White Chocolate Mousse Recipe
If you’re craving something irresistibly creamy and decadent, White Chocolate Mousse is the dessert to sweep you off your feet. This feather-light treat combines the smooth elegance of white chocolate with the irresistible pillowyness of whipped cream, creating a blissful spoonful every time. From intimate dinner parties to a luxurious self-care night, this mousse is surprisingly simple to pull off and always delivers a wow factor. If you love desserts that feel special but won’t keep you tied to the stove, White Chocolate Mousse is the dream you’ve been waiting to whip up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You truly don’t need a massive shopping list to create a show-stopping White Chocolate Mousse. Every ingredient here plays a meaningful role in building the rich, silken texture and delicate flavor. Let’s talk about what you’ll need, and why each part is worth savoring:
- White chocolate (8 oz, chopped): The star! Choose a high-quality brand for the smoothest flavor and best melt.
- Whole milk (2 tablespoons): Helps melt the white chocolate gently and adds a delicious creamy note.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 ½ cups, divided): Brings that luscious, airy volume and classic mousse texture.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the sweetness and adds fragrant, mellow warmth.
- Pinch of salt: Tiny, but mighty! Just a pinch amplifies the chocolate’s flavor and balances the sweetness.
How to Make White Chocolate Mousse
Step 1: Gently Melt the White Chocolate
Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water—make sure the bowl isn’t touching the water. Add your chopped white chocolate and whole milk. Stir slowly and patiently as the chocolate melts, watching it transform into a silky, glossy pool. Once everything is smooth and beautifully combined, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. This step is crucial for a lump-free, ultra-creamy mousse!
Step 2: Whip the Cream to Soft Peaks
While your chocolate is cooling, grab an electric mixer or trusty whisk and beat 1 cup of the cold heavy cream in a chilled bowl. You’re aiming for soft peaks—when you lift your whisk, the cream should hold its shape, but the tip should flop over. This part gives the mousse its trademark lightness without sacrificing any richness.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt to the Chocolate
Now stir the vanilla extract and that important pinch of salt into the slightly cooled white chocolate. The warmth from the vanilla and the magic touch of salt will lift the chocolate flavor, making the overall taste feel sophisticated and balanced.
Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Gently fold half of your whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, using soft strokes to keep everything airy. Once integrated, fold in the remaining cream. This is where the mousse gains its trademark ethereal texture—don’t rush or stir too hard, you want those bubbles!
Step 5: Whip and Fold the Final Cream
In a clean bowl, whip the remaining ½ cup heavy cream to stiff peaks this time. Fold it ever-so-gently into your mousse base. This last addition transforms the mousse from creamy to cloudlike, ensuring every bite is plush, silky, and swoon-worthy.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Spoon the finished mousse into pretty glasses or small bowls—get creative here! Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set. The anticipation is worth it, as the texture becomes perfectly spoonable and intensely satisfying.
How to Serve White Chocolate Mousse
Garnishes
White Chocolate Mousse is a blank canvas for gorgeous toppings! Go classic with a handful of fresh berries (raspberries look stunning), add a snowdrift of shaved white chocolate, or sprinkle over some crushed pistachios for a cheerful crunch and pop of color. Even a dusting of cocoa or a twist of citrus zest can put a personal stamp on your dessert.
Side Dishes
This mousse is lovely alongside a crisp buttery cookie, almond biscotti, or even delicate shortbread. If you want to channel a French bistro vibe, try pairing with espresso or a sweet dessert wine. Lighter fruit salads and tangy berry coulis are also fantastic to balance the mouss’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Lean into fun presentations! Try piping the mousse into tiny jars, vintage teacups, or elegant stemmed glasses. For a playful twist, serve as a layered parfait with crushed cookies and fruit, or top muffins and cupcakes with a dollop for a playful, surprise finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
White Chocolate Mousse keeps beautifully in the fridge. Cover each portion tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and enjoy within 3 days. The texture stays dreamily airy, though the flavor deepens in a wonderful way as it rests.
Freezing
If you want to extend the mousse’s life, freezing is your friend. Spoon the mousse into airtight containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to 1 month. Before serving, thaw in the fridge for several hours or overnight, and give it a gentle stir to restore the creamy finish.
Reheating
White Chocolate Mousse is definitely a no-heat delicacy, so no reheating required! If it’s been frozen, simply let it return to a chilled, creamy consistency in the fridge. Stir gently if needed to revive its fluffiness.
FAQs
Can I use white chocolate chips instead of bars for White Chocolate Mousse?
Yes, you can use white chocolate chips in a pinch. However, bars or blocks tend to melt more smoothly and have better flavor. If using chips, double-check the ingredient list—some brands add stabilizers that can make melting slightly trickier. Chop them if needed for easier, even melting.
Why did my mousse turn out grainy?
Graininess usually comes from overheating the white chocolate or mixing in the cream while the chocolate is still too warm. To ensure your White Chocolate Mousse is silky, melt the chocolate slowly over gentle heat and let it cool before folding in the cream.
Can I make White Chocolate Mousse without an electric mixer?
Absolutely! A sturdy whisk and a little elbow grease will do the trick. Chill your bowl and whisk, use very cold cream, and be patient while whipping. The mousse may end up a touch denser, but will be just as delicious.
How can I make my White Chocolate Mousse extra-flavorful?
Experiment with mix-ins like a hint of citrus zest, a splash of orange liqueur, or infuse your milk with half a split vanilla bean before melting with the chocolate. Even a pinch of instant espresso powder can add sophistication!
Is White Chocolate Mousse gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as written. Just be sure to check your white chocolate for any unexpected ingredients, and avoid gluten-containing garnishes if serving to someone with gluten intolerance.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dig your spoon into your first bite of White Chocolate Mousse! There’s something magical about the simple, silky texture and gentle sweetness. Whether you dress it up or enjoy it plain, this French classic will quickly become a go-to favorite in your dessert collection. Give it a try, and treat yourself to a bit of everyday luxury!
Print
White Chocolate Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the velvety smoothness of this delectable White Chocolate Mousse. A luscious dessert that’s easy to make yet impressively elegant, perfect for any sweet tooth!
Ingredients
White Chocolate Mousse:
- 8 oz white chocolate (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (divided)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Melt White Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt white chocolate with milk, stirring until smooth. Let cool.
- Whip Cream: Whip 1 cup of heavy cream to soft peaks. Add vanilla and salt to melted chocolate, fold in whipped cream.
- Whip Cream Again: Whip remaining ½ cup of cream to stiff peaks. Fold into mousse.
- Chill: Spoon mousse into glasses, refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Notes
- Top with fresh berries, shaved white chocolate, or crushed pistachios for added texture and flavor.
- For a richer flavor, infuse the milk with vanilla bean before mixing it with the chocolate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
