Decadent Heart-Shaped Chocolate Mousse Sundae
A rich and airy chocolate mousse shaped into charming hearts, topped with whipped cream and optional fresh berries, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 ounces (170g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 3 large eggs, separated (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, cold
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, whipped to soft peaks (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for topping)
- Fresh raspberries or strawberries (optional, for topping)
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs (optional, for topping)
- Mini heart-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter (optional, for topping)
- Heart-shaped silicone molds or small ramekins (for shaping mousse)
- Chocolate syrup or caramel drizzle (optional, for extra indulgence)
Instructions
- Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over simmering water without touching the water. Add chopped bittersweet chocolate and stir occasionally until smooth and melted (3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Separate the eggs into yolks and whites, ensuring no yolk gets into the whites.
- Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 5 minutes). Set aside.
- Stir egg yolks into the slightly cooled melted chocolate until fully combined. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Whip cold heavy cream until soft peaks form, being careful not to overbeat.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate and egg yolk mixture using slow, sweeping motions.
- Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the mousse mixture in three batches, folding gently to retain volume.
- Spoon the mousse into heart-shaped silicone molds or ramekins, smooth the tops, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, whip heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Unmold mousse hearts onto serving plates or bowls. Top with whipped cream, fresh berries, chocolate shavings, and drizzle with chocolate syrup if desired.
Notes
Use room temperature eggs for better whipping. Melt chocolate gently over low heat to avoid burning. Fold mixtures gently to retain airiness. Chill overnight for best texture and flavor. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator up to 3 days; let sit at room temperature 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 heart-shaped mouss
- Calories: 350400
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 0.18
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
Keywords: chocolate mousse, heart-shaped dessert, Valentine's Day dessert, easy chocolate mousse, whipped cream topping, romantic dessert