Velvety smooth and rich chocolate mousse is the ultimate dessert for any occasion or celebration! Nothing can beat the fluffy and silky texture of this sweet chocolate dessert! For these mousse parfaits, I layered the mousse over rich chocolate cake, loads of caramel sauce and fresh raspberries. The raspberries add tons of fruity, berry flavor to every bite. This decadent dessert is fit for an elegant and romantic dinner!
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How to Make Chocolate Mousse
There several different methods of preparing chocolate mousse, including using eggs and egg whites, and this simpler version using whipped cream. I thoroughly enjoy both versions but if you hesitate serving raw egg whites, this recipe is the best alternative. You’ll get fluffy, smooth chocolate mousse with all the flavor you’re looking for, without the raw egg whites. Use the egg whites that are left over to make some macarons to serve with this mousse!
For my chocolate mousse parfaits recipe, I start with a simple chocolate custard. I have a separate video recipe for this custard if you want an in-depth tutorial! You’ll love the rich, chocolate flavor of the custard. Once the custard has cooled completely, it’s folded together with light and fluffy whipped cream. The whipped cream makes the mousse so light and airy, the perfect texture!
The Chocolate Cake
For these decadent mousse parfaits, I wanted to add a bit of texture and flavor in addition to the mousse! I layer the mousse with chunks of chocolate sponge cake. You can use any type of chocolate cake for this recipe. I used a slightly modified version of my ‘Chocolate Sponge Cake’ recipe. You can also use my ‘Perfect Chocolate Cake’, which is even richer in flavor. Let the cake layer cool, then cut the cake into small, bite sized pieces.
The Caramel Sauce
To add even more flavor to the mousse parfaits, I drizzle the cake pieces with caramel! You can use either store-bought caramel sauce, or prepare your own! I have a fantastic recipe for ‘Homemade Caramel Sauce’! It requires just a few ingredients and works so well every time! I love this caramel sauce for my other desserts, too!
The Raspberry Sauce
To help break up the sweetness and richness of the chocolate cake and mousse, I add some tart raspberry sauce to the mix! You can use fresh or frozen (thawed) berries for the recipe. Just mash the berries with a little bit of sugar in a small bowl. Add spoonfuls of crushed raspberries between each layer of cake and mousse!
Assembling the Dessert
Once you have all the components of this dessert ready, it’s super easy to put together! I recommend using parfait glasses but you can also assemble this dessert as one large dish! Drop a few chocolate cake pieces into the bottom of a parfait cup, add a drizzle of caramel sauce and a few spoonfuls of raspberry sauce. Scoop or pipe the prepared chocolate mousse over the cake pieces and then repeat the process. I like to make a few layers so you have some cake and berries in every bit!
Refrigerate the mousse parfaits for a few hours, or overnight, before serving.
More Recipes!
Enjoyed this incredible chocolate dessert? Check out some of my other recipes you’re sure to enjoy!
- Chocolate Cherry Mousse Cake – the most decadent mousse cake with fresh cherries and chocolate sponge cake!
- Raspberry Cheesecake Parfaits – no-bake raspberry cheesecake layered with pretzel crumbs and topped with jello!
- Chocolate Keto Mousse Cake – perfect for those on a low-carb diet, this mousse cake is simply amazing!
- Tiramisu Parfaits – the best tiramisu recipe, served in individual parfait cups!
I made this for V. day and both me and my husband enjoyed it. It was definitely pretty sweet so I could only have little bit at a time.. I am planning on making it again for my guests if I cut down on sugar would it ruin the recipe?
Hi Masha! 🙂 I’m so glad you both enjoyed it! Here are a few ways you can cut the sugar and the recipe will be just fine! Try using dark, almost bitter chocolate in place of semi-sweet chocolate. The mousse will be super chocolaty and rich! You can also omit the sugar from the raspberries and try a low-sugar caramel sauce. You could cut the sugar in the whipped cream down to 1/3 cup. Hope that helps!
I had a question. Do you use heavy cream, or whipping cream (like cool whip)? Thank you
I always use heavy cream, not the frozen premade cool whip.
Hello Tatyana, this recipe looks so perfect for Valentines Day and I would like to make this recipe, but I can’t find the video to it. If all possible, could you email me the video recipe please? Thank you!
Hey Tatyana,
Would this hold up at room temperature? I want to make these as a dessert for a dessert table but not sure if it would hold up if it sits out for a while .
Hi! It should be fine for a few hours; I would keep it refrigerated right up until your party guests start to arrive 🙂
Can you freeze down this mousse without destroying its structure?
Hi! I don’t think freezing will work well, cream typically breaks when frozen. But, it should be good in the refrigerator for a few days