Chocolate Strawberry Heart Mousse

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Heart Mousse
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate, chopped; 3 large eggs, separated; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Deluxe Baking Inspirations

I absolutely adore making Chocolate Strawberry Heart Mousse, especially for special occasions. The combination of rich chocolate with the tart sweetness of strawberries creates a delightful balance that's hard to resist. Preparing this indulgent dessert is a breeze—just a few simple ingredients and some technique. I love how the airy mousse texture melts in your mouth, while the strawberry swirls add a lovely touch of freshness, making it a treat everyone enjoys.

Created by

Andrea

Last updated on 2026-01-18T15:22:28.687Z

Making Chocolate Strawberry Heart Mousse has become a beloved tradition in my household. I remember the first time I combined these flavors, the way the dark chocolate intertwined with fresh strawberries was simply magical. The contrast of the rich mousse with the fruity zest is something I think everyone should experience. One tip I learned is to fold the whipped cream gently to keep the mousse airy.

This recipe allows me to be creative—it's versatile and can be adapted with other fruits or flavors. I often use it for romantic dinners or gatherings with friends. The heart shape is just the cherry on top, literally and figuratively!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate flavor harmoniously paired with fresh strawberries
Light and airy texture that is satisfying yet not too heavy
Perfect for sharing with loved ones on special occasions

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The quality of the dark chocolate is crucial for the flavor of the mousse. A chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content is ideal, as it provides depth and richness without being overly sweet. If you prefer a milder taste, you can opt for semi-sweet chocolate, but avoid using milk chocolate, as it can overpower the delicate strawberry notes. Make sure to chop the chocolate into small pieces for even melting, which will help prevent scorching while heating.

When it comes to the strawberries, using fresh, ripe berries greatly enhances the flavor of the sauce. If strawberries are out of season, you can substitute with frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture. The lemon juice stabilizes the sauce's flavor and brightens the strawberries’ natural sweetness, making it a key ingredient that shouldn't be omitted.

Perfecting the Mousse Technique

Whipping the egg whites into stiff peaks is essential for achieving that airy texture characteristic of chocolate mousse. When using a mixer, start at low speed to create a foam, then gradually increase to medium-high until peaks form. Be meticulous—over-whipped whites can break down and lose volume, while under-whipped whites will not provide the lightness desired. An easy test is to invert the bowl; if the whites stay put, you're good to go!

Folding the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture needs to be done gently to maintain the airiness. Use a rubber spatula and employ a folding motion rather than stirring, which can deflate the bubbles you've worked hard to create. The goal is to achieve a smooth, glossy mixture without any visible streaks of cream. This technique is key in ensuring that each bite of the mousse remains light yet decadent.

Ingredients

For the Mousse

200g dark chocolate, chopped
3 large eggs, separated
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For the Strawberry Sauce

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Make sure to use high-quality chocolate for the best taste!

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberry Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the strawberries are softened. Remove from heat and let cool.

Melt the Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl, melt the chopped dark chocolate over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

Make the Mousse Base

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar until pale and thick. Gradually stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract.

Whip the Egg Whites

In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture.

Whip the Cream

In a clean bowl, whip the heavy cream until it holds soft peaks. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until fully incorporated.

Assemble the Mousse

Spoon the mousse into heart-shaped molds or serving dishes. Swirl in the cooled strawberry sauce for a beautiful effect.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the mousse before serving. Garnish with extra strawberries if desired.

Enjoy this delightful dessert with your loved ones!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, try using bittersweet chocolate or adding a splash of raspberry liqueur to the mousse mixture.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Chocolate Strawberry Heart Mousse can be prepared a day in advance, making it a fantastic choice for entertaining. Once assembled in molds, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more delicious dessert when served. Just be sure to garnish with fresh strawberries just before serving for the best presentation.

If you find yourself with leftovers (though unlikely!), the mousse can be kept covered in the fridge for 2-3 days. It’s important to note that the texture might begin to soften after the first day, but the flavor remains intact. However, avoid freezing the mousse, as it can alter both the texture and taste upon thawing.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While the heart-shaped presentation is delightful, feel free to get creative with your serving vessels. Small glasses or jars work beautifully to showcase the mousse layers and strawberry swirls. You might also consider pairing it with additional toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the chocolate's richness.

For a playful twist, you can experiment with different fruit purees in place of the strawberry sauce. Raspberries, blueberries, or even mango puree can add exciting flavor profiles to the mousse. Just remember to balance the sweetness accordingly; you might need to adjust the sugar in the sauce based on the tartness of the chosen fruit.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries; just ensure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.

→ How long can I store the mousse?

The mousse can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

→ Is this recipe suitable for children?

Yes, but be sure to use pasteurized eggs if concerned about raw eggs in the mousse.

→ Can I make this mousse vegan?

You can substitute dark chocolate with a vegan alternative and use aquafaba (chickpea water) instead of egg whites.