Creamy White Chocolate Mousse Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (minimum)
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8

This creamy white chocolate mousse is a rich, smooth, and indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion. With its velvety texture, delicate sweetness, and a touch of vanilla, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress. It’s easy to make but requires some chilling time to allow the mousse to set to its perfect, airy consistency. Whether served on its own or topped with fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce, this mousse is a luxurious treat.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225g) white chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (for the mousse)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (for whipping)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
• A pinch of salt (optional, enhances sweetness)

For Garnish (optional):

• Fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries)
• Grated white chocolate or dark chocolate shavings
• Whipped cream
• Mint leaves

Equipment Needed:

• Heatproof bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Mixing bowl (for whipping cream)
• Serving glasses or bowls
• Spatula

Instructions:

Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate

1. Prepare the white chocolate:
   Chop the white chocolate into small pieces so it melts evenly. You can use a high-quality white chocolate bar or chips for this.
2. Melt the chocolate:
   Using the double boiler method, place the chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water). Stir gently as the chocolate melts until it’s smooth and fully melted.

   Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave in short 20-30 second bursts, stirring in between, until completely melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.

3. Cool slightly:
   Once the chocolate is melted, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool for about 5-10 minutes. The chocolate should be warm but not too hot when you add it to the cream.

Step 2: Whip the Cream for Mousse

1. Whip the heavy cream:
   In a separate mixing bowl, pour the 1 cup of heavy cream and add the pinch of salt (if using). Whip the cream with a whisk or an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form (when you lift the whisk, the cream should form peaks that gently fall over). This will take about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add vanilla extract:
   Add the vanilla extract to the whipped cream and continue to beat for another 30 seconds until incorporated.

Step 3: Combine White Chocolate with Whipped Cream

1. Fold in the melted white chocolate:
   Once the melted white chocolate has cooled slightly, gently fold it into the whipped cream using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream. Fold until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, with no streaks of chocolate.

Step 4: Whip the Cream for Topping

1. Whip the second portion of cream:
   In another bowl, pour the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream. Add the powdered sugar and whip the cream until stiff peaks form (when you lift the whisk, the cream should stand up straight without falling over).
2. Chill the mousse:
   Spoon the mousse mixture into individual serving glasses or bowls. Smooth the tops with a spatula and place the glasses in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the mousse to set to its creamy, airy texture.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Add whipped cream topping:
   Before serving, top the mousse with a dollop of whipped cream, either piped or spooned on top.
2. Garnish:
   For a fresh touch, garnish with fresh berries, a sprinkle of grated white chocolate or dark chocolate shavings, and a sprig of mint. You can also drizzle raspberry or strawberry sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 6: Enjoy!

• Once garnished, serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, luscious texture of this white chocolate mousse. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of champagne or a crisp white wine.

Notes:

• White chocolate quality: The quality of the white chocolate you use will affect the flavor and texture of the mousse. Opt for a good-quality white chocolate with at least 30% cocoa butter for the best results.
• Whipped cream consistency: Be careful not to overwhip the heavy cream when making both the mousse and the whipped topping. Overwhipping can cause the cream to turn into butter and lose its smooth texture.
• Chilling: The mousse needs adequate chilling time to set properly, so make sure you give it at least 4 hours to firm up. If you’re in a rush, you can place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes to speed up the process, but let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
• Flavor variations: Add some flavor extracts (like orange or almond extract) to the whipped cream for a unique twist. You can also fold in some fruit purees or even a few crushed cookies for texture.

Variations:

• Chocolate-covered berries: Garnish with chocolate-covered strawberries or raspberries for a decadent addition to your mousse.
• Fruit purée swirl: Add a swirl of fresh fruit purée, such as raspberry or mango, on top before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
• Spiced mousse: For a warm twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to the whipped cream for a cozy flavor profile, especially in the fall or winter.

This white chocolate mousse is rich yet light, making it the perfect dessert to round off a special meal or to enjoy anytime you crave something sweet and indulgent. Its creamy texture and luxurious flavor make it a showstopper every time. Enjoy!