This Ina Garten Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a silky and indulgent dessert, which includes bittersweet chocolate and whipped cream. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 2 hours and 15 minutes plus chilling time.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Chocolate Mousse Recipe Ingredients
- 6 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs, separated
- ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt

How To Make Ina Garten Chocolate Mousse
- Melt the chocolate: Place chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Whisk egg yolks and sugar: In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with half the sugar until thick and pale. Add vanilla and espresso powder, if using.
- Combine with chocolate: Slowly stir the melted chocolate into the egg yolk mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Beat egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar and beat until glossy.
- Fold egg whites into chocolate: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture, keeping as much air in the mousse as possible.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Incorporate whipped cream: Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until fully blended and smooth.
- Chill and serve: Spoon mousse into serving glasses. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Garnish with whipped cream, berries, or chocolate shavings.

Recipe Tips
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Can I use milk chocolate?
Yes, but the mousse will be sweeter and softer. Bittersweet gives a richer, deeper flavor. -
Why separate the eggs?
Separating the eggs helps give the mousse its light, airy texture. -
Do I need a double boiler?
Not necessarily. You can use a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. -
Is espresso powder necessary?
It’s optional, but it enhances the chocolate flavor without making the mousse taste like coffee. -
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! This mousse can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored covered in the fridge.
What To Serve With Chocolate Mousse
This rich dessert pairs well with light and fresh accompaniments:
- Whipped cream or crème fraîche
- Fresh raspberries or strawberries
- Chocolate curls or shavings
- Biscotti or shortbread
- Espresso or dessert wine

How To Store Chocolate Mousse
Refrigerate: Cover and chill for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Not recommended, as texture may change when thawed.
Chocolate Mousse Nutrition Facts (per serving, est.)
- Calories: 375
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 40mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and serving size.
FAQs
Can I skip the raw eggs?
Traditional mousse uses raw eggs. For safety, use pasteurized eggs or try an eggless version if concerned.
Why is my mousse grainy?
Chocolate may have seized—ensure it’s melted slowly and not overheated.
How long does mousse take to set?
About 2 hours in the fridge, or longer for a firmer texture.
Can I serve mousse in a large dish?
Yes, you can use a trifle dish or bowl instead of individual glasses.
Is mousse the same as pudding?
No, mousse is lighter and airier, thanks to the whipped egg whites and cream.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Ina Garten Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
- Ina Garten Apple Clafoutis Recipe
Ina Garten Chocolate Mousse Recipe
Course: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes5
minutes375
kcalA rich and airy chocolate mousse made with bittersweet chocolate, whipped cream, and vanilla—perfect for dinner parties or a decadent treat.
Ingredients
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6 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
-
3 tbsp unsalted butter
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3 large eggs, separated
-
½ cup granulated sugar, divided
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
½ tsp espresso powder (optional)
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
Pinch of salt
Directions
- Melt chocolate and butter in a double boiler until smooth. Cool slightly.
- Whisk egg yolks with ¼ cup sugar until pale. Stir in vanilla and espresso powder.
- Slowly mix in the melted chocolate.
- In another bowl, beat egg whites with salt to soft peaks. Gradually add remaining sugar and beat to glossy peaks.
- Fold egg whites into the chocolate mixture gently.
- Whip cream to soft peaks and fold into the mousse.
- Spoon into glasses and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
- Garnish and serve.
