Everyone will want a bite of this chocolate mousse.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Chocolate mousse is a dreamy dessert.

Its light and airy texture is nearly cloud-like, but it’s super-rich in flavor.

Southern Living Chocolate Mousse in glasses to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

With a good semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, the mousse is deeply chocolaty and not too sweet.

Despite the fancy name, chocolate mousse is not at all complicated.

In fact, you don’t have to cook or bake anything.

chocolate mousse ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This entire dish is brought together with just a microwave and a mixer.

Learn how to make chocolate mousse, and enjoy it at your next dinner or holiday meal.

We even have a few topping suggestions to make it more fun.

Southern Living Chocolate Mousse melting the chocolate and adding the espresso powder

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Uncooked eggs do pose a risk of salmonella infections.

you might reduce your risk of infection by using pasteurized egg whites if you choose.

How To Make Chocolate Mousse

Grab your mixer!

Southern Living Chocolate Mousse beating the egg whites until they form stiff peaks

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Here’s a brief outline of that process; the full recipe is further below.

For a more upscale presentation, reach for Champagne flutes or martini glasses.

Gorgeous coupe glasses are always a good idea.

Southern Living Chocolate Mousse folding the melted chocolate mixture into the beaten egg whites

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

For a classic look, reach for antique sorbet bowls.

Can You Make Chocolate Mousse Ahead of Time?

Yes, you’re free to make chocolate mousse ahead of time.

Southern Living Chocolate Mousse beating the cream to stiff peaks

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

In fact, you should.

Chocolate mousse needs to chill for at least three hours so it will firm up and set.

However, after 24 hours, the mousse and whipped cream might begin to deflate.

Southern Living Chocolate Mousse folding the whipped cream into the egg white mixture

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Stir in espresso powder, if desired.

Add about one-third of egg whites to chocolate mixture; gently fold in.

Add remaining egg whites to chocolate mixture; gently fold in.

Southern Living Chocolate Mousse in a bowl to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Beat in remaining 1 tablespoon sugar.

Set aside 3/4 cup whipped cream.

Add remaining whipped cream to chocolate mixture; fold in until completely incorporated.

Chill mousse:

Divide mixture among 6 bowls or glasses.

Cover and chill until set, at least 3 hours.

When ready to serve, top each serving with 2 tablespoons reserved whipped cream.