2-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse: the Easiest Recipe for a Creamy Dessert!

2-Ingredient Chocolate mousse is a soft and frothy dessert typical of the French cuisine, but now loved and widespread throughout the world. It's the easiest version of the classic chocolate mousse. It looks like a cream with a soft consistency – in French mousse means "foam", precisely to recall its meltability – and is prepared with just two simple ingredients: dark chocolate and hot water, that combine and form a delicious and irresistible final result. It is perfect to serve at the end of a meal, maybe a romantic dinner, in single-portion bowls, to enjoy as a snack or to use to fill cakes, tarts, tartlets and cream puffs.

Easy to make, just melt the dark chocolate inside of the microwave, plate it in a bowl filled with ice cubes and water, add the hot water and whip the mixture until the chocolate cream has turned airy and soft. Then, store in the fridge for 30 minutes and voilà: your chocolate mousse is ready to be served.

Chocolate Mousse's Origins

Chocolate mousse, a decadent dessert beloved worldwide, traces its origins back to France in the late 19th century. This culinary delight, whose name means "foam" in French, epitomizes the art of French cooking with its airy texture and rich chocolate flavor. Initially created as a variation of traditional mousse recipes, which were predominantly savory, chocolate mousse quickly captivated the palates of the French and subsequently gained international fame. Its elegant simplicity, combines chocolate, sugar, and eggs whipped to perfection, and has allowed chocolate mousse to remain a timeless favorite in the realm of desserts.

What's the Difference Between Chocolate Mousse and Chocolate Pudding?

Chocolate mousse and chocolate pudding are two classic desserts that often get mentioned in the same breath due to their rich chocolate flavor. However, they are distinct in both texture and preparation, catering to different palates and occasions.

Chocolate mousse is a light, airy dessert with a smooth and fluffy texture. Its airiness comes from whipped egg whites or cream, which is gently folded into melted chocolate to create a foam-like consistency. This incorporation of air bubbles is what gives mousse its characteristic lightness and enables it to almost melt in your mouth. Originating from France, chocolate mousse is considered a more refined dessert, often served in elegant settings. The focus is on the quality of the chocolate used, as it's the main flavor component, with minimal additional ingredients.

Chocolate pudding, on the other hand, is a creamier, denser dessert that has a more custard-like texture. It's typically made with a base of milk or cream, sugar, and chocolate, thickened with cornstarch or egg yolks. This results in a rich and smooth consistency, which is comforting and satisfying to eat. Chocolate pudding is a more casual, homely dessert, often associated with childhood and comfort food. It can be served either warm or cold, and it's frequently used as a filling for cakes, pies, or as a standalone dish topped with whipped cream.

What Goes Well With Chocolate Mousse?

Chocolate mousse, with its luxurious and airy texture, pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments that can enhance its rich chocolate flavor. Fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, add a touch of tartness and color contrast, cutting through the richness with their natural acidity. Whipped cream, with its light and creamy texture, complements the mousse's airiness, while a sprinkle of grated chocolate or cocoa powder can intensify the chocolate experience. For those looking to add a bit of crunch, almond slivers or crushed hazelnuts offer a delightful textural contrast. Moreover, a drizzle of salted caramel or a dash of sea salt can elevate the mousse by balancing the sweetness with a savory note. Each of these additions, whether used singly or in combination, can transform chocolate mousse into an even more decadent and memorable dessert.

How Can You Stiffen Chocolate Mousse?

To stiffen chocolate mousse and achieve a firmer texture, ensuring it holds its shape better, there are several key steps to consider. First, make sure to whip your cream to stiff peaks before folding it into the melted chocolate mixture; this is crucial for introducing the necessary air and structure. Additionally, incorporating gelatin can provide extra stability—dissolve a small amount of gelatin in water, let it bloom, then warm it slightly before blending it with your chocolate. This step is especially helpful in warmer climates or during summer months. Cooling the mousse in the refrigerator for an extended period, ideally overnight, allows it to set properly. If you’re aiming for an even denser consistency, consider reducing the amount of liquid in your recipe or using a higher ratio of chocolate to cream. These adjustments will help you achieve a chocolate mousse that not only tastes delicious but also boasts the perfect texture and firmness.

Tips and Variations

– We recommend using excellent quality dark chocolate, with at least 70% of cocoa content.

– If you want, you can flavor the mousse with a little liqueur, grated orange zest or ground cinnamon.

– If you prefer, you can serve it accompanied by berries, some dry biscuits, pistachio spread or dark chocolate flakes.

– You can use any leftover mousse to fill eclairs or beignets.

More Mousse Recipes You Might Like

Classic Chocolate Mousse

Lemon Mousse

Galaxy Mousse Cakes

Strawberry Mousse

How to Store 2-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse

The 2-ingredient chocolate mousse can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with cling film, for up to 2 days.

Find out how to make the 2-ingredient chocolate mousse by following our step-by-step recipe and advice.

How to Make 2-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse

Cut the chocolate into pieces on top of a wooden cutting board.

Place the pieces into a ceramic bowl and transfer them to the microwave for 1 minute.

Remove from the microwave and mix with a spatula to melt the chocolate.

Add the ice cubes into a glass bowl and pour the water onto them. Place the bowl with the melted chocolate inside of the bowl with the ice cubes and water.

Pour the hot water inside of the chocolate.

Start whisking with a hand whisk, to combine the chocolate with the water well.

After the chocolate and water are combined, start to mix with the electric mixer and mix until the chocolate is firm. Then, whisk again with a hand whisk for a few minutes.

Pour the chocolate into the serving glasses and transfer to the fridge for 30 minutes.

Your chocolate mousse is ready to be enjoyed!