There are days when we crave something sweet, but the thought of preheating an oven, measuring out a dozen ingredients, or scrubbing a pile of dishes is enough to make us give up. That’s exactly why this 3-ingredient chocolate mousse is a recipe worth keeping in your back pocket. It’s indulgent, silky smooth, and full of rich chocolate flavor, yet it comes together with minimal effort. Best of all, you don’t need to be an experienced baker to pull it off. If you can whip cream and melt chocolate, you’re halfway there.
This dessert is perfect for almost any occasion. Serve it in elegant glasses at a dinner party, prepare it ahead of time for a romantic date night, or make it on a quiet afternoon when your sweet tooth refuses to be ignored. The beauty of this mousse lies in its simplicity. With just three ingredients, you’ll create a dessert that tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
Heavy cream is the foundation of this mousse. It’s what gives the dessert its airy texture. Make sure it’s well chilled before you start whipping, as this helps it hold its shape. - 200 grams dark chocolate, melted
The chocolate you choose will determine the depth of flavor. A good-quality dark chocolate bar works best, but if you prefer something less intense, you can substitute with semi-sweet or even milk chocolate. - 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
This is completely up to your taste preferences. If your chocolate is already sweet enough, you may not need it. For those who like a little extra sweetness, the sugar balances the bitterness of dark chocolate nicely.
Directions
- Whip the cream
In a medium mixing bowl, pour the chilled heavy cream. Use a whisk, hand mixer, or stand mixer to whip until soft peaks form. You’re aiming for a light and fluffy texture—not stiff peaks. - Melt the chocolate
Break the chocolate into small pieces and melt it using a double boiler or in the microwave. If using the microwave, heat in 20-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth. Once melted, let it cool slightly so it doesn’t deflate the cream when combined. - Fold everything together
Slowly drizzle the melted chocolate into the whipped cream. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture until the chocolate is fully incorporated. Be careful not to stir too vigorously—you want to keep the airy texture intact. - Chill and serve
Spoon the mousse into small cups, ramekins, or glasses. Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, allowing it to set. When ready to serve, garnish with toppings such as fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or chocolate shavings.
Tips and Variations
This mousse is simple enough to stand on its own, but a few small additions can take it to the next level. A pinch of sea salt enhances the richness of the chocolate, while a splash of vanilla extract adds warmth. For a gourmet twist, try adding a tablespoon of espresso to the melted chocolate—it intensifies the flavor and creates a mocha-style dessert.
If you’re making this for children, consider layering it with crushed cookies to create a playful parfait. For a dairy-free option, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use dairy-free chocolate. The result is just as creamy and indulgent, with a subtle coconut flavor.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate mousse often carries a reputation for being difficult or time-consuming, but this 3-ingredient version proves that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated. In less than 20 minutes of active prep time, you can create a dessert that feels special and tastes indulgent. It’s a recipe that belongs in your collection, whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself.
So next time you’re faced with a chocolate craving, skip the store-bought dessert and whip up this easy mousse. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience while it chills, you’ll have a treat that’s rich, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible.
