Chocolate Mousse Dessert Cups

Featured in: Afterglow Suppers

This indulgent chocolate mousse blends finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate and butter melted together, combined with whipped cream and softly beaten egg whites for a light, airy texture. Chilling for two hours sets the mousse perfectly in small glasses. Garnish with shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves to enhance presentation and flavor. Ideal for elegant servings and easy preparation, this dessert balances richness with a delicate finish.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:54:00 GMT
Elegant chocolate mousse dessert cups, chilled and decadent, ready for a special occasion. Save It
Elegant chocolate mousse dessert cups, chilled and decadent, ready for a special occasion. | sunnyspoonful.com

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

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.
Delicate shot glasses filled with rich, creamy chocolate mousse dessert cups, garnished with berries. Save It
Delicate shot glasses filled with rich, creamy chocolate mousse dessert cups, garnished with berries. | sunnyspoonful.com

Notes

Can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Pair with a glass of ruby port or espresso.

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.

Airy and smooth, these chocolate mousse dessert cups offer a perfect individual portion of flavor. Save It
Airy and smooth, these chocolate mousse dessert cups offer a perfect individual portion of flavor. | sunnyspoonful.com

This chocolate mousse dessert is a perfect blend of elegance and simplicity, ready to impress at any gathering.

Recipe FAQs

What type of chocolate works best?

Semi-sweet chocolate provides a balanced flavor, but bittersweet with 70% cocoa adds richness if preferred.

How long should the mousse chill?

Chill for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to fully set and develop its airy texture.

Can I prepare the mousse in advance?

Yes, it can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator until serving.

What are ideal garnishes for this dessert?

Shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves enhance both appearance and flavor.

How do egg whites contribute to the texture?

Beaten egg whites lighten the mixture, creating a fluffy, airy consistency.

Is there an alternative for raw eggs?

Use pasteurized eggs or egg substitutes if raw eggs need to be avoided for safety.

Chocolate Mousse Dessert Cups

Airy chocolate mousse served chilled in elegant cups, perfect for sophisticated gatherings or individual indulgence.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
120 mins
Total Duration
140 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Afterglow Suppers

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Style French

Recipe Yield 8 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly, Free From 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

Directions

Step 01

Melt Chocolate and Butter: Combine the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Step 02

Incorporate Egg Yolks: Whisk the egg yolks with vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Gradually stir the cooled chocolate mixture into the yolks until fully combined.

Step 03

Prepare Meringue: Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Add sugar gradually and continue beating until stiff peaks develop.

Step 04

Whip the Cream: Whip the chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form.

Step 05

Lighten Chocolate Mixture: Fold one-third of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture gently to lighten it.

Step 06

Combine Remaining Mixture: Carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream, then fold in the beaten egg whites in two additions each, blending until smooth and airy without overmixing.

Step 07

Portion and Chill: Spoon or pipe the mousse evenly into 8 small shot glasses. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.

Step 08

Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish with shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves as desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • Heatproof mixing bowls
  • Saucepan for double boiler
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small shot glasses

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains eggs, milk, dairy, and cocoa. May contain nut traces.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 210
  • Fats: 16 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 15 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams