Indulgent Chocolate Mousse Cups

Featured in: Simple Comfort Bakes

This chocolate mousse features a blend of semi-sweet chocolate and whipped cream, creating a smooth, light texture. Rich yet airy, it is carefully folded with beaten egg whites to achieve a delicate consistency. Chilled until set, the mousse sits beautifully in small cups and can be garnished with shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves for added flair. Preparation involves melting chocolate with butter, combining with egg yolks and vanilla, then gently folding in whipped cream and egg whites. This indulgent treat requires chilling time to perfect its silky finish and is suited to those seeking a refined, elegant dessert experience.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:20:00 GMT
Silky, dark chocolate mousse dessert cups beautifully garnished with fresh berries offer a rich treat. Pin it
Silky, dark chocolate mousse dessert cups beautifully garnished with fresh berries offer a rich treat. | emberthyme.com

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

I love making this chocolate mousse for special occasions because it impresses guests while being surprisingly simple to prepare.

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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| emberthyme.com

My family always enjoys gathering around the table to share these mousse cups during the holidays making it a cherished tradition.

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

Delicate chocolate mousse dessert cups, chilled perfectly, garnished with chocolate shavings—an exquisite dessert idea. Pin it
Delicate chocolate mousse dessert cups, chilled perfectly, garnished with chocolate shavings—an exquisite dessert idea. | emberthyme.com

This chocolate mousse is the perfect elegant dessert that combines simplicity with a luxurious texture and flavor.

Recipe FAQs

How do I achieve the perfect mousse texture?

Use softly whipped egg whites and cream, folding them gently into the chocolate mixture to maintain airiness without deflating.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, the mousse can be made up to 24 hours ahead and kept chilled to enhance flavors and texture.

What type of chocolate works best?

Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate with at least 60-70% cocoa content provides the richest depth and balanced sweetness.

How should I serve the mousse?

Spoon or pipe the mousse into small cups or shot glasses and garnish with shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves for an elegant touch.

Is there a substitute for raw eggs?

For safety or dietary reasons, use pasteurized eggs or egg substitutes to maintain texture while avoiding raw egg concerns.

Indulgent Chocolate Mousse Cups

Airy chocolate mousse served in small cups, ideal for elegant gatherings or individual treats.

Time to Prep
20 mins
Time to Cook
120 mins
Overall Time
140 mins
By Ember Thyme Clara Henshaw


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine French

Portions 8 Portion Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly, 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

How To Make

Step 01

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

Step 02

Whisk Egg Yolks with Vanilla: In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate the cooled chocolate mixture until fully blended.

Step 03

Beat Egg Whites: Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add granulated sugar gradually and continue beating to stiff peaks.

Step 04

Whip Heavy Cream: Whip 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, followed by the beaten egg whites in two additions each, until smooth and airy. Avoid overmixing.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.

Step 09

Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves.

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 for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains eggs, milk, dairy, and cocoa. Possible traces of nuts due to shared processing facilities.

Nutrition Details (for each portion)

This nutritional info is just for reference—always consult your healthcare provider for specific advice.
  • Calorie Count: 210
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 4 g