If you dream in chocolate, these Chocolate Mousse Brownies are exactly what your sweet tooth has been waiting for! Imagine a deep, fudgy brownie base topped with a cloud of silky, creamy chocolate mousse, all finished with an elegant dusting of cocoa or chocolate shavings. This dessert tastes as decadent as it looks and feels like a special treat you’d order at a fancy café. But here’s the best part: it’s totally doable in your own kitchen — no pastry chef credentials required! Whether you’re making them for a party, a holiday, or just to satisfy a weeknight chocolate craving, these Chocolate Mousse Brownies are always a showstopper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Brownie Base:
- 1 box (18 oz) fudge brownie mix, plus ingredients listed on the package
Chocolate Mousse:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish:
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder
How to Make Chocolate Mousse Brownies
Step 1: Bake the Brownie Layer
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing your brownie batter according to the instructions on the box. Spread the batter evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake until set — usually around 30 minutes, but check the box for exact times. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan; this is key so your mousse layer doesn’t melt!
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
While the brownies cool, place your chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until the chocolate is silky-smooth. Set this aside so it can cool slightly — you want it warm enough to mix, but not hot, or you’ll risk deflating your whipped cream.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. With a mixer (or a lot of elbow grease if you’re feeling ambitious), beat the mixture until soft peaks form. The cream should hold its shape, but look pillowy and not stiff. Take care not to overwhip; you’re aiming for mousse magic, not butter!
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate
Now for the fun part: gently fold the cooled melted chocolate into the whipped cream. Work slowly and use a spatula, making broad, careful strokes around the bowl. The goal is to keep the mixture light and airy, transforming it into a swoon-worthy mousse. Make sure it’s fully combined and streak-free.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Spread the chocolate mousse evenly over the completely cooled brownie layer. Smooth the top lovingly with a spatula and then transfer the pan to the refrigerator. Let the brownies chill for at least 2 hours — this gives the mousse time to set and makes slicing a breeze. (It’s the hardest part: waiting!)
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
When you’re ready to serve, finish your Chocolate Mousse Brownies with a flourish of chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder. Slice into perfect squares and enjoy each dreamy bite!
How to Serve Chocolate Mousse Brownies
Garnishes
Let’s be honest — half the joy is in how pretty these brownies look! After chilling, top each square generously with chocolate shavings, a delicate dusting of cocoa powder, or even a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you’re feeling extra, a few raspberries or a mint leaf wouldn’t go amiss, adding a pop of color and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
While Chocolate Mousse Brownies steal the show solo, they go beautifully alongside a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream. For something lighter, try a handful of fresh berries or a swirl of berry coulis on the plate — the tartness plays delightfully against the rich chocolate layers.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares or bars and serve them on a platter for an easy, elegant dessert tray. Hosting a more formal dinner? Layer cut squares in individual glasses, parfait-style, with extra mousse and fruit for a show-stopping, deconstructed take on Chocolate Mousse Brownies. Mini cupcake liners also make for cute, mess-free single servings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chocolate Mousse Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to 4 days — if they last that long — making them a great make-ahead treat for planning ahead.
Freezing
If you want to stock your freezer with a chocolatey pick-me-up, these brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll be just fine for up to 2 months; simply thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for best results.
Reheating
Since they’re topped with delicate mousse, Chocolate Mousse Brownies are best enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature. Skip reheating to preserve the creamy texture and integrity of the mousse layer. If you’ve just thawed from the freezer, let them warm up in the fridge or on the counter for 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Chocolate Mousse Brownies a day ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, making them ahead deepens the flavors and gives the mousse plenty of time to set. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to garnish and serve.
Can I use homemade brownies instead of a mix?
You sure can! If you prefer a handmade touch, bake your favorite fudgy brownie recipe in a 9×13-inch pan and proceed with the mousse layer as directed. The results are just as delicious (and maybe even better if you love baking from scratch).
What chocolate is best for the mousse?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips strike a lovely balance between rich and sweet, but if you crave a darker flavor, try bittersweet chips or even a chopped chocolate bar. Just make sure it’s good quality — the mousse flavor really shines through!
How do I get clean slices when I cut them?
For picture-perfect squares, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the brownies well (at least 2 hours) helps the mousse set, so you get neat, defined layers every time.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free brownie mix and double-check your chocolate chips are gluten free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten free, so everyone gets to enjoy these dreamy Chocolate Mousse Brownies.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Mousse Brownies are pure magic for anyone who loves a double dose of chocolate. With their luscious layers and show-stopping looks, they never fail to get rave reviews. Don’t wait for a special occasion to treat yourself or your loved ones — make a pan and savor every blissful, chocolatey bite!
Print
Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent goodness of Chocolate Mousse Brownies, a heavenly treat that combines rich fudge brownies with a luscious chocolate mousse topping. This recipe is a perfect blend of textures and flavors for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Brownie Base:
- 1 box (18 oz) fudge brownie mix, plus ingredients listed on the package
Chocolate Mousse:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish:
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder
Instructions
- Prepare Brownie Base: Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare brownies according to package directions in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake and let cool completely.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Whip Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Combine Mousse: Gradually fold melted chocolate into the whipped cream until fully combined and fluffy.
- Assemble: Spread mousse evenly over cooled brownies. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder before serving.
Notes
- For an extra indulgent version, add a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the mousse before chilling.
- You can also bake the brownies from scratch instead of using a mix.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, No-Bake Topping
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
