Name: Coffee Mousse Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: PT-488385H26M52S
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules; 2 tablespoons hot water; 2 cups heavy cream, chilled; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 4 large egg yolks; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish

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If you’re a fan of silky, decadent desserts with a grown-up twist, this Coffee Mousse is going to become an instant favorite in your kitchen. It’s light, fluffy, and rich with bold coffee flavor—absolutely perfect for winding down after dinner or impressing guests at a special brunch. The layers of flavor unfold delicately, starting with the smooth whipped cream and culminating in a subtle chocolatey finish. Whether you make it ahead for an elegant dinner party or whip up a batch for a cozy night in, this Coffee Mousse is bound to steal the show at any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dreamy dessert comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients, but each one plays an essential role in amplifying the taste, texture, and luxurious color of your mousse. Don’t skip a thing—the magic is in the details!

Instant coffee granules: These give the mousse its signature bold coffee flavor; opt for a good-quality brand.
Hot water: Melts the coffee granules and brings out their deepest aromas—make sure it’s freshly boiled for the best infusion.
Heavy cream (chilled): Whipping this to stiff peaks creates the dreamy lightness every great mousse needs.
Granulated sugar: Lends the perfect touch of sweetness, offsetting the coffee’s bitter notes.
Large egg yolks: These provide richness, body, and that classic mousse texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds layers of warmth and depth to complement the coffee.
Salt: Just a pinch pulls all the flavors together and makes the sweetness shine brighter.
Dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (for garnish): The finishing touch—chocolate and coffee are a match made in dessert heaven!

How to Make Coffee Mousse

Step 1: Dissolve the Coffee

Start by dissolving the instant coffee granules in hot water—just two tablespoons does the trick! Stir until fully dissolved and set aside to cool slightly. This quick step ensures your mousse gets all that robust, aromatic coffee character without any grittiness.

Step 2: Create the Egg Yolk Base

In a heatproof bowl set over a gently simmering saucepan of water, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt. Scrape the sides often and keep whisking steadily. After about five minutes, you’ll notice the mixture turns pale and thick—this is the luscious backbone of your mousse.

Step 3: Add Coffee & Vanilla

Remove the bowl from the heat, then whisk in your dissolved coffee and vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before moving on—this ensures you don’t melt your beautiful whipped cream in the next step.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

With a clean bowl and chill-worthy patience, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This airiness is what makes the Coffee Mousse so impossibly light and cloud-like when you dig your spoon in.

Step 5: Fold It All Together

Gently fold the whipped cream into the coffee-egg mixture in two additions. The goal is to incorporate everything without knocking out those tiny air bubbles that give your mousse its signature fluffiness. Fold just until smooth and fully combined.

Step 6: Portion and Chill

Spoon or pipe the mousse into six individual glasses or bowls. Pop them in the fridge for at least two hours so the flavors meld and the texture firms up—it’s worth the wait!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, give your Coffee Mousse its final flourish with a generous sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder. The result is a visually stunning, restaurant-worthy dessert that’s ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Coffee Mousse

Garnishes

The crowning glory for this dessert is undoubtedly the garnish. Dark chocolate shavings add a subtle crunch and extra decadence, while a little cocoa powder dusted on top brings a sophisticated look (and just a hint of bitterness) that balances the mousse perfectly. If you’re feeling playful, consider fresh berries or a few coffee beans for flair.

Side Dishes

Pair your Coffee Mousse with crisp biscotti, buttery shortbread, or even a small espresso for an all-out coffee-lover’s experience. The creamy mousse also loves being served alongside fresh fruit, especially sliced strawberries or poached pears, which cut through the richness with their gentle tartness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take your presentation up a notch, try layering your Coffee Mousse in clear jars with pieces of chocolate cake or ladyfingers, tiramisu-style. Mason jars, espresso cups, or mini martini glasses turn each serving into a playful statement. For dinner parties, consider piping the mousse into chocolate cups or hollowed-out eggshells for wow-factor results!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Coffee Mousse stores beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover your servings with plastic wrap or reusable lids and refrigerate for up to two days. The texture remains plush and the flavor stays vibrant—just be sure it’s well-covered to prevent absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

While Coffee Mousse is best enjoyed freshly chilled, you can freeze it if you have leftovers. Place into airtight containers, and freeze for up to one month. When craving calls, thaw overnight in the fridge, then give it a brief whisk before serving to freshen up the texture.

Reheating

This is a no-heat-needed dessert, so don’t warm it up! Instead, let your mousse come to room temperature for 15–20 minutes if it’s been sitting in a very cold fridge or has just thawed from the freezer. This brings back the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth softness that makes Coffee Mousse irresistible.

FAQs

Can I make Coffee Mousse without eggs?

Yes, you can! Although eggs provide creaminess and body to traditional mousse, you can substitute with whipped aquafaba (chickpea liquid) or use a stabilized whipped cream recipe instead. The flavor will still be deliciously coffee-forward, though slightly less rich.

Is it safe to eat raw eggs in mousse?

In this recipe, the eggs are gently cooked over simmering water until thickened, which helps reduce food safety concerns. If you’d like extra peace of mind, use pasteurized eggs or an egg substitute designed for mousse-style desserts.

What’s the best coffee to use?

Instant coffee is the easiest option, but for an extra punch, try espresso powder or even a shot of strong brewed espresso—just be sure to account for the added liquid so your mousse stays thick and fluffy.

How far in advance can I make this?

You can prepare Coffee Mousse up to a day before serving. Store it refrigerated and add garnishes right before bringing it to the table. It actually benefits from the chilling time, allowing flavors to meld and bloom.

How can I make an adult (boozy) version?

Elevate your mousse by folding in a tablespoon of coffee liqueur such as Kahlúa or Tia Maria along with the dissolved coffee. The result is a luscious, grown-up treat reminiscent of your favorite after-dinner cocktails.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s both easy and extraordinary, give this Coffee Mousse a try. With its pillowy texture and irresistible coffee flavor, it promises to delight both you and anyone lucky enough to share your table. Let this be the recipe that turns your coffee break into an event worth celebrating!

Coffee Mousse Recipe

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4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Indulge in the velvety smoothness of this delectable Coffee Mousse, a luxurious French-inspired dessert that combines the rich flavors of coffee with airy whipped cream. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
2 tablespoons hot water
2 cups heavy cream, chilled
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Additional Ingredients:

4 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish

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Instructions

Dissolve Coffee: In a small bowl, dissolve instant coffee granules in hot water and let cool slightly.
Prepare Egg Mixture: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and salt until pale and thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in dissolved coffee and vanilla. Cool to room temperature.
Whip Cream: Whip chilled heavy cream to stiff peaks in a chilled mixing bowl.
Combine Ingredients: Gently fold whipped cream into the cooled coffee mixture in two additions until smooth and fluffy.
Chill and Serve: Divide mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder before serving.