Name: Coffee Mousse Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder or strong instant coffee; 2 tablespoons hot water; 2 large egg yolks; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream, divided; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; pinch of salt; chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Dive spoon-first into a silky, dreamy dessert that brings out the best of both worlds: rich, aromatic coffee and creamy, cloud-like mousse. Coffee Mousse is the java lover’s answer to classic French indulgence—quick to whip up, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to thrill at the end of any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a fancy dinner party or sneaking a cup all to yourself on a lazy afternoon, this luscious treat always manages to make the moment feel just a bit more special. With just a few pantry staples and a handful of minutes, you’re on your way to creating an espresso-infused experience that’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Coffee Mousse recipe comes together with a handful of kitchen staples, each with its own important role in building flavor and texture. Don’t skip or swap unnecessarily; the magic lies in the balance of every single ingredient.

Instant espresso powder or strong instant coffee: The bold backbone of the mousse, lending depth and robust coffee flavor without making the dessert watery.
Hot water: Just enough to dissolve the espresso powder, ensuring smooth flavor in every bite.
Large egg yolks: These create the velvety, custard-like base and add richness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the mousse and helps create that perfect creamy texture as the egg yolks are heated and whipped.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped into soft, billowy peaks, it gives the mousse its signature lightness and irresistible mouthfeel.
Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of floral warmth that balances and rounds out the coffee notes.
Pinch of salt: Just enough to highlight every flavor and prevent the dessert from tasting flat.
Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional): For an elegant finishing touch, a sprinkling of chocolate makes this mousse look and taste luxurious.

How to Make Coffee Mousse

Step 1: Dissolve the Coffee

Start by stirring your instant espresso powder or coffee into the hot water, blending until fully dissolved. This concentrated mixture is where the entire dessert gets its deep, aromatic coffee profile, so don’t rush—make sure there are no lumps. Set this aside and let it cool a bit while you move on.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar

In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and that little pinch of salt. This mixture is the core of your Coffee Mousse, destined to become thick, glossy, and pale as you build its custard base.

Step 3: Thicken the Custard

Place the bowl over a saucepan with simmering water, creating a makeshift double boiler. Whisk constantly for 3 to 4 minutes—this is where arm power counts! You’ll see the texture become noticeably thicker and paler. Don’t let it get too hot or scramble the eggs; gentle heat is the key.

Step 4: Combine with Coffee and Vanilla

Take the bowl off the heat and immediately whisk in your cooled dissolved coffee and splash of vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before moving forward; this prevents your cream from deflating or melting.

Step 5: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. You’re looking for fluffy, gentle mounds—over-whipping can make the mousse dense later on, so keep an eye as you go.

Step 6: Fold Together and Chill

Using a spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled coffee custard in batches. The goal is to keep as much air in the mixture as possible, creating ultimate silkiness. Once fully combined, spoon the mixture into serving glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This rest allows the Coffee Mousse to set into pure dreamy bliss.

How to Serve Coffee Mousse

Coffee Mousse Garnishes

For the perfect finish, add a flourish of chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder just before serving. Not only does this make each cup look like it belongs in a Parisian café, but it adds delicious bittersweet notes that complement the coffee beautifully. Even a few chocolate-covered espresso beans can be a fun statement on top!

Side Dishes

While Coffee Mousse stands proud on its own, a light, buttery cookie—think madeleines or shortbread—makes a lovely companion. For a special evening, pair each serving with a tiny glass of dessert wine or a small cup of espresso for the ultimate after-dinner treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination run wild! Serve your mousse in delicate espresso cups, elegant martini glasses, or even little mason jars for a cute, rustic twist. For a show-stopper dessert platter, layer the mousse with coffee-soaked ladyfingers for a nod to tiramisu or add a swirl of caramel for something extra decadent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Coffee Mousse keeps beautifully in the fridge—just cover each cup tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid. It’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead option for dinner parties or stress-free entertaining.

Freezing

Believe it or not, Coffee Mousse can be frozen! Spoon leftover mousse into freezer-safe containers and seal tightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving again. The texture might change a bit, but you’ll still get plenty of that rich coffee flavor.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Coffee Mousse, as it’s meant to be enjoyed chilled. If you’ve frozen it, just allow the mousse to return to that cool, creamy consistency in the refrigerator before enjoying. A quick stir after thawing can help restore any lost silkiness.

FAQs

Can I make Coffee Mousse without eggs?

Yes! For an egg-free version, you can use whipped cream and mascarpone (or cream cheese) blended with dissolved espresso and a bit of sugar. The result is a slightly different, but equally luscious dessert.

Is it safe to eat raw eggs in this recipe?

In this recipe, the egg yolks are gently cooked over simmering water, so they aren’t raw. If you’re concerned, use pasteurized eggs for extra peace of mind.

How can I intensify the coffee flavor?

To make your Coffee Mousse even bolder, simply add more instant espresso powder or a splash of brewed espresso reduced for extra depth. The key is tasting as you go so you achieve your ideal balance.

Can I use decaf coffee powder instead?

Absolutely! If you’re sensitive to caffeine or serving this to kids or guests in the evening, decaf instant coffee works just as well without compromising the classic flavor.

Why is my mousse grainy instead of smooth?

Thickness and graininess can occur if the custard base is overheated, causing the eggs to scramble. Always whisk constantly over gentle heat to maintain the smoothest possible texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Coffee Mousse at home, you’re in for such a delightful treat! This recipe is pure, effortless elegance—just a few steps, minimal ingredients, and a whole lot of wow factor. Whip up a batch, and prepare for it to become one of your new favorite desserts. Enjoy every spoonful!

Coffee Mousse Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of Coffee Mousse, a delightful dessert with a bold coffee flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Coffee Mixture:

1 tablespoon instant espresso powder or strong instant coffee
2 tablespoons hot water

For the Mousse:

2 large egg yolks
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream, divided
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt

For Garnish:

chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Dissolve Coffee: In a small bowl, dissolve instant coffee in hot water and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare Egg Mixture: Whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and salt in a heatproof bowl. Place over a double boiler and whisk constantly until thickened.
Add Coffee: Remove from heat, whisk in the dissolved coffee and vanilla. Let cool.
Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip cream to soft peaks.
Combine: Gently fold whipped cream into the coffee mixture. Spoon into serving glasses, refrigerate for 2 hours.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa before serving.