes and chill for at least 2 hours. The colder it is, the more firm it will be. If you'd like it softer you can leave it at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Information is an estimate based on third-party calculations and may vary based on products used and serving sizes.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!
Anna
I made this earlier today for dessert for this evening’s dinner, and doubled the recipe to feed a small crowd. It was DELICIOUS – I used a mix of Ghirardelli semi-sweet, and bittersweet chocolates, and the 20 second increments in the microwaved worked perfectly. Super easy, wonderful texture and absolutely perfect. Everyone loved it, and my 78 year old dad, who is picky as hell, said it was the “best chocolate mousse he’d ever had.” Awesome recipe, thanks for sharing!
Allison
Thanks for the kind review, Anna. I’m so happy to hear that. 🙂
Gemini
For once I found a recipe that is recent. I am making this tomorrow thank you so very much looks so yummy!!
Allison
You’re welcome! Enjoy!
CC
So easy to follow and delicious every time. I use it as cake filling. Perfect balance of sweet and chocolate, so airy!
How long can I keep leftovers in airtight container in fridge?
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! We usually consume it within 3 days. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Gretchen Harvey
Can i put in some either rum or grand Marnier?
Allison
That should be fine. Enjoy!
Cookie
I have no vanilla. Can I make without vanilla?
Allison
Sure!
Nicki
I made this for a quick dessert and it had really easy instructions and it looked perfect when I dished it in ramekins but when 5 hours later it was so hard not mousse like at all 🙁
Allison
Hi, Nicki. As mentioned in the recipe, if you leave it at room temperature for about 15 minutes it will soften.
Lyndy
This is the 3rd time making it and delicious every time. Very simple to make…
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Jackie Sparks
I haven’t tried this Chocolate Mousse yet, I will do as CM is my favourite dessert, but I would add some Baileys to it.
Marion
This recipe is super easy and delicious, my friend even licked the bowl!
Seriously, this is the 3rd time I have made this and will continue to enjoy it. Thank you!
Allison
You’re welcome! Thanks for the kind review. 🙂
Brenda
Very delicious! I highly recommend this recipe. Especially as it does not require eggs to make it!! Light and fluffy with amazing taste and texture.
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Lill
It is awesome and satisfies any chocolates craving
Allison
Yay! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Sherry S
Everyone LOVED IT! Such an easy and delicious recipe! This one is a keeper!!!
Allison
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂