Chocolate Mousse Dessert Cups

Featured in: Quick Sweet Fixes

This indulgent chocolate mousse combines melted semi-sweet chocolate with whipped cream and beaten egg whites, creating a light, airy texture. The mixture is carefully folded for smooth consistency and chilled in small cups until set. Garnished with shaved chocolate or fresh berries, these mousse cups offer an elegant, creamy treat that delights with every spoonful.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:17:00 GMT
Rich, dark chocolate mousse dessert cups, chilled to perfection, topped with fresh berries and chocolate shavings. Pin it
Rich, dark chocolate mousse dessert cups, chilled to perfection, topped with fresh berries and chocolate shavings. | weeknightwhisk.com

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

This recipe quickly became a favorite at my family gatherings because it’s light yet decadent and the presentation always impresses guests.

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.
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These mousse cups always bring smiles at family celebrations and are a breeze to prepare ahead of time.

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 per serving

Elegant, individual chocolate mousse dessert cups: a smooth, airy French dessert, ready to chill and enjoy. Pin it
Elegant, individual chocolate mousse dessert cups: a smooth, airy French dessert, ready to chill and enjoy. | weeknightwhisk.com

This chocolate mousse is sure to impress both in taste and presentation, making any occasion special.

Common Questions

What type of chocolate is best for mousse cups?

Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate with 50-70% cocoa provides a rich, balanced flavor without excessive sweetness.

How do I achieve an airy texture in chocolate mousse?

Whipping heavy cream to soft peaks and folding it gently with beaten egg whites helps create a light, airy consistency.

Can I prepare the mousse cups in advance?

Yes, mousse cups can be made up to 24 hours ahead and chilled to let flavors meld and texture set properly.

What garnishes complement chocolate mousse cups?

Shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves add flavor contrast and visual appeal to mousse cups.

Are there alternatives to raw eggs in the mousse?

Using pasteurized eggs or egg substitutes ensures safety without compromising texture for sensitive dietary needs.

Chocolate Mousse Dessert Cups

Airy chocolate mousse in elegant cups, ideal for stylish gatherings or personal indulgence.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
1 min
Time Needed
21 min
Created by Ella Thompson

Dish Type Quick Sweet Fixes

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine French

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Info Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You'll Need

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

Step-by-Step

Step 01

Melt Chocolate and Butter: Combine semi-sweet chocolate and unsalted butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Beat Egg Whites: Using a clean bowl, whip egg whites until soft peaks form. Add granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Fold in Whipped Cream: 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 followed by the beaten egg whites in two additions each, ensuring the mixture remains smooth and airy. Avoid overmixing.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Chill: Refrigerate for at least two hours until fully set.

Step 09

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

Tools Required

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

Allergy Notice

Go through every ingredient to identify allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains eggs, milk, dairy, and cocoa. Potential nut trace contamination depending on chocolate processing.

Nutrition Information (per portion)

Nutrition details are for general reference and shouldn't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Caloric Content: 210
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 4 g