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Chocolate Mousse Cups (Make Ahead Valentine’s Dessert)

  • Author: Ethan Brooks
  • Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 cups 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Chocolate Mousse Cups (Make Ahead Valentine’s Dessert) are silky, airy, and rich with real chocolate flavor—an elegant treat you can prep the night before for stress-free romance.

Perfect for date night, Galentine’s parties, or dinner guests, each cup chills into a spoonable cloud with a glossy chocolate finish.

Pinterest tip: Save these Chocolate Mousse Cups (Make Ahead Valentine’s Dessert) for your holiday baking board—this easy make-ahead chocolate mousse is gorgeous in little glass cups with berries, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings for the ultimate Valentine’s Day dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz (170 g) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped (or chips)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream, divided
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 3 tbsp (38 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp (10 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp fine salt
  • 1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional)
  • Whipped cream, berries, chocolate shavings, or cocoa powder for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1. Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl
  2. 2. Warm 3/4 cup heavy cream until steaming but not boiling
  3. 3. Pour hot cream over chocolate, rest 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth
  4. 4. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a separate bowl until slightly thickened
  5. 5. Temper yolks by whisking in a few tablespoons of warm chocolate, then whisk yolks back into the bowl
  6. 6. Whisk in cocoa powder, vanilla, salt, and espresso powder if using
  7. 7. Cool the chocolate base 10–15 minutes, stirring once, until cool but fluid
  8. 8. Whip remaining 1 1/4 cups heavy cream to soft peaks
  9. 9. Fold whipped cream into chocolate base in three additions until no streaks remain
  10. 10. Spoon or pipe mousse into 6–8 small cups and tap gently to settle
  11. 11. Cover and chill at least 4 hours or overnight until set
  12. 12. Top with whipped cream, berries, cocoa, or chocolate shavings and serve chilled

Notes

  • Use chocolate you like to eat; flavor quality really shows here
  • Keep the chocolate base cool, not warm, before folding in whipped cream to prevent melting
  • Whip cream to soft peaks for the lightest mousse; stiff peaks can make it dense
  • Sift cocoa powder to avoid lumps and ensure a silky texture
  • For ultra-smooth mousse, strain the chocolate-yolk mixture before folding
  • Pipe the mousse for a clean, bakery-style look in clear dessert cups
  • Chill at least 4 hours; overnight gives the best set and deeper flavor
  • Top right before serving so berries stay fresh and whipped cream holds its shape
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Chill / No-bake
  • Cuisine: American / French-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 175 mg

Keywords: Chocolate Mousse Cups (Make Ahead Valentine’s Dessert), make ahead dessert, Valentine’s Day dessert, chocolate mousse, no-bake dessert cups

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Find it online: https://www.myrecipely.com/chocolate-mousse-cups-make-ahead-valentines-dessert/