Classic Chocolate Mousse

4.67 from 9 reviews

Classic chocolate mousse never goes out of style. This dessert is the perfect marriage of light-as-air texture and rich, chocolate-y flavor. It just melts in your mouth.

Prep Time: 30

Bake Time: 10

Chilling Time: 2

Total Time: 2 40

8 servings

Ingredients
US Customary - Metric

16 oz heavy cream (2 cups)
10 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
5 large egg yolks
2 oz Grand Marnier (¼ cup, optional)
4 oz granulated sugar (½ cup, divided in half)
2 large egg whites

Instructions

Whip 16 oz heavy cream to soft peak and set in the refrigerator while you prepare the other ingredients. Melt 10 oz semi-sweet chocolate and set aside.
Combine 5 large egg yolks, 1/2 of the sugar and 2 oz Grand Marnier in a mixer bowl. Set the bowl with the yolks over a pan of simmering water (make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water). Whisk until the mixture is warm to the touch. Don't throw away the water, you'll use it for the whites too.
Move the bowl to the mixer (or use a hand mixer) and whisk until the yolks are completely cooled and have lightened in color and texture. Whisk the melted chocolate into the yolk mixture. If the mixture is still warm, wait for it to cool completely then fold the whipped cream into the chocolate base.
Combine 2 large egg whites with the remaining sugar in a heatproof mixing bowl. Set the bowl over the pan of simmering water and heat to 160 °F, whisking constantly. Remove the whites from the heat and whip to full peak and completely cooled. Fold the whites into the mousse.
Pipe or spoon into serving glasses while the mousse is still soft. Refrigerate until set. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and some chocolate shavings or fresh berries.