Luxurious French Vanilla Coffee Mousse
Indulge in this delightfully decadent French Vanilla Coffee Mousse, inspired by the classic Southern Lady Magazine recipe. This rich dessert combines the deep flavors of chocolate and the warm essence of French vanilla coffee, creating a smooth and airy mousse that's sure to impress. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home, this mousse is best served chilled and makes approximately 10 generous servings, allowing everyone to indulge in a taste of luxury.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Heavy Whipping Cream
3 cups (divided)
French Vanilla Instant Coffee
2 tablespoons (mixed with cream)
Semisweet Chocolate
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
Milk Chocolate Candy Bars
3 ounces (chopped)
Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon (added to whipped cream)
Sugar
3/4 cup (added to whipped cream)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with the French vanilla instant coffee. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture reaches a boil, then remove it from the heat.
2
In a separate medium bowl, combine the chopped semisweet chocolate and milk chocolate candy bars.
3
Pour the hot cream mixture through a fine-mesh strainer over the chocolate mixture, ensuring that no coffee granules remain. Stir the chocolate mixture until all the chocolate is melted and smooth.
4
In another medium bowl, whip the remaining 2 cups of heavy whipping cream and the vanilla extract together using an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.
5
Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat the cream until stiff peaks form, being careful not to overbeat.
6
Gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the melted chocolate mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
7
Transfer the mousse to serving dishes or a large serving bowl. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set. Serve chilled and enjoy your heavenly creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Luxurious French Vanilla Coffee Mousse?
It is a rich and airy dessert that combines the deep flavors of chocolate with the warm essence of French vanilla coffee, inspired by a Southern Lady Magazine recipe.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 10 generous servings.
How long does the mousse need to chill?
The mousse should be covered and chilled in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until it is completely set.
Can I use regular instant coffee instead of French vanilla?
Yes, you can use regular instant coffee, but you may want to increase the vanilla extract slightly to maintain the French vanilla flavor profile.
What types of chocolate are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of chopped semisweet chocolate and 3 ounces of milk chocolate candy bars.
Why do I need to strain the cream and coffee mixture?
Straining ensures that no undissolved coffee granules remain, resulting in a perfectly smooth chocolate base.
How do I achieve stiff peaks when whipping the cream?
Beat the heavy whipping cream, vanilla, and sugar on high speed with an electric mixer until the cream is thick and holds its shape firmly when the beaters are lifted.
What does it mean to fold the mixtures together?
Folding is a gentle mixing technique used to combine the whipped cream and chocolate without deflating the air bubbles that give the mousse its light texture.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead dessert since it requires at least 4 hours of chilling and holds up well overnight.
Is this mousse gluten-free?
While the primary ingredients are gluten-free, always check the labels on your chocolate and instant coffee to ensure they were not processed in a facility with gluten.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy whipping cream?
No, heavy whipping cream is necessary because half-and-half does not have enough fat content to whip into stiff peaks.
How should I chop the chocolate?
Use a sharp knife to chop the chocolate into small, uniform pieces so it melts quickly and evenly when the hot cream is poured over it.
Can I substitute the sugar for a sweetener?
You can use a powdered sugar substitute, though it may slightly alter the final texture and taste of the mousse.
What happens if I overbeat the whipped cream?
Overbeating can turn the cream into butter; stop as soon as stiff peaks form.
What serving dishes are recommended?
You can serve the mousse in individual ramekins, parfait glasses, or one large decorative serving bowl.
Can I add alcohol to the recipe?
Yes, a tablespoon of coffee liqueur or brandy can be folded into the chocolate mixture for an adult version of the dessert.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for lacto-vegetarians as it contains dairy but no meat or gelatin.
What can I use for garnish?
Top the mousse with extra whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder before serving.
Does the coffee flavor dominate the mousse?
No, the coffee acts as a flavor enhancer that deepens the chocolate taste while providing a subtle French vanilla aroma.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?
Yes, dark chocolate can be substituted if you prefer a less sweet and more intense cocoa flavor.
How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
Leftover mousse can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the mousse?
Freezing is possible for a frozen treat, but the texture may become slightly grainy once thawed.
Why is the chocolate mixture stirred after pouring the cream?
Stirring helps the residual heat from the cream melt the chocolate pieces into a smooth, glossy ganache.
Do I need to use milk chocolate candy bars?
The candy bars add a specific creaminess and sweetness, but they can be replaced with 3 ounces of milk chocolate chips if needed.
Can I use a hand whisk for the whipped cream?
You can, but it will require significant manual effort and time to reach the necessary stiff peaks.
What if my chocolate doesn't melt completely?
If the cream wasn't hot enough, you can gently heat the mixture over a double boiler, stirring constantly until smooth.
Is the sugar added all at once?
The sugar should be added gradually while beating the cream to ensure it dissolves properly and helps stabilize the peaks.
Can I omit the coffee?
You can omit it for a plain chocolate mousse, though you will lose the signature French vanilla coffee profile.
Should the chocolate mixture be hot when folding in the cream?
No, the chocolate mixture should be slightly cooled to room temperature so it doesn't melt the whipped cream when combined.
Is this recipe difficult for beginners?
It is a straightforward recipe, provided you are careful with whipping the cream and folding the ingredients together gently.