There’s nothing quite as dreamy as a perfectly whipped White Chocolate Mousse—airy, luscious, and impossibly elegant. It’s the kind of dessert you pull out for a special occasion but find yourself craving on an ordinary weekday too. Each spoonful glides across the palate with delicate sweetness and velvety texture, thanks to a handful of everyday ingredients coming together in delicious harmony. Whether you’re ending a romantic dinner or simply treating yourself, this mousse is an irresistible way to indulge in all things creamy, rich, and sweet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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White Chocolate Mousse:
- 6 oz white chocolate (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- Optional: white chocolate shavings or berries for garnish
How to Make White Chocolate Mousse
Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate
Start by combining the chopped white chocolate and whole milk in a heatproof bowl. Gently melt the mixture over a double boiler, or zap it in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each burst, until everything is silky-smooth. Patience here pays off—slow melting keeps the chocolate glossy and prevents scorching. Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant finish, then set the bowl aside to cool slightly; warm chocolate could melt your whipped cream later, so give it a few minutes.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
While the chocolate mixture is cooling, pour your cold heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the powdered sugar and whip with a hand mixer (or a sturdy whisk, if you’re feeling strong!) until medium-stiff peaks form. The cream should be thick, pillowy, and just hold its shape. Don’t overmix—stop when you can lift the beaters and see peaks that gently curl over.
Step 3: Fold Cream into Chocolate
Now comes the magic! Gently fold about a third of your whipped cream into the cooled white chocolate to lighten it, using a rubber spatula and a soft, “under-and-over” motion. Once that’s blended, fold in the rest of the cream until no streaks remain. This step gives the mousse its airy structure, so go slow and be gentle to keep in all that whipped volume.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Spoon or pipe your White Chocolate Mousse into individual glasses, ramekins, or even fancy teacups. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours; chilling lets the flavors mingle and the mousse stiffen up to the perfect texture. Trust me, the anticipation is worth it!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, top each glass with extra white chocolate shavings or a small handful of fresh berries. Not only do they look beautiful, but they add crunch and fresh tartness to balance the creaminess. Grab a spoon and dive in!
How to Serve White Chocolate Mousse
Garnishes
Mousse may be gorgeous on its own, but add a flurry of white chocolate curls, a sprinkle of freeze-dried raspberries, or a few plump blueberries and you’ll take it over the top. Edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar are also charming choices for a special touch.
Side Dishes
White Chocolate Mousse pairs lovely with crisp, buttery cookies on the side—think langues de chat, biscotti, or classic shortbread. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a small bowl of mixed berries or a tangy citrus salad to keep everything bright and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Showcase your mousse in glass jars for a rustic picnic vibe, fill mini tart shells for a finger-friendly treat, or serve inside hollowed chocolate eggs for holiday wow-factor. You can even layer the mousse with fresh fruit or cake cubes for a fancy parfait twist—let your imagination lead the way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow find yourself with leftover White Chocolate Mousse, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. It will keep its dreamy texture for up to two days—just be sure to re-garnish before serving for best presentation.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the mousse in airtight containers (leaving a bit of space for expansion) for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The texture may become slightly denser, but it will still taste utterly delicious.
Reheating
Mousse is all about being wonderfully cold and fluffy, so there’s no need to reheat it. Once thawed from the freezer or chilled from the fridge, simply enjoy straight away.
FAQs
Can I use white chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate?
You can, but choose high-quality white chocolate chips without a lot of added stabilizers. Chopping your own bar typically melts more smoothly, yielding a silkier mousse.
What if I don’t have a mixer—can I whip cream by hand?
Absolutely! It takes a bit of elbow grease and a cold bowl, but a sturdy whisk will give you beautifully whipped results. Just keep whisking until you get those soft, billowy peaks.
Is this mousse overly sweet?
Not at all—the balance of white chocolate, fresh cream, and just a hint of sugar makes it indulgent without being cloying. If you love less-sweet desserts, feel free to reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
Can I flavor the mousse with other extracts?
Yes! For a fun twist, try replacing vanilla with orange, almond, or even a dash of coffee extract. Just use moderation—a little goes a long way with strong flavors.
How far ahead can I make White Chocolate Mousse?
This dessert is practically designed for advance prep. You can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead; garnish just before serving to keep everything fresh and lovely.
Final Thoughts
This White Chocolate Mousse recipe is a go-to for dazzling friends and family with minimal effort—and maximum creamy joy. Whether you’re a mousse newbie or a seasoned dessert devotee, you’ll love how easy it is to whip up and how impressive it always looks on the table. Give it a try, and let your next special moment be that much sweeter!
Print
White Chocolate Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy decadence of this luscious White Chocolate Mousse, a dreamy dessert that’s both elegant and easy to make. Perfect for any special occasion or a delightful sweet treat any day!
Ingredients
White Chocolate Mousse:
- 6 oz white chocolate (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- Optional: white chocolate shavings or berries for garnish
Instructions
- Melt White Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, combine chopped white chocolate and milk. Melt gently over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and let it cool slightly.
- Whip Cream: In a separate mixing bowl, beat cold heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until medium-stiff peaks form.
- Combine: Gently fold about 1/3 of the whipped cream into the cooled white chocolate to lighten it. Then fold in the remaining whipped cream until fully combined and smooth.
- Chill: Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with white chocolate shavings or fresh berries if desired.
Notes
- Make sure the chocolate mixture is cool before folding in the whipped cream to prevent deflation.
- This mousse can be made a day ahead and kept chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
