The BEST Chocolate Mousse Cups Recipe

Chocolate mousse is one of the most luxurious and decadent desserts, and serving it in edible chocolate cups takes it to the next level. This recipe for Chocolate Mousse Cups delivers an incredibly rich and velvety chocolate mousse encased in a crisp, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate shell. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for dinner parties, romantic occasions, or whenever you want to impress your guests with something truly special.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of textures—light, airy mousse paired with a smooth yet firm chocolate cup. Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade mousse is made with real chocolate, heavy cream, and a touch of espresso powder to intensify the flavor. The result? A dessert so indulgent, every bite melts in your mouth with deep chocolatey goodness.

Making chocolate mousse might seem intimidating, but this step-by-step guide will show you just how easy it is. The key to achieving that signature lightness is carefully folding whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to create an airy, silky texture. The chocolate cups, on the other hand, are made using silicone molds or cupcake liners for a simple yet elegant presentation.

One of the best parts of this recipe is its versatility. You can top your mousse cups with anything from whipped cream and chocolate shavings to fresh berries or caramel drizzle. Each bite is a perfect harmony of flavors, making it a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a chocolate craving, these Chocolate Mousse Cups are guaranteed to be a hit. The contrast of the crisp chocolate shell and the creamy mousse filling is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re make-ahead friendly, allowing you to prepare them in advance for stress-free entertaining.

So, if you love chocolate and want to create a visually stunning and delicious dessert, this is the recipe for you. Let’s dive into how to make the BEST Chocolate Mousse Cups at home!

Servings

• 6 servings

Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cups:

• 8 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for a shinier finish)

For the Chocolate Mousse:

• 6 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For Garnish (Optional):

• Whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings
• Fresh berries
• Caramel or chocolate drizzle

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cups

1. Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate and coconut oil (if using) in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
2. Coat the molds: Using a spoon or pastry brush, coat the inside of silicone muffin molds or paper cupcake liners with a thick layer of melted chocolate.
3. Chill: Place the coated molds in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set.
4. Add another layer: Repeat the coating process with another layer of chocolate to ensure the cups are sturdy. Refrigerate for another 15 minutes.
5. Remove the cups: Once set, carefully peel away the silicone mold or paper liners and keep the chocolate cups chilled until ready to fill.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Mousse

1. Melt the chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate, espresso powder, and butter over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the egg mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Temper the eggs: Slowly whisk a few spoonfuls of the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture to temper it. Then, combine the tempered eggs with the remaining chocolate mixture.
4. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip 3/4 cup of the heavy cream with the salt until soft peaks form.
5. Fold the cream into the chocolate: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture in batches, being careful not to deflate the mousse.
6. Chill the mousse: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the mousse to firm up slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Chocolate Mousse Cups

1. Fill the cups: Spoon or pipe the chocolate mousse into the prepared chocolate cups.
2. Garnish: Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, berries, or any desired toppings.
3. Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Mousse Cups

• Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
• Be gentle when folding the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to keep the mousse light and airy.
• If your chocolate cups crack, use a little melted chocolate as “glue” to fix them.
• For a stronger chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher).
• These mousse cups can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Summary

This Chocolate Mousse Cups recipe is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. Featuring a velvety-smooth chocolate mousse inside a crisp chocolate shell, it’s an elegant treat perfect for special occasions or indulgent moments. Topped with whipped cream and berries, these mousse cups are as beautiful as they are delicious. Simple to make and utterly irresistible, they’re sure to be a favorite!