Velvety Coffee Mousse
Indulge in this smooth and airy coffee mousse that perfectly balances rich espresso flavor with creamy texture. A sophisticated yet easy-to-make dessert, it’s ideal for coffee lovers who appreciate elegance and comfort in every spoonful. Whether served solo, layered in parfaits, or paired with biscotti, this mousse never fails to impress
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (preferably glass or metal)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Saucepan
- Rubber spatula
- Serving glasses or ramekins
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 3 large egg yolks (or egg substitute for no-raw-egg version)
- 3 large egg whites (or aquafaba for vegan version)
- ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 ounces dark or white chocolate (melted) for variations
- Optional garnish: cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, coffee beans
Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee Base: Brew strong espresso or coffee and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Whip Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to soft peaks. Set aside.
- Egg Yolks & Sugar: In a heatproof bowl, whisk egg yolks with half the sugar. Place over simmering water (double boiler) and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes pale (~3-5 mins). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and cooled coffee.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a separate clean bowl, beat egg whites with remaining sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Combine: Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the whipped cream, then carefully fold in the egg whites (or aquafaba) to preserve airiness.
- Add Chocolate (optional): Fold in melted chocolate if desired for mocha flavor.
- Chill: Spoon mousse into serving glasses or ramekins and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Serve: Garnish with cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or coffee beans before serving.
Notes
- Egg Safety: Use pasteurized eggs or egg substitutes if concerned about consuming raw eggs. Aquafaba can replace egg whites for a vegan version.
- Coffee Strength: Adjust coffee strength based on your preference for bitterness and aroma. Decaf coffee works well for caffeine-sensitive guests.
- Texture Tips: Be gentle when folding ingredients to keep mousse light and airy. Avoid overwhipping cream or egg whites.
- Make-Ahead: Mousse can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the fridge for freshness.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve chilled as is, or layer with whipped cream, crushed cookies, or fruit for added texture and flavor.