Luscious Chocolate Dessert Cup (Printable Format)
A creamy dark chocolate mousse atop a crunchy cookie base, chilled and garnished delicately.
# What You Need:
→ Base
01 - 2.8 oz chocolate cookies, crushed
02 - 1.4 oz unsalted butter, melted
→ Chocolate Mousse
03 - 5.3 oz dark chocolate (minimum 60% cocoa), chopped
04 - 2 large eggs, separated
05 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
06 - 7 fl oz heavy cream, cold
07 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
08 - Pinch of salt
→ Garnish (optional)
09 - Whipped cream
10 - Chocolate shavings
11 - Fresh berries
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine crushed cookies with melted butter until evenly incorporated. Divide the mixture evenly into 4 serving cups, pressing gently to form a firm base layer. Chill while preparing the mousse.
02 - Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water or microwave in short intervals, stirring until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
03 - Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract together until mixture is thickened and pale.
04 - Whip cold heavy cream to soft peak consistency.
05 - Whisk egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
06 - Fold melted chocolate into the egg yolk mixture until homogenous.
07 - Gently fold whipped cream into chocolate mixture, followed by carefully folding in the beaten egg whites to maintain airiness.
08 - Spoon the mousse over the cookie bases in each cup, smoothing the surface. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to set.
09 - Optionally adorn with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries before serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It looks like you spent hours in a patisserie but honestly takes twenty minutes of actual work.
- The contrast between that shattered cookie base and silky mousse never gets old, no matter how many times you make it.
- You can prep these a full day ahead and actually relax before guests arrive.
02 -
- Egg yolk and white contact is bad news—even one speck of yolk will prevent whites from whipping properly, so work with clean bowls and wash the beaters between steps.
- Folding is not stirring; aggressive mixing deflates everything you've built and you'll end up with dense mousse instead of the ethereal thing you're after.
03 -
- If you want to make these a day ahead, keep them covered in the fridge and add your garnish just before serving so the chocolate shavings stay crisp.
- Pair these with strong coffee or a glass of port—the tannins cut through the richness in a way that makes you want another spoonful.