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Mousse au chocolat
Melt the chocolate, with the butter if using, in a bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, or in short bursts in a microwave. Stir until smooth, then leave until just warm to the touch.
Tip: Keep water and steam out of the bowl. A drop of water makes chocolate seize into a grainy paste.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Mousse au chocolat take?
4 hr 30 min all in — 25 min prep, 5 min cook, 4 hr rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 6 glasses. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Eggs. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Saucepan, Mixing bowl.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1 pinch.
How much sugar?
40 g (caster) of Sugar.
What can I use instead?
Fresh eggs → Pasteurised eggs in the shell. The whites whip a little less firmly and the mousse is slightly denser, but it takes the raw-egg risk away. Carton whites cover only the whites; the yolks would still be raw.
What should I watch for?
The eggs are raw. Use very fresh eggs, and pasteurised eggs if you are serving anyone pregnant, very young, elderly or with a weakened immune system.
Any tips from this recipe?
If the chocolate is too hot when the whites go in, they collapse. If it is too cool, it sets in lumps. Warm to the touch is right. A mousse with 70% chocolate and no sugar is very French and very dark. Start with the 40 g and adjust next time.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Spoon into a serving bowl or six glasses, cover and chill for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.