Description
Chocolate Peppermint Mousse is a silky, make-ahead dessert that feels fancy enough for company but simple enough for a weeknight treat, giving you quick breakfast and brunch inspiration, easy dinner party desserts, and healthy snack style indulgence to add to your breakfast ideas, dinner ideas, easy recipe collections, and everyday food ideas.
Ingredients
6 ounces semisweet chocolate finely chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/3 cup crushed candy canes plus extra for topping
Whipped cream and fresh mint leaves for serving optional
Instructions
1. Chop the semisweet chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl with the unsalted butter.
2. Warm 1/2 cup of the heavy whipping cream until steaming, then pour it over the chocolate and butter and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Whisk the mixture until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth, then let it cool to room temperature but still fluid.
4. In a large chilled bowl, beat the remaining 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream with the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
5. Gently fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the whipped cream in two additions until no streaks remain.
6. Fold in the crushed candy canes, reserving a little for garnish if you like.
7. Spoon or pipe the mousse into 6 small dessert glasses or ramekins.
8. Chill for at least 2 hours or until set and nicely chilled.
9. Just before serving, top each mousse with a swirl of whipped cream, extra crushed candy canes, and fresh mint leaves.
Notes
For the lightest texture, make sure the chocolate mixture is fully cooled and the cream is very cold before whipping and folding together.
Use good quality semisweet chocolate between 55 percent and 70 percent cocoa for the best flavor and smooth melting.
The mousse can be made up to 2 days ahead; wait to add whipped cream and candy cane topping until just before serving so they stay fluffy and crisp.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mousse cup
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 60
- Fat: 40
- Saturated Fat: 25
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 120
Keywords: chocolate peppermint mousse, holiday dessert, no bake dessert, Christmas dessert, make ahead dessert, easy chocolate dessert