If you’re searching for a dessert that’s elegant, creamy, and absolutely irresistible, look no further than White Chocolate Mousse. This dreamy treat is a showstopper for special occasions but simple enough to whip up on a casual weeknight. Silky-smooth white chocolate folds into clouds of whipped cream, creating a mousse that’s both light and decadently rich. You’ll fall in love with each spoonful of this delightful dish, which is sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
White Chocolate Mousse shines with just a handful of ingredients, each bringing something essential to the table. Every component plays a role in building the flavor, texture, and luscious appearance that make this dessert so memorable.
- White chocolate: Use good-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and that signature creamy sweetness.
- Whole milk: Just a splash helps melt the chocolate smoothly, ensuring a silky base for your mousse.
- Heavy whipping cream (cold): The secret to the mousse’s airy texture, this whips up into billowy peaks.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth that rounds out the sweetness and enhances the chocolate.
- Pinch of salt: Just a touch balances the flavors and keeps the dessert from being overly sweet.
How to Make White Chocolate Mousse
Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate
Start by placing your finely chopped white chocolate and whole milk in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of gently simmering water, creating a makeshift double boiler. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and silky smooth. This gentle heat ensures the chocolate doesn’t scorch, giving your mousse the perfect base. Once melted, take the bowl off the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature—this step is key to keeping your whipped cream fluffy later on.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a separate chilled bowl, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer, beat until soft peaks begin to form. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then continue whipping until you reach medium peaks. This means the cream holds its shape but still looks pillowy and luscious. Whipping the cream just right is crucial for that classic mousse texture—over-whipped cream can turn grainy, so keep an eye on it!
Step 3: Fold It All Together
Once your white chocolate mixture is cooled, you’re ready for the magic. Gently fold in one-third of the whipped cream to lighten up the chocolate base. Then, delicately fold in the rest of the whipped cream. Take your time and use a gentle hand—this keeps the mousse airy and prevents it from deflating. The goal is a smooth, fluffy mixture with no streaks of cream or chocolate left behind.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Spoon the finished mousse into serving glasses or ramekins, filling them generously. Pop them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the White Chocolate Mousse is set and perfectly chilled. This rest time allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up, making each bite pure bliss.
How to Serve White Chocolate Mousse
Garnishes
Take your White Chocolate Mousse to the next level with eye-catching garnishes. A handful of fresh berries adds a burst of color and tang to balance the sweetness. For extra elegance, sprinkle white chocolate shavings over the top, or drizzle a bit of raspberry sauce for a pop of fruity brightness. Even a simple dusting of cocoa powder can give your mousse a chic finishing touch.
Side Dishes
While this mousse truly shines on its own, you can pair it with thin almond cookies, crisp biscotti, or delicate shortbread for a little crunch. A cup of espresso or black tea on the side complements the richness without overpowering the dessert’s subtle flavors. If you’re serving a dinner party, consider a platter of mixed berries for guests to add as they please.
Creative Ways to Present
There are so many fun ways to showcase your White Chocolate Mousse. Layer it in clear glasses for a parfait effect, alternating with crushed cookies or fruit. Serve it in chocolate cups or mini tart shells for a playful twist. For a special occasion, pipe the mousse into elegant champagne flutes or martini glasses to wow your guests from the very first glance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover White Chocolate Mousse (which is rare!), simply cover the glasses tightly with plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator. The mousse will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, maintaining its creamy texture and delightful flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze White Chocolate Mousse. Spoon it into freezer-safe containers, cover tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. While the texture may change slightly, it’s still a fabulous treat—almost like a frozen mousse dessert!
Reheating
White Chocolate Mousse is best enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you’ve frozen your mousse, let it thaw gently in the fridge until it returns to its creamy, spoonable state. Avoid microwaving, as heat can cause the mixture to separate and lose its lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use white chocolate chips instead of a bar?
Yes, you can use white chocolate chips in a pinch, but keep in mind that chips sometimes contain stabilizers that can affect melting. If using chips, melt them slowly and stir frequently to get a smooth base for your White Chocolate Mousse.
What’s the best way to whip cream for mousse?
Start with very cold heavy whipping cream and a chilled bowl. Beat on medium speed for soft peaks, then add your flavorings before finishing at medium peaks. This helps maintain a light, airy texture that’s essential for mousse.
Can I make White Chocolate Mousse ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to develop and the texture to set perfectly. Just cover the servings and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
How do I prevent the mousse from becoming grainy?
The key is to let the melted white chocolate cool to room temperature before folding in the whipped cream. If the chocolate is too warm, it can cause the cream to melt and the mousse to lose its smoothness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this White Chocolate Mousse recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check your white chocolate to be sure it doesn’t contain any added gluten ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Go ahead and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a batch of White Chocolate Mousse. It’s a dessert that never fails to impress, with its luxurious texture and delicate flavor. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s one of those unforgettable treats everyone asks for again and again!
Print
White Chocolate Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This elegant White Chocolate Mousse is a creamy, no-bake dessert that combines smooth melted white chocolate with light whipped cream. Perfect for a sophisticated treat or special occasion, this French-inspired mousse offers a rich yet airy texture with subtle vanilla and a hint of salt to balance the sweetness.
Ingredients
White Chocolate Mixture
- 6 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Whipped Cream
Instructions
- Melt the white chocolate: In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of gently simmering water (double boiler), melt the white chocolate with the whole milk, stirring continuously until smooth and fully melted. Remove the bowl from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Whip the cream: In a separate chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then continue whipping until medium peaks develop, ensuring the cream holds shape but remains smooth.
- Fold cream into chocolate: Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the cooled white chocolate mixture to lighten it, using a spatula and careful folding motions to maintain airiness. Then gently fold in the remaining whipped cream until the mousse is fully combined and has a smooth, fluffy texture.
- Chill the mousse: Spoon the finished mousse into serving glasses or ramekins, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until it is fully set and chilled.
Notes
- For a fancier presentation, garnish with fresh berries, white chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of raspberry sauce.
- Ensure the melted chocolate mixture is completely cooled before folding in the whipped cream to prevent deflating the mousse.
- Use cold heavy cream and chilled bowls for better whipping results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
