If you’re looking for a dessert that feels luxurious, yet is surprisingly simple to prepare, this White Chocolate Mousse Recipe is an absolute winner. Creamy, smooth, and elegantly sweet, it combines the lusciousness of high-quality white chocolate with fluffy whipped cream for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Every spoonful offers a delicate balance of rich flavor and light texture that makes it perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this White Chocolate Mousse Recipe. Each element plays a distinct role in building the silky texture, sweetness, and subtle depth of flavor.
- White chocolate (8 ounces, chopped): Choose a high-quality brand for smooth melting and the creamiest taste.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the mousse set with a velvety finish.
- Egg yolks (2 large): Provide structure and a lovely custard-like base for the mousse.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the mixture without overpowering the delicate white chocolate flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the white chocolate’s natural sweetness with a subtle aroma.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 1/4 cups, divided): Whipped to soft peaks, it makes the mousse light and airy.
- Fresh berries and white chocolate shavings (optional): Perfect for garnish, adding freshness and a pretty presentation.
How to Make White Chocolate Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate and Butter
Start by gently melting the chopped white chocolate and butter together. Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring often to prevent scorching. Once smooth, set it aside to cool slightly. This careful melting ensures the mixture remains glossy and silky.
Step 2: Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and thick. This step not only sweetens but also helps create a rich, velvety base for the mousse, ensuring a delicate texture once combined.
Step 3: Combine Chocolate Mixture with Egg Yolks
Slowly whisk the melted white chocolate and butter blend into the egg yolk mixture. Doing this gradually helps temper the eggs, preventing them from scrambling and creating a smooth, homogeneous batter.
Step 4: Whip the Cream to Soft Peaks
Take one cup of heavy whipping cream and whip it until soft peaks form. This fluffy cream is what will lighten the mousse, giving it that perfectly airy lift while maintaining richness.
Step 5: Fold Whipped Cream into Chocolate Mixture
Gently fold the whipped cream into the white chocolate mixture in two batches. Use a light hand here to preserve the airy texture, blending until smooth and fully incorporated without deflating the volume.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Divide the mousse into serving cups or ramekins and chill for at least two hours. This chilling time allows the mousse to set beautifully into a creamy, yet firm dessert that’s ready to wow your taste buds.
Step 7: Finish with Whipped Cream and Garnish
Before serving, whip the remaining 1/4 cup of cream and add a dollop atop each mousse. Garnish with fresh berries and white chocolate shavings if you like, adding visual appeal and a hint of freshness to balance the sweet richness.
How to Serve White Chocolate Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries offer a bright contrast against the mousse’s creamy white. White chocolate shavings or curls add texture and elegance, transforming the dessert into a showstopper for any occasion.
Side Dishes
Serve your mousse alongside a light fruit salad or a crisp biscotti to introduce a crunchy element that complements the mousse’s smoothness. A drizzle of berry coulis or a small scoop of sorbet also pairs wonderfully, enhancing the dessert’s complexity.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the mousse with crushed cookies or fruit compote in clear glass cups for a stylish parfait effect. For a party, piped serving portions topped with edible flowers make an elegant touch. The versatility of this White Chocolate Mousse Recipe means you can get as creative and festive as you want!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mousse should be covered tightly and refrigerated. It will maintain its texture and flavor nicely for up to 2 days, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining with ease.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it can slightly affect the mousse’s delicate texture. If you choose to freeze, do so in an airtight container and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to preserve its creaminess as much as possible.
Reheating
This mousse is best enjoyed chilled and is not intended for reheating. Simply remove from the fridge, add fresh whipped cream or garnishes, and serve cold for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use dark or milk chocolate in place of white chocolate?
While this White Chocolate Mousse Recipe is designed to highlight the sweet, creamy flavor of white chocolate, you can experiment with milk or dark chocolate. Keep in mind the texture and sweetness will change, and you may need to adjust sugar or cream amounts.
Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in this recipe?
Yes, but ensure you use the freshest eggs possible from a trusted source. If you’re concerned about consuming raw eggs, you can use pasteurized egg yolks or opt for an egg-free mousse variant.
How do I know when the cream is whipped to soft peaks?
Soft peaks will hold a gentle shape when you lift the whisk but will droop back into the cream quickly. This is ideal for folding into the mousse to keep it light and airy.
Can I make this mousse vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its texture and flavor, but you can try substituting with coconut cream and a vegan white chocolate alternative. Results might vary, so some experimentation may be needed.
What is the best way to serve this White Chocolate Mousse Recipe at a dinner party?
Serve it in small, elegant glasses or ramekins with garnishes like fresh berries and white chocolate curls. Adding a small spoon and placing on a pretty dessert plate will elevate the presentation, delighting your guests.
Final Thoughts
This White Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a true gem—simple to make but sophisticated in taste. I encourage you to give it a try, whether for a special occasion or when you just want to savor something truly delightful. Once you experience its rich yet light texture and sweet elegance, it’s sure to become a beloved dessert in your recipe collection.
Print
White Chocolate Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and elegant White Chocolate Mousse that’s effortlessly no-bake and perfect for any special occasion. Made with high-quality white chocolate, whipped cream, and a hint of vanilla, this airy dessert is luscious and light, garnished with fresh berries and white chocolate shavings for an extra touch of sophistication.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces white chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh berries
- White chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Melt White Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped white chocolate and unsalted butter. Melt using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Allow it to cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.
- Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and thick, indicating it has increased in volume.
- Combine White Chocolate with Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the melted white chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously to ensure they are fully combined and smooth.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In another mixing bowl, whip 1 cup of the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form, meaning the cream holds its shape but is still light and fluffy.
- Fold Whipped Cream into Chocolate Mixture: Gently fold the whipped cream into the white chocolate and egg mixture in two additions, being careful not to deflate the mousse. Fold until the mixture is smooth, light, and airy.
- Chill the Mousse: Spoon or pipe the mousse evenly into serving cups or ramekins. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firmly set to develop its characteristic texture.
- Prepare Topping and Serve: Just before serving, whip the remaining 1/4 cup heavy cream until soft peaks form. Top each serving of mousse with a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with fresh berries and white chocolate shavings, if desired, for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- For an adult twist, add 1 tablespoon of orange liqueur to the melted chocolate mixture before combining with the egg yolks.
- This mousse can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator for convenience.
