The Perfect Indulgence: Coffee Mousse
When it comes to desserts that embody both elegance and comfort, coffee mousse stands out as a timeless classic. Imagine a delicate, velvety chocolate dessert infused with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It’s the kind of treat that not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also elevates your mood, thanks to its delightful coffee notes. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply enjoy a cozy night in, this coffee mousse is the perfect companion.
Sensory Experience
As you whip your ingredients together, the enticing scent of strong coffee fills your kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The first spoonful reveals a cloud-like texture—light and silky—with a harmonious balance between the bitterness of cocoa and the sweetness of sugar. Each bite melts into a creamy finish, leaving behind a lingering coffee flavor that dances on your palate and beckons you for more.
When to Indulge
This coffee mousse is especially ideal for special occasions like family gatherings, anniversaries, or even as a delightful after-dinner treat. It’s perfect for cozying up on a rainy day, or for serving at a brunch where a little indulgence is called for. No matter the occasion, this dessert promises to impress.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 22g
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to whip up this coffee mousse—starting with its effortless preparation. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a dessert that is equally sophisticated and comforting. The rich taste and intoxicating aroma make it a showstopper, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself after a long day.
How to Make Coffee Mousse
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Ingredients and Substitutions
- Dark chocolate shavings for garnish
- Hazelnuts or almonds for added crunch
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use aquafaba (chickpea brine) instead of egg whites.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brewed coffee, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder until fully dissolved.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the coffee mixture until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the egg whites into the coffee-cream mixture until uniformly blended.
- Spoon the mousse into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy chilled!
Baking Tips
- Ensure your whipped cream reaches soft peaks and is not overwhipped to maintain a light texture.
- Gently fold the mixtures together to keep the mousse airy and fluffy.
- You can test the firmness of the mousse by tapping the dish lightly; it should have a slight jiggle but no liquid.
How to Serve
Serve this coffee mousse in elegant dishes, garnished with dark chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Pair it with a shot of espresso or a steaming cup of your favorite brew for a delightful experience.
How to Store
- Room Temperature: Best enjoyed chilled; 1-2 hours maximum at room temp.
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 3 months; however, the texture may slightly change upon thawing.
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality coffee for the best flavor—freshly brewed espresso is ideal.
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlua.
- Allow the mousse to chill undisturbed; this will improve its texture and flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Cinnamon Swirl: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the coffee mixture for a warm spice.
- Vegan Delight: Replace eggs with aquafaba and heavy cream with coconut cream for a plant-based version.
- Mocha Madness: Fold in melted dark chocolate for a richer chocolate flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other flavors?
Absolutely! You can experiment with flavors like matcha or vanilla instead of coffee.
Why is my mousse dense?
Overmixing the ingredients or under-whipping the egg whites can lead to a denser texture.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover mousse can be used as a filling for cakes or pastries or simply enjoyed on its own.
Can I use frozen ingredients?
While it’s best to use fresh brewed coffee, you can prepare mousse with frozen coffee cubes, just ensure it’s not icy.
Conclusion
This coffee mousse recipe is a delightful way to indulge your sweet tooth while enjoying the rich flavors of coffee and cocoa. Easy to prepare yet impressively elegant, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. We encourage you to try this recipe for yourself and share your thoughts, variations, or pictures! Happy baking!
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Coffee Mousse
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A timeless classic coffee mousse that combines elegance with comfort, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Dark chocolate shavings (for garnish, optional)
- Hazelnuts or almonds (for crunch, optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brewed coffee, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder until fully dissolved.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the coffee mixture until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the egg whites into the coffee-cream mixture until uniformly blended.
- Spoon the mousse into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy chilled!
Notes
Ensure whipped cream reaches soft peaks. Test firmness of the mousse by tapping the dish lightly; it should jiggle but not be liquid.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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