Description

This Mascarpone Chocolate Mousse is a luxuriously creamy and decadent dessert combining rich dark chocolate with smooth mascarpone cheese. It’s sweetened with powdered sugar and flavored with vanilla, then lightened by gently folding in whipped cream. Perfectly chilled and set, this mousse offers a sophisticated finish to any meal and can be topped with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries for an elegant presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Mixture

200g dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa), chopped

Mousse Base

250g mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream (chilled)

Optional Toppings

Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings
Cocoa powder
Berries

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Instructions

Melt Chocolate: Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water using the double boiler method. Stir continuously until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly but not harden.
Prepare Mascarpone Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese together with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This ensures even sweetness and flavor distribution.
Combine Chocolate and Mascarpone: Gently fold the slightly cooled melted chocolate into the mascarpone mixture. Use a spatula to carefully mix until fully combined and uniform in color, avoiding overmixing.
Whip Cream: In a clean, chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. The cream should hold a peak that softly bends over when you lift the whisk.
Incorporate Whipped Cream: Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate and mascarpone mixture in batches. Use a gentle folding motion with a spatula to maintain the light, airy texture of the mousse without deflating it.
Portion Mousse: Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving glasses or bowls evenly. This creates an attractive presentation for serving.
Chill: Refrigerate the mousse for at least 2 hours to allow it to set properly. This helps the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up to a creamy consistency.
Garnish: Before serving, decorate the mousse with optional toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or fresh berries to enhance both flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

Be careful not to overheat the chocolate during melting as it can seize and become grainy.
Folding should be done gently to keep the mousse light and airy.
You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of powdered sugar according to taste.
For a dairy-free version, substitute mascarpone and cream with suitable vegan alternatives, but results will vary.
The mousse can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: French