Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the charming patisseries of Paris! This classic Mousse au Chocolat is not just a dessert; it's a luxurious experience that combines silky smooth chocolate, delicate whipped cream, and a touch of French elegance. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a moment of pure indulgence, this recipe promises to deliver a heavenly chocolate experience that's surprisingly simple to create.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 200g dark chocolate
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your workspace and gathering all the ingredients: 200g of dark chocolate, 3 eggs, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl. You can use a serrated knife or a chef's knife for this task.
- Set up a double boiler by filling a saucepan with a couple of inches of water and bringing it to a gentle simmer. Place the bowl of chopped chocolate over the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir the chocolate occasionally until it is completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- While the chocolate is cooling, separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. Place the egg yolks in a medium mixing bowl and add the 1/4 cup of sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture is pale and creamy.
- Once the chocolate has cooled to a lukewarm temperature, gradually add it to the egg yolk and sugar mixture, stirring continuously until well combined.
- In a separate clean bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This means that when you lift the beaters out of the mixture, the peaks should stand straight up without collapsing.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture in three additions. Use a spatula and a gentle folding motion to combine, being careful not to deflate the egg whites.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the vanilla extract and continue whipping until the cream holds stiff peaks.
- Carefully fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture in two additions, ensuring that the mixture remains light and airy.
- Once everything is well combined, spoon the mousse into individual serving dishes or cups. You can use ramekins, glasses, or any dessert cups you have on hand.
- Cover the dishes with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set. The mousse can be prepared a day in advance for convenience.
- Before serving, you can garnish the mousse with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Enjoy your delicious Mousse au Chocolat!
Tips
- Quality Matters: Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for the richest flavor.
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your chocolate is lukewarm when adding to egg yolks to prevent scrambling.
- Egg White Technique: Make sure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry when whipping egg whites to achieve perfect peaks.
- Gentle Folding: When incorporating egg whites and cream, use a gentle folding motion to maintain the mousse's light and airy texture.
- Chill for Perfection: Allow the mousse to set for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator for the best consistency.
- Make Ahead: This dessert can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for entertaining.
- Garnish Creatively: Enhance your mousse with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or a light dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 110mg
