Chocolate Mousse Brownies combine two luxurious desserts into one irresistible treat. A dense, fudgy brownie layer serves as the foundation, topped with an airy, velvety chocolate mousse that melts in your mouth. The result is an elegant dessert bar that delivers both richness and lightness in perfect balance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is ideal for anyone who enjoys indulgent chocolate desserts with a refined finish. The combination of textures—the chewy base and the silky mousse—creates a multi-layered experience that feels sophisticated yet comforting. These brownies are impressive enough for celebrations, holidays, and dinner parties, but simple enough to prepare at home without advanced pastry skills.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- unsalted butter
- granulated sugar
- brown sugar
- eggs
- vanilla extract
- all-purpose flour
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- salt
- chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- heavy cream
- powdered sugar
- gelatin (optional for extra stability)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, melt butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar over low heat until smooth.
- Remove from heat and whisk in eggs and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the center is set. Allow to cool completely.
- For the mousse, melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short microwave intervals.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- If using gelatin, bloom it in warm water and mix it into the melted chocolate.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate until smooth and airy.
- Spread the mousse evenly over the cooled brownie layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing to ensure clean, defined layers.
Servings and Timing
Serves: 9 large or 16 small squares
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 22–25 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Mousse: Use dark chocolate for a deeper, more intense flavor.
- Mint Chocolate: Add a small amount of peppermint extract to the mousse for a refreshing twist.
- Raspberry Layer: Spread a thin layer of raspberry compote over the brownie before adding the mousse.
- Mocha Version: Add espresso powder to both the brownie and mousse layers.
- White Chocolate Mousse: Replace the chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter, contrasting version.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate the brownies in a covered container for up to 4 days.
These brownies should not be reheated, as the mousse layer will melt.
They may be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator to maintain texture and form.
FAQs
Why is my mousse too soft?
It may need additional chilling time or stabilization with gelatin.
Can I skip the gelatin?
Yes, the mousse will still set softly; gelatin simply provides more structure.
Do the brownies need to cool completely?
Yes, the mousse will melt if applied to a warm brownie layer.
Can I make this dessert ahead?
Absolutely; it is ideal to prepare it the day before serving.
What type of chocolate works best for the mousse?
High-quality chocolate with 60–70 percent cocoa content yields the best flavor and texture.
Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Yes, a box mix can be used for convenience, though homemade provides better structure.
How do I cut clean slices?
Use a warm knife, wipe it clean after each cut, and slice while the dessert is cold.
Can I add nuts to the brownie layer?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans add a pleasant crunch.
Why did my mousse separate?
This can happen if the melted chocolate is too hot when mixed with the whipped cream.
Can I make a larger batch?
Yes, simply double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan.
Conclusion
Chocolate Mousse Brownies deliver a luxurious dessert experience with minimal effort. The rich brownie base contrasts beautifully with the smooth, cloud-like mousse, creating a sophisticated dessert suitable for any occasion. Whether served at a celebration or enjoyed as an indulgent treat at home, these brownies are sure to impress with their decadent flavor and refined texture.
PrintChocolate Mousse Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies topped with a light and airy chocolate mousse layer, creating a decadent multi-textured dessert.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for mousse)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (for mousse)
- 1 tsp gelatin (optional, for firmer mousse)
- 2 tbsp water (if using gelatin)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix just until combined.
- Spread the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
- For the mousse, heat chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler until fully melted; let cool slightly.
- (Optional) Bloom gelatin in water for 5 minutes, then heat until dissolved and mix into melted chocolate.
- Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks and gently fold into the cooled melted chocolate until smooth and airy.
- Spread the mousse evenly over the cooled brownies and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- For an extra chocolatey flavor, stir additional chocolate chunks into the brownie batter.
- Using gelatin helps the mousse hold firm for clean slices, but it is not required.
- Chill thoroughly before slicing to maintain clean layers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg