Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cups

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate, chopped; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 large eggs, separated; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; For garnish: additional strawberries and chocolate shavings

Highlighted under: Pastry Dreams

I absolutely love making Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cups for special occasions. They are not only visually stunning but also a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate with the freshness of strawberries. Each cup feels like a celebration in itself, making it perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging myself. Plus, the best part is how easy they are to prepare, allowing me to focus on enjoying time with family and friends rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

Created by

Olivia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-02-16T04:45:36.458Z

When I first attempted to make Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cups, I was a bit intimidated by the idea of creating the perfect mousse. However, I quickly realized that it's all about the technique of folding whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, which gives it that airy, fluffy texture. I also discovered that using high-quality chocolate makes all the difference in flavor.

One tip I always share is to refrigerate the cups for at least an hour before serving. This not only firms up the mousse but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Every bite is a delightful experience that leaves a lasting impression!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry sweetness
Luxurious, creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for romantic dinners or festive gatherings

Understanding the Chocolate Mousse Base

The foundation of your Chocolate Strawberry Mousse is the chocolate ganache, made by melting dark chocolate with unsalted butter. Using a high-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) enhances the richness and depth of flavor. Make sure to monitor the heat carefully when melting; the chocolate should be melted slowly over simmering water, stirring until it reaches a glossy and smooth consistency. If you burn the chocolate, it will lose its desirable texture and flavor, so patience is key.

Incorporating the egg yolks gives the mousse its luxurious texture. Make sure to whisk the yolks and sugar together until the mixture is pale and creamy—this step ensures the sugar dissolves fully, creating a soft and velvety consistency. If you find that the chocolate mixture becomes too cool during this step, gently reheat it over warm water before adding the yolks.

The method of folding in the whipped cream is crucial to achieving that light, airy delight. I recommend using a rubber spatula for this task, as it allows you to gently lift and combine the mixtures without deflating the whipped cream. The key is to mix until just combined—a few streaks of white are okay, as the final folding with the egg whites will help incorporate any remaining cream.

Layering and Serving Suggestions

When assembling your mousse cups, consider the presentation. Alternating layers of mousse and fresh strawberries not only adds visual interest but also enhances the flavor with each spoonful. To elevate the experience, use high-quality strawberries that are ripe for the best sweetness and texture. If strawberries are out of season, you can substitute with fresh raspberries or a strawberry coulis for a similar effect.

For serving, chill the mousse cups for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the mousse to set properly. This step is crucial because a well-chilled mousse will hold its shape better when served. Before serving, I love to garnish with additional strawberries and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings; this adds an elegant touch and provides extra texture with every bite.

If you want to make these chocolate cups ahead of time, they can be prepared up to two days in advance. Just ensure they are covered well in the fridge to avoid absorbing any odors. They not only hold up well but often taste even better after a day in the fridge, as the flavors have time to meld beautifully.

Ingredients

Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Ingredients

200g dark chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large eggs, separated
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For garnish: additional strawberries and chocolate shavings

Gather all your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth preparation.

Instructions

Melt the Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter. Set over a pot of simmering water and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Prepare the Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy. Gradually add the cooled chocolate mixture to the yolks, mixing well.

Whip the Cream

In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

Combine Mixtures

Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until well combined.

Whip the Egg Whites

In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the chocolate mixture in three additions.

Assemble the Cups

Layer the mousse into serving cups, alternating with sliced strawberries. Finish with mousse on top.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cups for at least one hour before serving. Garnish with extra strawberries and chocolate shavings.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cups!

Pro Tips

Always use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. Experiment with different toppings like crushed nuts or whipped cream to personalize each cup.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for dairy-free options, consider using dark chocolate that is explicitly labeled as dairy-free, and substitute the butter with coconut oil for a similar richness. Also, coconut cream can be a fantastic alternative to heavy cream, providing a unique flavor and creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free.

For a lighter version, you can swap half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt, which will lower the overall fat content while still providing a luscious mouthfeel. Just be sure to fold the Greek yogurt into the chocolate mixture gently to maintain its creamy consistency without deflating.

In case you want to avoid raw eggs due to dietary concerns, you can use pasteurized eggs or egg substitutes like silken tofu blended until smooth. This maintains the mousse's creamy texture while ensuring safety without sacrificing flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

A common issue when making mousse is separation, where components refuse to combine smoothly. If this happens, ensure that the chocolate mixture and whipped cream or egg whites are at similar temperatures before folding them together—too much temperature difference can cause curdling.

Another potential pitfall is overwhipping the cream or egg whites, which can lead to a grainy texture rather than a smooth one. Watch for soft peaks for whipped cream and stiff peaks for egg whites. Remember, if you see dry lumps forming, it’s time to stop; re-adding a bit of liquid (heavy cream, if needed) can sometimes salvage overwhipped cream.

If your mousse ends up too firm, it could be due to over-whipping or too much aeration. If it's really too dense, consider folding in a splash of heavy cream or even a bit of milk to loosen it up without compromising the overall structure.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this mousse ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for the eggs?

You can use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a substitute for egg whites for a vegan version.

→ How long will the mousse keep in the fridge?

The mousse will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, but it's best enjoyed fresh.

→ Can I add flavors to the mousse?

Yes! You can incorporate flavors like vanilla extract or orange zest to add an extra dimension to the mousse.