Pies, Tarts and Desserts
Easy Dark Chocolate Mousse Recipe
This silk-textured mousse relies on the magic of high-quality dark chocolate and pasture-raised eggs for its incredible lift and depth. It is a quintessential whole-food dessert that highlights the purity of the cacao, beautifully complemented by whatever fruit is currently at its peak in your garden or local market.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 5 min
- Serves
- 4
- Level
- Easy
- Per serving
- 285 kcal
Method
Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of gently simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir occasionally until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks with the vanilla extract. Slowly pour the yolks into the melted chocolate, stirring constantly until well combined.
In a separate clean, dry glass or metal bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of sea salt. Using a hand mixer or balloon whisk, beat the whites until they form soft, billowy peaks.
Add a large spoonful of the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture and stir vigorously to lighten the base.
Gently fold the remaining egg whites into the chocolate using a spatula, employing a light hand to preserve the air bubbles until no white streaks remain.
Spoon the mousse into individual ramekins or small jars. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set. Serve chilled topped with your chosen seasonal fruit.
Notes
Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to prevent the chocolate from seizing when they are added.
For a dairy-free version, check that your dark chocolate does not contain milk solids; most high-quality 70% bars are naturally dairy-free.
Wipe your egg-white bowl with a drop of lemon juice before starting to remove any residual grease, which ensures maximum volume.
Pair with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of cinnamon to match the seasonal profile of your fruit topping.
