Easy 2-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse Parfait: A Decadent S’mores Inspired Dessert
Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly simple yet utterly decadent easy chocolate mousse recipe. Crafted with just two core ingredients – rich heavy whipping cream and your favorite chocolate chips – this dessert transforms into a show-stopping s’mores-inspired chocolate mousse parfait. We’re elevating this classic treat with layers of crunchy roasted salted almonds and a beautifully homemade toasted meringue, creating a textural and flavorful experience that’s perfect for special occasions or a luxurious everyday indulgence. If you’ve been searching for a fuss-free dessert that still delivers on “wow” factor, your quest ends here.
Unveiling the Simplest Chocolate Mousse Recipe
Every year, I find joy in sharing at least one incredibly simple, yet utterly delightful, last-minute recipe, especially around holidays like Valentine’s Day. While Valentine’s Day might not be the most significant holiday for everyone, it certainly provides a wonderful excuse to indulge in rich chocolate desserts and create something truly special. This particular easy chocolate mousse takes the cake (or rather, the parfait!) not just for its exquisite taste, but for being remarkably straightforward to prepare.
The beauty of this chocolate mousse recipe lies in its minimalist approach. It can be whipped up in under 15 minutes, requiring only two essential ingredients: heavy whipping cream and quality semisweet chocolate chips. The primary waiting period comes from the crucial chill time in the refrigerator, which is about an hour – giving you just enough time to relax before diving into dessert!
To truly transform this simple mousse into an extraordinary dessert, we’re pairing it with a symphony of textures and flavors. Layers of perfectly roasted and salted almonds, alongside a homemade toasted meringue topping, elevate it into a rich and decadent chocolate mousse parfait. While the meringue is best prepared and toasted just before serving for that ultimate fresh crispness, the foundational chocolate mousse itself is a fantastic no-bake, make-ahead treat, allowing for stress-free entertaining. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a thoughtful option for guests with dietary considerations.
The Inspiration: Pretty Simple Cooking
This delightful chocolate mousse recipe comes to us from the fantastic cookbook, Pretty Simple Cooking, penned by my talented friends, Sonja and Alex Overhiser. Their book, released recently, quickly became a staple in my kitchen, much like their renowned blog, A Couple Cooks.
For years, I’ve been a dedicated follower and admirer of A Couple Cooks. Their focus on nourishing, seasonal vegetarian recipes deeply resonates with my own cooking philosophy. Sonja and Alex truly embody a passion for wholesome, healthful cooking that remains both simple and approachable for home cooks of all skill levels. They consistently emphasize the importance of relying on bold, natural flavors and sourcing the best possible ingredients. This dedication to quality and simplicity shines through in every recipe they share.
Their cookbook, Pretty Simple Cooking, is a natural and beautiful extension of this culinary motto. It’s packed with a treasure trove of 100 vegetarian recipes, spanning across all meal categories from vibrant salads to hearty main courses, delightful side dishes, and tempting appetizers. What makes the book even more inviting is that every single recipe is accompanied by a stunning photograph, which is incredibly helpful for visualizing the final dish.
While I chose a slightly more decadent recipe to share today, the cookbook offers an incredible array of options for everyday cooking and special occasions alike. Beyond the delicious recipes, it also provides practical advice on cultivating a sustainable and enjoyable approach to healthy home cooking. It’s truly a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to eat well and cook smarter. You can find their wonderful cookbook wherever books are sold – I highly recommend adding it to your collection!
Mastering Egg-Free Chocolate Mousse: The 2-Ingredient Secret
Traditional French chocolate mousse often relies on a base of raw egg yolks or, in some variations, pasteurized egg whites to achieve its signature airy texture and richness. However, this easy chocolate mousse brilliantly sidesteps these complexities. Its secret lies in leveraging the emulsifying and aerating power of just two fundamental ingredients: quality heavy whipping cream and good-quality semisweet chocolate chips. This approach simplifies the process significantly without compromising on flavor or texture, making it accessible even for novice dessert makers or those cautious about raw eggs.
The Mousse Making Process:
- Gentle Chocolate Melting: The semisweet chocolate chips are carefully melted using a gentle double-boiler method. This involves placing the chocolate in a heatproof measuring cup or bowl set within a larger skillet filled with just simmering water. The key here is to keep the heat low and stir consistently. This gentle heat transfer is crucial to prevent the chocolate from overheating, which can cause it to seize (become clumpy and unworkable) or burn. Once smooth and glossy, the melted chocolate is set aside to cool slightly.
- Whipping the Cream: Meanwhile, the heavy cream is whipped to soft, billowy peaks. This is best achieved using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or a reliable hand-held mixer. Whipping on high speed incorporates air into the cream, creating the light, airy structure that is essential for a perfect mousse.
- Combining for Perfection: Once the cream has reached soft peaks and the chocolate has cooled slightly (but is still liquid), the melted chocolate is gradually poured into the whipped cream. The mixture is then gently beaten for just a few more seconds until it is pillowy, homogenous, and fully combined. The result is an incredibly rich, decadent mousse that strikes a perfect balance – it’s not overly sweet, nor is it heavy. Instead, it offers a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience that is characteristic of a high-quality chocolate mousse.
Recipe Note: For those who prefer, you can certainly substitute the chocolate chips with finely chopped semisweet baking chocolate. Ideally, choose chocolate with a cocoa content between 60% and 65% for optimal flavor and texture. While chocolate chips are not required for any structural purpose, their convenience makes this recipe incredibly easy to whip up on a whim, especially if you regularly keep them stocked in your pantry.
Elevating the Experience: Decadent Chocolate Mousse Parfait Toppings
To truly embrace the s’mores theme and create a dessert that captivates both visually and texturally, this quick chocolate mousse recipe is beautifully complemented by a trio of fantastic toppings. Each element adds a distinct layer of flavor and crunch, transforming a simple mousse into an unforgettable parfait experience.
The Layers of Delight:
- Roasted Salted Almonds: A generous layer of chopped roasted salted almonds provides a delightful crunch and a hint of savory balance to the sweetness of the chocolate. For an extra layer of warmth and aroma, these almonds are gently tossed with a touch of ground cinnamon, which beautifully complements the chocolate. If your almonds aren’t pre-roasted, simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant, then cool and chop. The saltiness in the almonds enhances the chocolate flavor, creating a truly addictive combination.
- Reserved Chocolate Chips: A scattering of extra chocolate chips adds another dimension of chocolatey goodness and provides a slight textural contrast against the smooth mousse. This also reinforces the overall chocolate theme.
-
Homemade Toasted Meringue Topping: The crowning glory of this s’mores-inspired parfait is the homemade meringue. This light, airy, and slightly chewy topping is the quintessential marshmallow stand-in for our s’mores creation.
- Meringue Ingredients: The meringue is a straightforward combination of large egg whites, a pinch of cream of tartar, and granulated sugar. The cream of tartar, an acidic compound, plays a vital role in stabilizing the egg whites, helping them whip up to stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape beautifully.
- Swiss Meringue Method: To ensure safety and a superior texture, we employ the Swiss meringue method. The egg white mixture is gently heated in a mixing bowl set over a skillet of barely simmering water. This gentle heat slowly dissolves the sugar completely and pasteurizes the egg whites, making them safe to consume. You’ll stir the mixture until it reaches about 160°F (71°C) and feels smooth when rubbed between your fingertips, with no grittiness from undissolved sugar.
- Whipping and Toasting: Once heated, the mixture is removed from the heat and whipped vigorously with a stand mixer until it transforms into a bright white, glossy, and voluminous meringue with stiff peaks. For that authentic s’mores experience, the meringue is then toasted. A kitchen torch is highly recommended for achieving perfectly browned peaks in seconds, providing great control. Alternatively, you can carefully toast the parfaits under a standard broiler for a minute or two, being sure to use heatproof containers and keeping a very close eye to prevent burning.
While the meringue topping truly shines when made just before serving, to maintain its delicate texture and warmth, these optional additions collectively create a dessert with an incredibly fun and varied textural profile, guaranteeing that sought-after “wow factor” for your chocolate dessert.
If You Love This Easy Chocolate Mousse Recipe, Try These Recipes Next:
- Decadent Double Dark Chocolate Tart
- Elegant Chocolate Meringue Cups with Berries
- Gourmet Chocolate Almond Rochers with Sea Salt
Easy Chocolate Mousse Parfait (S’mores Inspired)
Pin
Review
Prep: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour 30 minutes
This easy chocolate mousse recipe is made with just two ingredients – heavy whipping cream and chocolate chips – and layered with roasted almonds and homemade toasted meringue to create a decadent s’mores-inspired chocolate mousse parfait!
Equipment
- Stand Mixer (e.g., KitchenAid 5 Qt. Artisan)
- Glass Measuring Cup
- Large Skillet
- Small Bowl
- Kitchen Torch (optional, for meringue)
Ingredients
- 1 cup (125 g) semisweet chocolate chips, divided (see notes)
- 1 cup (240 mL) heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup (70 g) roasted salted almonds, chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large egg whites
- ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- scant ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Make the Chocolate Mousse: Place ¾ cup (about 95 grams) of semisweet chocolate chips in a glass measuring cup. Fill a large skillet halfway with water and heat to a low simmer. Once the water is simmering, turn off the heat and carefully place the measuring cup in the water. Stir until the chocolate is just melted and smooth. Remove the measuring cup from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the heavy whipping cream on high speed for about 1 minute, or until soft peaks form. Pour the slightly cooled melted chocolate into the whipped cream and continue beating for several seconds until the mixture is pillowy, voluminous, and fully combined. Divide the mousse evenly into 4 small glasses, bowls, or canning jars. (The original recipe yields 6 servings; however, I chose to make my servings slightly more generous.) Refrigerate for about 1 hour to allow the mousse to set. Thoroughly wash the bowl of the stand mixer, ensuring no fat residue remains, as egg whites will not whip properly if any fat is present.
- Make the Almond Layer: Chop the roasted salted almonds. In a small bowl, stir the chopped almonds together with the ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
- Make the Meringue: As close as possible to serving time, return the skillet of water to a bare simmer. Separate the egg whites and place them into the clean stand mixer bowl, along with the cream of tartar, granulated sugar, and ground nutmeg. Hold the mixing bowl directly over the warm water (without touching the water) and stir continuously with a wooden spoon for about 2 minutes, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth, no longer gritty. Aim for a temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure the egg whites are fully pasteurized and safe to consume. To check for dissolved sugar, rub a small amount of the mixture between your fingertips. Once smooth, move the mixing bowl to the stand mixer and attach the whisk. Beat the mixture on high speed for about 5 minutes, until it becomes bright white, glossy, and forms stiff peaks.
- Assemble the Parfaits: Remove the chilled chocolate mousse glasses from the refrigerator. Top each glass of chocolate mousse with a handful of the cinnamon-almond mixture. Then, evenly distribute the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips among the glasses. Use a small spatula or spoon to top each jar generously with the freshly made meringue, forming it into attractive peaks. For a beautiful toasted finish, use a kitchen torch to brown the outside of the meringue for a few seconds. Alternatively, you can toast the parfaits under a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes; if using a broiler, ensure your containers are heatproof and allow ample headroom in the oven to prevent burning. Serve immediately to enjoy the meringue at its best.
Tips For Success:
- Chocolate Choice: Feel free to substitute the chocolate chips with chopped semisweet chocolate, ideally with 60%-65% cocoa content, for a more complex flavor.
- Cleaner Presentation: While a large spoon or spatula works perfectly for dividing the mousse, for a more elegant and clean presentation, transfer the prepared mousse to a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip. This allows for precise piping into the cups.
- Make Ahead Strategy: The chocolate mousse can be prepared and stored, refrigerated, up to 2 days in advance. The almond mixture can be prepared and stored in a sealed container at room temperature. To maintain the best quality, make the meringue and assemble the parfaits as close as possible to serving time. Avoid refrigerating the meringue, as it tends to become tough and lose its delicate texture when chilled.
Recipe reprinted and shared with permission from Pretty Simple Cooking by Sonja and Alex Overhiser (De Capo, February 2018).
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 315kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 45mg, Sodium: 33mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 25g
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
In conclusion, this easy 2-ingredient chocolate mousse parfait is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of simplicity and rich, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day or simply to satisfy a chocolate craving, its quick preparation time, naturally gluten-free status, and the delightful s’mores-inspired layers make it an undeniable winner. The combination of velvety chocolate mousse, crunchy roasted almonds, and fluffy toasted meringue creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will impress any palate. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the magic of truly simple cooking!
I received a complimentary copy of the Pretty Simple Cooking cookbook from my friends Alex and Sonja, but all opinions are my own.