desserts

Chocolate Mousse Cups

These Chocolate Mousse Cups are a decadent dessert that combines rich, creamy milk chocolate mousse, nestled inside a beautiful, ruffled chocolate cup. Each is topped with a fresh strawberry and a sprinkling of chocolate, then served alongside a berry coulis for an extra burst of flavor. Inspired by a dessert I had during my recent trip to Bali, these mousse cups are a true chocolate lover’s dream and perfect for any special occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces milk chocolate
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 chocolate bowls (for serving)

Directions

  1. In a glass bowl, microwave the chocolate on 50% power for 1 minute. Stir and continue microwaving in 30-second increments until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar. Add ½ cup of heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of the spoon, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Whisk in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat the remaining heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate custard mixture in two parts, stirring until smooth.
  6. Spoon the mousse into the chocolate bowls. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days.
  7. Serve garnished with fresh strawberries, berry coulis, and chocolate sprinkles, if desired.

Nutrients

  • Servings: 8
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Calories (per serving): Approx. 350-400 kcal
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbs: 23g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Sugar: 15g

The Creamy Richness of Milk Chocolate Mousse

The base of this dessert is the luxurious milk chocolate mousse. Milk chocolate is the perfect choice for this mousse because of its smooth, sweet flavor, which provides a creamy texture and rich taste. The mousse itself is made by melting the chocolate and blending it with egg yolks, sugar, and whipped cream, creating a custard-like base that is both creamy and airy. The result is a decadent treat that melts in your mouth, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate flavor.

The key to creating a smooth, creamy mousse is in the careful preparation of the chocolate mixture. The egg yolks and sugar are cooked together with cream, and then the melted chocolate is folded in to create a smooth custard. The mousse is then cooled and lightened by folding in whipped cream, which gives it its airy texture. This combination of ingredients ensures that the mousse is rich and velvety without being overly heavy.

The Elegant Chocolate Cup: A Perfect Vessel for the Mousse

What makes this dessert even more impressive is the chocolate cup that holds the mousse. The ruffled, delicate chocolate cups provide an elegant presentation and add an extra layer of chocolate flavor to the dessert. These chocolate bowls are the perfect complement to the mousse, creating a stunning contrast between the creamy filling and the crunchy exterior.

The chocolate cups are made by melting chocolate and carefully molding it into bowls. They’re a simple yet sophisticated touch that elevates the presentation of the mousse. The chocolate bowls add a satisfying crunch, providing a textural contrast to the smooth mousse, making every bite even more delightful. These cups are also a fun way to serve the mousse, making the dessert feel extra special and indulgent.

Fresh Strawberry Topping: A Sweet and Juicy Contrast

A fresh strawberry sits on top of each mousse cup, adding a burst of freshness and natural sweetness that balances out the richness of the chocolate. Strawberries are the perfect fruit to pair with chocolate because of their naturally sweet and slightly tangy flavor. The juicy fruit contrasts beautifully with the creamy mousse and the crunchy chocolate cup, creating a harmonious combination of flavors and textures.

In addition to their delicious taste, strawberries also bring vibrant color to the dessert, making the mousse cups look as beautiful as they taste. The fresh fruit not only enhances the flavor but also adds a touch of elegance to the presentation, making these mousse cups a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Berry Coulis: A Tangy Sauce for Extra Flavor

To take this dessert to the next level, a berry coulis is served alongside the mousse cups. The coulis is a simple sauce made from blended berries, which adds a tangy contrast to the richness of the chocolate mousse. The bright, fruity flavor of the coulis cuts through the sweetness of the mousse and provides an additional layer of flavor that enhances the overall experience.

Berry coulis is a versatile sauce that can be made with a variety of fruits, but it pairs particularly well with the chocolate mousse. Whether you use strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, the coulis adds a refreshing, tart element to the dish that complements the creamy sweetness of the mousse. The coulis can be drizzled around the base of the mousse cups for added flavor and visual appeal, or served on the side for dipping.

The Importance of Presentation

While the flavor of this dessert is the star, the presentation is what truly makes it shine. The combination of the ruffled chocolate cup, the smooth chocolate mousse, the fresh strawberry, and the berry coulis creates a visually stunning dessert that is sure to impress your guests. The layers of color—from the deep brown of the chocolate to the vibrant red of the strawberry and the rich hues of the berry coulis—make this dessert a showstopper.

Presentation is key when it comes to desserts like these, as they not only taste amazing but also create an experience for the diner. The chocolate mousse cups are perfectly sized for individual servings, allowing guests to enjoy the dessert without feeling overwhelmed by the portion size. The delicate chocolate cup, the fresh fruit, and the berry coulis come together to create a dessert that is both elegant and approachable.

Why These Chocolate Mousse Cups Are Perfect for Special Occasions

These Chocolate Mousse Cups are ideal for any special occasion, whether it’s a holiday, a birthday, or a dinner party. The rich flavors, elegant presentation, and customizable nature of the dessert make it the perfect choice for a celebratory meal. The mousse can easily be prepared in advance, and the chocolate cups can be made ahead of time, making the dessert a great option for busy hosts who want to impress their guests without spending too much time in the kitchen.

The combination of chocolate and fresh fruit also makes this dessert perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re serving it after a savory dinner or as part of a dessert spread, these mousse cups are versatile enough to complement many different types of meals. Their rich, creamy flavor satisfies the most intense chocolate cravings, while the fruit topping adds a light, refreshing contrast that keeps the dessert from feeling too heavy.

A Treat for All Ages

While these mousse cups are elegant enough for adult palates, they’re also a great choice for children, as the creamy chocolate mousse and sweet strawberry topping are sure to delight younger guests. The combination of chocolate and fruit makes this dessert universally appealing, and its presentation in individual servings makes it easy to serve to a group of people.

These mousse cups also offer an opportunity for creativity. If you’re preparing them for children, consider letting them choose their own fruit topping or even adding a fun twist to the berry coulis by experimenting with different flavors. The versatility of the recipe allows you to tailor the dessert to suit different tastes and preferences, ensuring that everyone will enjoy it.

Conclusion: A Heavenly Dessert for Chocolate Lovers

Chocolate Mousse Cups are the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. They combine the rich, creamy taste of milk chocolate mousse with the crunchy texture of a chocolate cup and the freshness of strawberries, all topped off with a tangy berry coulis. This dessert is indulgent, satisfying, and visually stunning, making it perfect for any special occasion or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly special.

The combination of textures—creamy, crunchy, and juicy—creates a delightful contrast that will leave your taste buds in awe. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, holiday gathering, or simply enjoying it as a special treat, these mousse cups are guaranteed to impress. With their decadent flavor, elegant presentation, and versatility, they’re the perfect dessert for any chocolate lover to enjoy.

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