Chocolate Mousse Dessert Cups

Featured in: Simple Homemade Desserts

Discover the art of creating an airy chocolate mousse that melts effortlessly on the palate. This indulgent treat combines melted semi-sweet chocolate and butter with whipped cream and beaten egg whites for a light, velvety texture. Served in small elegant cups and chilled until set, it’s perfect for sophisticated gatherings. Garnish with shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves to elevate presentation and flavor. Ideal for a medium difficulty preparation taking just over two hours, it offers a refined dessert experience with classic French influence.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:53:00 GMT
Rich, dark chocolate mousse dessert cups, garnished with fresh berries ready for serving. Save to Pinterest
Rich, dark chocolate mousse dessert cups, garnished with fresh berries ready for serving. | flourhollow.com

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

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.
Individual shot glasses showcasing luscious chocolate mousse, a stunning dessert presentation. Save to Pinterest
Individual shot glasses showcasing luscious chocolate mousse, a stunning dessert presentation. | flourhollow.com

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.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 4 g

Elegant chocolate mousse dessert cups: a decadent treat, perfectly chilled and ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Elegant chocolate mousse dessert cups: a decadent treat, perfectly chilled and ready to enjoy. | flourhollow.com

This chocolate mousse dessert is a delightfully elegant treat that will impress your guests every time.

Recipe FAQs

What type of chocolate works best for mousse?

Semi-sweet chocolate provides a balanced sweetness, while bittersweet chocolate enhances richness and depth of flavor.

How do I achieve the mousse’s airy texture?

Carefully folding whipped cream and beaten egg whites into the chocolate base creates a light and airy structure without deflating the mixture.

Can this be prepared in advance?

Yes, the mousse can be made up to 24 hours ahead and chilled, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.

What are good garnishes to complement the mousse?

Shaved chocolate, cocoa powder, fresh berries, or mint leaves add color, texture, and enhance the flavor profile elegantly.

Are there alternatives for those avoiding raw eggs?

Pasteurized eggs can be used safely, or substitute with eggless mousse variations to accommodate dietary needs.

Chocolate Mousse Dessert Cups

Silky, airy chocolate mousse served in elegant cups with optional fresh berry or mint garnish.

Prep Duration
20 mins
Cook Duration
1 mins
Overall Time
21 mins
Created by Megan Turner


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type French

Serves 8 Servings Count

Dietary Details Meat-Free, Free of Gluten

Ingredient List

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

Steps

Step 01

Melt Chocolate and Butter: Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 02

Combine Egg Yolks and Chocolate: Whisk the egg yolks with vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Gradually stir the cooled chocolate mixture into the yolks until fully combined.

Step 03

Whip Egg Whites: Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Step 04

Whip Heavy Cream: Whip the chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form.

Step 05

Fold Cream into Chocolate Mixture: Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to lighten it.

Step 06

Incorporate Remaining Cream and Egg Whites: Carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream, then the beaten egg whites in two additions each, until smooth and airy without overmixing.

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Step 09

Garnish Before Serving: Optionally garnish with shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves just before serving.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient to spot potential allergens. Always confirm with your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains eggs, milk, dairy, and cocoa.
  • May contain traces of nuts if processed in shared facilities.

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Nutrition details are for reference and can't substitute for professional advice.
  • Caloric Value: 210
  • Fat content: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Protein Amount: 4 g