Triple Chocolate Mousse Cups are elegant layered desserts that feature three indulgent chocolate mousses—dark, milk, and white—served in individual cups. Rich, creamy, and smooth, each layer offers its own distinct flavor, creating a visually stunning and satisfying treat perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These mousse cups are a chocolate lover’s dream, delivering depth and contrast in flavor with every bite. They’re as impressive in appearance as they are delicious in taste. The individual portions make for convenient serving, and the no-bake method is ideal when you want something refined without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For each mousse layer:
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate
- Milk chocolate
- White chocolate
- Heavy whipping cream (divided)
- Gelatin (optional, for structure)
- Sugar (for sweetening, optional depending on chocolate type)
- Vanilla extract (optional, for flavor balance)
For garnish (optional):
- Chocolate curls or shavings
- Chocolate sticks or wafers
- Orange zest
- Sprinkles or pearls
Directions
- Prepare the dark chocolate mousse: Melt chocolate and allow it to cool slightly. Whip cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold into the melted chocolate. Add a bit of gelatin for structure, if desired. Spoon into the base of dessert cups and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to set.
- Prepare the milk chocolate mousse: Repeat the same process as above with milk chocolate. Spoon the milk chocolate mousse over the dark layer once it’s set, and return to the refrigerator.
- Prepare the white chocolate mousse: Follow the same method for white chocolate. Layer it as the final tier.
- Chill the assembled cups for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
- Garnish before serving with chocolate decorations or fruit zest.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6–8 mousse cups
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Chill Time: 2–3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Variations
- Add a splash of espresso or coffee liqueur to the dark chocolate layer.
- Flavor the white chocolate mousse with orange or raspberry extract.
- Create a two-layer version for a quicker preparation.
- Make a dairy-free version using coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Not applicable. Serve chilled.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they are perfect make-ahead desserts. Prepare the night before for best results.
Do I need to use gelatin?
Gelatin helps stabilize the mousse but is optional. The dessert will still set with whipped cream alone.
Can I use chocolate chips?
Yes, use high-quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars for melting.
Can I freeze the mousse cups?
Yes, but the texture may change slightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
How long should each layer chill before adding the next?
Chill each mousse layer for at least 20–30 minutes or until firm to the touch.
Can I add fruit layers?
Yes, thin layers of raspberry or orange compote can be added between mousse layers.
Can I use only one type of chocolate?
Absolutely. You can make a single-flavor mousse if preferred.
What’s the best way to pipe mousse into cups?
Use a piping bag with a round tip for clean and even layers.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Yes, older children can help with layering and garnishing under supervision.
Can I make this in a large trifle dish?
Yes, just multiply the recipe and layer it in a larger serving bowl for a shared version.
Conclusion
Triple Chocolate Mousse Cups are the ultimate no-bake dessert, perfect for showcasing your love of chocolate in a sophisticated, crowd-pleasing format. With their rich layers, silky texture, and elegant presentation, they make a memorable finish to any special meal.
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Triple Chocolate Mousse Cups
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Elegant, rich, and irresistibly smooth, these layered triple chocolate mousse cups are the perfect no-bake dessert for chocolate lovers and special occasions.
Triple Chocolate Mousse Cups
Triple Chocolate Mousse Cups are elegant no-bake desserts layered with dark, milk, and white chocolate mousse—each rich, creamy, and distinct—served in individual cups for a visually striking and delicious treat.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 mousse cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 4 oz milk chocolate, chopped
- 4 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream (divided into 1 cup per mousse)
- 1 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin (optional, divided)
- 3 tbsp cold water (for blooming gelatin)
- 2–4 tbsp sugar (optional, adjust per chocolate sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for flavor balance)
- Optional garnish: chocolate curls, chocolate sticks, orange zest, sprinkles or pearls
Instructions
- Bloom gelatin by sprinkling over cold water and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Microwave in 10-second bursts to dissolve, if using.
- Melt dark chocolate gently and let cool slightly. Whip 1 cup of cream until soft peaks form.
- Mix optional sugar and vanilla into the whipped cream, then fold into the melted dark chocolate. Stir in 1/2 tsp dissolved gelatin if using. Spoon into dessert cups and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
- Repeat the same process with milk chocolate: melt, cool, whip 1 cup cream, sweeten if desired, fold together, add 1/2 tsp gelatin (optional). Layer on top of set dark chocolate mousse. Chill for 20–30 minutes.
- Repeat with white chocolate for the final mousse layer, using the remaining cream and optional gelatin. Spoon over milk chocolate layer and chill at least 2 more hours.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings, sticks, zest, or sprinkles before serving.
Notes
- Add espresso or coffee liqueur to the dark chocolate mousse for depth.
- Use flavored extracts (orange, raspberry) in the white chocolate layer for variety.
- Make dairy-free using coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate.
- Each layer must be fully set before adding the next for clean lines.
- Use a piping bag for precise and neat layering.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg