Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cups

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 cups
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate, chopped; 3 large eggs, separated; 50g sugar; 300ml heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 200g fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed; 2 tablespoons sugar

Highlighted under: Indulgent Dessert Recipes

I love indulging in delightful desserts, and these Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cups always hit the spot. The rich chocolate blends perfectly with the fresh strawberries, creating a light yet decadent treat. I enjoy making these for special occasions or just for a sweet evening at home. Each layer of mousse is a chance to savor the nuances of flavor, and the presentation in cups makes them feel extra special. They're surprisingly simple to whip up, and the result is pure satisfaction for the senses.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-07T21:38:29.273Z

When I first created these Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cups, I wanted to blend two of my favorite flavors into a single dessert. The process of folding whipped cream into chocolate ganache turned out to be the key to achieving that perfect, airy texture. After some experimentation with different ratios, I discovered that a touch of fresh strawberry puree really enhances the chocolate's richness.

I've made these for everything from dinner parties to cozy nights in, and they never disappoint! One of my favorite tricks is to layer the mousse with slices of fresh strawberries on the sides of the cups before adding the chocolate, which adds a beautiful visual appeal and extra fruitiness. It’s definitely a recipe that impresses!

        Why You'll Love These Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cups
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry sweetness
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for gatherings or a special romantic dinner

      

Mastering the Chocolate Mousse

Getting the chocolate mousse just right is crucial for this dessert. Start by using high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content, as it provides a deep, rich flavor that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries. Be mindful when melting the chocolate; too much heat can cause it to seize. Use gentle heat over a double boiler and stir continuously until it’s glossy and smooth, then let it cool slightly before mixing with the egg yolks to prevent cooking them.

Incorporating air into the mousse is key to achieving that light, airy texture. When whipping the egg whites, ensure your bowl and beaters are completely free of grease. This helps them whip to stiff peaks more easily. When folding the whipped cream and egg whites into the chocolate mixture, use a gentle hand to maintain the airiness. Overmixing can deflate the mousse, leading to a denser final product. Aim for a perfect blend that retains lightness and volume.

Strawberry Layer Perfection

The strawberry layer adds a refreshing twist that complements the rich chocolate mousse beautifully. When preparing the strawberry puree, it's essential to select fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum flavor. If your strawberries are on the tart side, feel free to adjust the sugar amount in the puree to achieve your desired sweetness. Passing the mixture through a fine sieve can also help achieve a smoother texture, eliminating any seeds for a cleaner presentation.

Keep in mind that the puree's consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape when layered but still spoonable. If you prefer a unique flavor twist, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a hint of balsamic vinegar to the strawberry puree. This acidity can enhance the sweetness and provide an exciting contrast to the chocolate mousse.

Ingredients

For the Mousse

200g dark chocolate, chopped
3 large eggs, separated
50g sugar
300ml heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer

200g fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
2 tablespoons sugar

Additional Garnish

Fresh strawberries, sliced

Instructions

Prepare the Chocolate Mousse

Melt the dark chocolate gently over a double boiler until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until pale and fluffy.

Stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract.

Whip the Cream and Egg Whites

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, followed by the beaten egg whites until no white streaks remain.

Prepare the Strawberry Layer

Combine the strawberry puree with 2 tablespoons of sugar and mix well. Adjust the sweetness if necessary, depending on how tart your strawberries are.

Assemble the Cups

Spoon a layer of chocolate mousse into each cup, followed by a spoonful of strawberry puree, then another layer of mousse. Repeat layers until you fill each cup, finishing with mousse on top.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cups for at least 1 hour to set. Just before serving, garnish with fresh strawberry slices.

Serving Suggestions

These mousse cups are best served chilled with extra strawberries on the side.

Pro Tips

For an added twist, try sprinkling some crushed nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cups are versatile and can be dressed up or down based on the occasion. For a casual gathering, serve them in simple glass cups or mason jars for an unpretentious, rustic vibe. If you’re hosting a formal dinner, consider using elegant dessert glasses or coupe dishes. Adding a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top can elevate the presentation further.

To enhance the flavor contrast, you might experiment with garnishes. Fresh mint leaves can add a beautiful pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness that pairs nicely with both chocolate and strawberries. Additionally, a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top or a drizzle of melted chocolate can serve as eye-catching finishes.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best aspects of these mousse cups is that they can be made in advance, making them perfect for entertaining. You can prepare the chocolate mousse and the strawberry layer a day ahead. Just be sure to cover the cups tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating so they don’t absorb any odors from other foods in your fridge. This makes your preparation on the day of serving much smoother, allowing you to focus on other dishes.

If you have any leftover mousse cups, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, ideally, these are best enjoyed within the first two days post-preparation for optimal freshness. Due to the creamy texture, avoid freezing the cups as this could alter the texture upon thawing, making them less enjoyable to eat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate, but keep in mind that it will result in a sweeter mousse.

→ Can I prepare these cups a day in advance?

Absolutely! They store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Is it necessary to use fresh strawberries?

While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren't available.

→ Can I make this recipe egg-free?

You can substitute the eggs with a commercial egg replacer suitable for mousse recipes, but this may alter the final texture.