• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Life Jolie logo
  • Thanksgiving Recipes
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
    • Work with me!
    • Video Production
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Thanksgiving Recipes
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
    • Work with me!
    • Video Production
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    The Life Jolie » Dessert » Chocolate Mousse Cups

    Chocolate Mousse Cups

    Published: Mar 7, 2023 by Jessy Freimann · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    This Four Ingredient Chocolate Mousse whips up super quickly and easily. It’s light as a feather with the most decadent, rich, chocolaty flavor with a rich dark chocolate flavor that you’ll love! Make this for your loved ones this Valentine’s Day!

    These four ingredient Chocolate Mousse Cups whip up super quickly and easily. It’s light as a feather with a rich dark chocolate flavor that you’ll love! And PS- it only takes 20 minutes to make!

    An image of a chocolate mousse cup with a spoon in it and a raspberry on top.
    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love this Easy Chocolate Mousse:
    • Ingredient Information And Substitutions
    • How To Make This Simple Chocolate Mousse Recipe
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Helpful Cooking Tips:
    • Other Delicious Chocolate Recipes To Try
    • Chocolate Mousse Cups

    Why You’ll Love this Easy Chocolate Mousse:

    One fateful Valentine's weekend, I wanted to make something chocolatey and decadent for my husband. So I followed my heart (and my belly) and threw together this recipe with ingredients I had on hand and it quickly became one of our favorite easy desserts!Now a snobbier foodie might tell you that this isn’t a true chocolate mousse recipe because it doesn’t include eggs. And to that I say: fair enough. But at the end of the day this super quick and delicious eggless alternative brings all the smooth, light-as-a-feather decadent chocolate goodness without the salmonella concerns. Here’s what I love about it:

    • Only 4 ingredients
    • Decadent flavor without all the hassle
    • It’s SO easy to make
    • Perfect to make ahead
    A close up image of the top of a chocolate mousse cup featuring the swirl of mousse topped with a raspberry

    Ingredient Information And Substitutions

    An image of the ingredients for chocolate mousse.
    • Chocolate Chips- I prefer dark chocolate chips for this recipe, although semi-sweet morsels will work too. If you can, splurge and get the higher quality chocolate chips.
    • Heavy Cream- Don’t substitute milk or half- and-half for this. It’s that fat content in the heavy cream that whips up into the perfect texture.
    • Kahlua- I know not everyone loves the idea of throwing in a little booze, but it’s a super small amount- so small that I serve this to my kids without concern. The coffee flavor really brings out the best in the chocolate flavor. You could substitute cold brew or cooled coffee if you really need to, but I think Kahlua is best.
    • Vanilla-  I use pure vanilla extract for this but you could also use the same amount of vanilla bean paste. Or if you’re feeling really fancy, scraping in the contents of a vanilla bean.

    How To Make This Simple Chocolate Mousse Recipe

    Step 1- Melt chocolate.
    Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler over low heat, stirring periodically until smooth. You can also melt them in the microwave (click here for my blog post on how to melt chocolate in the microwave).

    Chocolate melting in a double boiler on a stove and being stirred.

    Step 2- Begin whipping the cream, Kahlua and vanilla.

    Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, begin whipping the remaining ingredients until they’re just beginning to thicken.

    Cream, Kahlua and vanilla extract that was just whipped in a blue stand mixer.

    Step 3- Add chocolate to the cream mixture and whip.

    While the mixer is running, add the chocolate to the cream mixture. You want to do this immediately while it is running so that it gets evenly incorporated and prevents separation.

    Keep whipping the mixture until the chocolate is evenly incorporated and forms fluffy peaks. Pipe into cups and refrigerate until serving.

    The mousse mixture once it's been combined and whipped to fluffy peaks on the whisk attachment on a stand mixer.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is mousse?

    Mousse is a creamy dessert that’s traditionally made with cream and whipped eggs.

    What is the difference between chocolate pudding and chocolate mousse?

    Pudding is cooked and then chilled. It tends to be a bit thicker and denser due to cooking. Mousse is not cooked and has a lighter and fluffier consistency.

    How long do mousse cups last?

    These will last for up to 5 days covered in the refrigerator.

    Should chocolate mousse be refrigerated?

    Yes- this recipe includes dairy products and needs to be refrigerated until serving.

    Why is my chocolate mousse not fluffy?

    It may be that the chocolate you used has a lower cocoa butter content, which results in less texture.

    Can you over whip mousse?

    Yes and the result is a grainy texture. The best way to fix this is gently mix in a couple tablespoons more of cream.

    An image of a chocolate mousse cup with another in the back; both are topped with raspberries and have some chocolate chips around them.

    Helpful Cooking Tips:

    • Take your time melting the chocolate- you want to make sure to use lower heat and go slow melting the chocolate. If you use too high heat, the chocolate will seize and get a clay-like texture and you’ll have to start over with new chocolate.
    • Use higher quality chocolate. It tends to melt better and will result in a smoother mousse.
    • Start with chocolate in very small pieces. If you’re using chocolate in bar form chop the chocolate so that it’s in small pieces before melting. It will melt quicker and easier this way.
    • Serve with fruit- I love serving this with raspberries or strawberries.
    • Leftovers and Storage- Leftovers last for up to 5 days covered in the refrigerator.

    Other Delicious Chocolate Recipes To Try

    • My family makes this Easy Chocolate Cream Pie over and over again. Made with chocolate pudding, pie crust and fresh whipped cream, it's effortless to put together and we always fight for seconds!
      Easy Chocolate Cream Pie
    • Do you like super rich, decadent desserts? If so, these Peanut Butter Double Chocolate Chip Cookies are right up your alley! Made with dark cocoa powder, chocolate chips and peanut butter chips, these are seriously easy to whip up last minute and also freeze well!
      Peanut Butter Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • This Kahlua Toffee Chocolate Trifle Recipe is the ultimate make-ahead dessert. Made with chocolate cake, Coffee Liquor, vanilla pudding, whipped topping and toffee bars, it's so addictive that your family will be fighting for seconds!
      Kahlua Toffee Chocolate Trifle Recipe
    • A square image of Chocolate Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries.
      Chocolate Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries Recipe

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. And follow @thelifejolie on Instagram and TikTok!

    An image of a chocolate mousse cup with a spoon in it and a raspberry on top.

    Chocolate Mousse Cups

    Jessy Freimann
    These four ingredient Chocolate Mousse Cups whip up super quickly and easily. It’s light as a feather with a rich dark chocolate flavor that you’ll love!
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 613 kcal

    Equipment

    • stand mixer or hand mixer
    • mixing bowl
    • measuring cups
    • measuring spoons

    Ingredients
      

    • ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
    • 1 pint heavy cream
    • 2 Tablespoons Kahlua (can also use cold brew or cold coffee)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • Begin melting the chocolate in a double boiler over medium heat. Go slow and stir often until melted. You can also melt it in the microwave.
    • While the chocolate melts, begin whipping the cream, Kahlua and vanilla extract until it's just beginning to thicken.
    • When the chocolate is fully melted, add it into the cream mixture with the mixer running and continue whipping until fully combined with nice, fluffy peaks.
    • Serve right away or refrigerate for up to a week. This tastes great served with fruit.

    Video

    Notes

    • Take your time melting the chocolate- you want to make sure to use lower heat and go slow melting the chocolate. If you use too high heat, the chocolate will seize and get a clay-like texture and you’ll have to start over with new chocolate.
    • Use higher quality chocolate. It tends to melt better and will result in a smoother mousse.
    • Start with chocolate in very small pieces. If you’re using chocolate in bar form chop the chocolate so that it’s in small pieces before melting. It will melt quicker and easier this way.
    • Serve with fruit- I love serving this with raspberries or strawberries.
    • Leftovers and Storage- Leftovers last for up to 5 days covered in the refrigerator.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cupCalories: 613kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 6gFat: 53gSaturated Fat: 37gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 134mgSodium: 69mgPotassium: 327mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 1742IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    « Linguine with Clam Sauce Recipe
    Creamy Ham and Potato Soup »
    • Share
    • Flipboard
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kim@The Baking ChocolaTess says

      February 24, 2015 at 12:19 pm

      i love chocolate mousse! 4 ingredients including Kahlua is definitely a plus! Thanks so much for sharing and I'm visiting from Titus 2 Tuesday Party. PInning and tweeting! Have a great day!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        February 24, 2015 at 10:46 pm

        Thank you! i couldn't leave the Kahlua out. I'm not a huge drinker, but I think alcohol is an excellent tool in the kitchen. I'd like to try this with Amaretto some time or Frangelico.
        Reply
    2. AdoringFamily says

      February 24, 2015 at 8:50 pm

      chocolate mousse is one of my favorite desserts. I have been looking for an excuse to use my new kitchen aid! Thank you for the recipe :)
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        February 24, 2015 at 10:49 pm

        That's exactly what I did- I love my stand mixer (named Big Blue), I use it for everything. My favorite is actually making mashed potatoes in there. I don't even own a hand masher. Thanks for stopping by!
        Reply
    3. Gina says

      February 25, 2015 at 5:02 pm

      I've never made chocolate mousse before. but now I gotta try it! I love that this recipe only has four ingredients! Thanks for the recipe! Saw this post over at Whismy Wednesday! Gina from Always Savory
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        February 25, 2015 at 9:08 pm

        Give it a shot, it's super easy- I hope you enjoy :)
        Reply
    4. Felissa says

      February 25, 2015 at 9:00 pm

      This looks scrumptious! I would be honored if you would hop over to party with us at Inspire Us Tuesday!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        February 25, 2015 at 9:08 pm

        Thank you for stopping by, I'd love to pop over!
        Reply
      • Jessy says

        February 25, 2015 at 9:09 pm

        Also, Macie is half Cavalier- they are the sweetiest dogs!
        Reply
    5. Katherines Corner says

      February 25, 2015 at 10:39 pm

      oh this is divine. I pinned to my just desserts board. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. xo
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        February 27, 2015 at 1:23 pm

        Thank you so much- I hope you enjoy!
        Reply
    6. Katherines Corner says

      February 25, 2015 at 10:40 pm

      this is divine and I love it's simplicity with such a grand finish. Pinned to my just desserts board. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. xo
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        February 25, 2015 at 10:43 pm

        Thank you for the kind words and for pinning!
        Reply
    7. Pam@over50feeling40 says

      February 26, 2015 at 12:06 pm

      Looks so good...thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop! Please stop by to enter the very special giveaway on http://www.over50feeling40.com
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        February 27, 2015 at 1:22 pm

        I'll check it out- thanks for stopping by!
        Reply
    8. Leanne says

      February 26, 2015 at 12:15 pm

      I love chocolate, so I'm going to make this recipe! Thank you for sharing this post, glad I found it. Come join the Mix It Up Friday blog link up tomorrow morning at http://www.classyyettrendy.com Leanne, Classy Yet Trendy
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        February 27, 2015 at 1:22 pm

        I'll be sure to stop by- thank you for the kind words and enjoy :)
        Reply
    9. Jennie @ The Diary of a Real Housewife says

      February 26, 2015 at 8:56 pm

      Yum, looks so yummy! I would love if you would share on my Friday Favorites linkup!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        February 27, 2015 at 1:21 pm

        Thank you so much- I'll definitely stop by!
        Reply
    10. Jann Olson says

      February 27, 2015 at 9:49 pm

      Looks super yummy and I love that it's so easy! Thanks for sharing with SYC. hugs, Jann
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        February 28, 2015 at 10:29 pm

        Thank you- It's all about keeping it easy :)
        Reply
    11. Alyssa says

      February 28, 2015 at 7:51 pm

      Yummy Yummy! Thanks for linking up at the Home Matters Linky Party. #homematterparty
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        February 28, 2015 at 10:29 pm

        Thank you- enjoy!
        Reply
    12. Carol says

      March 05, 2015 at 3:45 pm

      Oh I am always in the mood for chocolate mousse and a 4 ingredient recipe? Perfect! Featuring when my weekly party opens up tonight.
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        March 06, 2015 at 5:39 pm

        I hope you enjoy- thanks for the feature and for stopping by :)
        Reply
    13. Jenny @ Women With Intention says

      March 05, 2015 at 10:19 pm

      Yum! Can't wait to try it! :)
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        March 05, 2015 at 10:36 pm

        Thank you- enjoy!
        Reply
    14. Mary Denman says

      March 18, 2015 at 8:54 pm

      Looks amazing! Going to try this!!!! Popping over from Friday Flash Blog. :)
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        March 19, 2015 at 11:07 am

        Thank you so much- I hope you enjoy!
        Reply
    15. Jessica @ The Pen & the Needle says

      June 09, 2015 at 2:49 pm

      This looks sooo good! I'm a huge chocolate fan, so this is prefect for me! LOL. I will be trying this recipe out for myself very soon!
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        June 10, 2015 at 8:50 am

        I hope you enjoy!
        Reply
    16. Sacha says

      June 09, 2015 at 3:08 pm

      Im going to try this right away lol..but it does look good
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        June 10, 2015 at 8:49 am

        It's dangerously easy!
        Reply
    17. Kathy says

      December 20, 2016 at 8:50 pm

      I can hardly wait to try these
      Reply
      • Jessy says

        December 21, 2016 at 8:30 am

        Enjoy :)
        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Jessy in a kitchen holding a white casserole pan and smiling.
    Hi, I'm Jessy!

    Welcome to The Life Jolie! I share simple, delicious recipes and ingredient prep tips to make your weeknight cooking a breeze!

    More about me →

    Fall Recipes

    • A spoon holding a scoop of potato ham soup.
      Creamy Ham and Potato Soup
    • A bowl of chicken and egg noodles soup with sliced bread and another bowl behind it.
      Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup
    • A square image of the Toll House Cookie Recipe
      Easiest Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Say goodbye to dry and tough pork chops: these Smothered Crock Pot Pork Chops are the ultimate fall-apart tender comfort food. With just 4 ingredients, this easy dinner will be your new go-to dump dinner!
      Fall Apart Slow Cooker Pork Chops
    • An overhead image of sliced turkey on a platter surrounded by fresh herbs in the middle of a Thanksgiving table.
      Roasted Spatchcock Glazed Turkey with Bourbon
    • Side angle image close up of Brie Phyllo Cup on a sheet pan
      Baked Brie Phyllo Cups

    Popular Recipes

    • A square image of how to melt chocolate chips in the microwave showing the chocolate once it's melted.
      How to Melt Chocolate Chips in the Kitchen
    • Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats are the healthy weeknight meal you'll want to make again and again. This is a seriously easy recipe that's full of delicious flavor without all the guilt!
      Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats
    • Shrimp Macaroni Salad
      Very Best Shrimp Macaroni Salad Recipe
    • A square image of a white pot pouring cheese sauce over a bowl of broccoli with a blue towel behind it.
      Cheese Sauce for Broccoli Recipe
    • Do you love the Cheesecake Factory's Thai Lettuce Wraps! Well then why not make them at home? They're easy to make and totally delicious!
      Reader Request: Copycat Cheesecake Factory Thai Lettuce Wraps
    • A square image of Greek Yogurt Roasted Chicken Thighs.
      Greek Yogurt Roasted Chicken Thighs Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy + Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Video Production

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright 2014-2021 - Jolie Ventures, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy.