Chocolate Mousse Dessert Cups

Featured in: Sweet & Toasty Treats

This luscious chocolate mousse balances semi-sweet chocolate and whipped cream to create a light, airy texture. Carefully folding whipped cream and beaten egg whites into a smooth chocolate base ensures a delicate consistency. Served chilled in small cups, it's perfect for parties or solo indulgence. Garnish with shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or mint for added flair.

The preparation involves melting chocolate with butter, mixing with egg yolks and vanilla, then incorporating softly whipped cream and stiff egg whites. It requires chilling for at least two hours to set properly. Rich yet airy, this dessert highlights French dessert elegance with a vegetarian-friendly approach.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:10:00 GMT
Delectable chocolate mousse dessert cups, elegantly garnished with berries, ready for a special treat. Save
Delectable chocolate mousse dessert cups, elegantly garnished with berries, ready for a special treat. | toastytongs.com

Indulgent, airy chocolate mousse served in elegant small shot glasses—perfect for parties or as a chic individual treat.

This chocolate mousse quickly became my go to dessert for guests because it feels fancy yet is so simple to prepare.

Ingredients

  • Chocolate Mixture: 120 g semi sweet chocolate, finely chopped, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces, 2 large eggs, separated, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Cream: 180 ml heavy cream (minimum 35% fat), chilled
  • Garnish (optional): Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder, Fresh berries or mint leaves

Instructions

Step 1:
Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (double boiler), stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 2:
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the vanilla extract. Gradually stir the cooled chocolate mixture into the yolks until fully combined.
Step 3:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Step 4:
In another bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Step 5:
Gently fold one third of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to lighten it.
Step 6:
Carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream, followed by the beaten egg whites, in two additions each, until the mousse is smooth and airy. Do not overmix.
Step 7:
Spoon or pipe the mousse evenly into 8 small shot glasses.
Step 8:
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, until set.
Step 9:
Just before serving, garnish with shaved chocolate, berries, or mint leaves if desired.
Creamy chocolate mousse dessert cups with fluffy whipped peaks, promising a rich and sweet experience. Save
Creamy chocolate mousse dessert cups with fluffy whipped peaks, promising a rich and sweet experience. | toastytongs.com

Our family loves gathering around the table to enjoy these mousse cups, making every celebration feel special.

Notes

Can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Pair with a glass of ruby port or espresso for a delightful experience.

Required Tools

Heatproof mixing bowls, Saucepan (for double boiler), Electric mixer or whisk, Rubber spatula, Measuring cups and spoons, Small shot glasses

Allergen Information

Contains: Eggs, Milk, Dairy, Cocoa. May contain traces of nuts if chocolate is processed in shared facilities. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

Individual chocolate mousse dessert cups, chilled perfectly, look enticing with optional chocolate shavings. Save
Individual chocolate mousse dessert cups, chilled perfectly, look enticing with optional chocolate shavings. | toastytongs.com

Serve chilled and garnish just before serving to keep presentation fresh and appealing.

Recipe FAQ

How do I achieve the perfect airy texture?

Gently fold whipped cream and stiffly beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture without overmixing to maintain an airy consistency.

Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Yes, the mousse can be made up to 24 hours ahead and chilled to enhance its flavors and texture.

What alternatives exist for raw eggs?

Use pasteurized eggs or suitable substitutes for immunocompromised guests to ensure safety without compromising texture.

Which type of chocolate works best?

Semi-sweet chocolate melts smoothly and balances sweetness; bittersweet chocolate can be used for richer flavor.

How should I garnish the mousse for serving?

Enhance presentation with shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or a few mint leaves for a fresh touch.

Chocolate Mousse Dessert Cups

Airy, rich chocolate mousse served in elegant cups, ideal for special occasions or personal treats.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
120 min
Complete duration
140 min
Created By Daniel Brooks


Skill Level Medium

Heritage French

Output 8 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free, No Gluten

Components

Chocolate Mixture

01 4.2 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
02 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
03 2 large eggs, separated
04 2 tbsp granulated sugar
05 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Cream

01 3/4 cup heavy cream (minimum 35% fat), chilled

Garnish (optional)

01 Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder
02 Fresh berries or mint leaves

Directions

Phase 01

Melt chocolate and butter: Combine chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir continuously until smooth. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.

Phase 02

Prepare egg yolk mixture: Whisk egg yolks with vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate the cooled chocolate mixture until fully combined.

Phase 03

Beat egg whites: Using a clean bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue beating to stiff peaks.

Phase 04

Whip heavy cream: Whip the chilled heavy cream until soft peaks appear.

Phase 05

Lighten chocolate mixture: Fold one-third of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture carefully to lighten it.

Phase 06

Incorporate remaining ingredients: Gently fold in the remaining whipped cream, then fold in the beaten egg whites in two additions each, until the mixture is smooth and airy without overmixing.

Phase 07

Portion mousse: Spoon or pipe the mousse evenly into 8 small shot glasses.

Phase 08

Chill mousse: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until the mousse is set.

Phase 09

Garnish and serve: Just before serving, adorn with shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves as desired.

Tools needed

  • Heatproof mixing bowls
  • Saucepan for double boiler
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small shot glasses

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain.
  • Contains eggs, milk, dairy, and cocoa. May contain traces of nuts due to shared processing facilities.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 4 g