Print

Decadent Valentine’s Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cups

valentines chocolate strawberry mousse cups - featured image

A rich and airy chocolate strawberry mousse dessert perfect for romantic occasions, combining silky chocolate mousse with fresh strawberries in elegant cups.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream, chilled
  • 1 cup (150 grams) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 large egg whites, at room temperature (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) strawberry jam or preserves
  • Optional garnish: fresh mint leaves or chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Chop 6 ounces (170 grams) of dark chocolate into small pieces. Melt in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth (about 5 minutes), or microwave in 20-second bursts stirring each time. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Hull and slice 1 cup (150 grams) of fresh strawberries. Toss with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice and 1 tablespoon (12 grams) sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes to macerate.
  3. Using an electric mixer, beat 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract until soft peaks form (about 3-4 minutes).
  4. In a separate clean bowl, beat 2 large egg whites until foamy. Gradually add 1 tablespoon (12 grams) sugar and continue beating until soft peaks form (optional).
  5. Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream using a spatula, keeping the mixture airy and smooth.
  6. Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate-cream mixture until fully incorporated (if using).
  7. Spoon a layer of chocolate mousse into the bottom of serving cups (about ⅓ of the volume). Add a layer of macerated strawberries and a teaspoon of strawberry jam or preserves. Top with another layer of mousse until cups are filled.
  8. Refrigerate the mousse cups for at least 2 hours to set and allow flavors to meld. Overnight chilling is recommended for best results.
  9. Just before serving, garnish with fresh strawberry slices, mint leaves, or chocolate shavings.

Notes

Use room temperature egg whites for better volume. Do not overwhip cream to avoid grainy texture. Fold gently to keep mousse airy. Melt chocolate carefully to avoid burning. Chilling overnight improves flavor and texture. For dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate. Egg whites can be replaced with aquafaba for vegan adaptation.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate mousse, strawberry mousse, Valentine’s dessert, romantic dessert, easy mousse recipe, chocolate strawberry dessert