Coffee Mousse Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s effortlessly elegant and brimming with bold flavor, Coffee Mousse is about to become your new obsession. This creamy, dreamy treat combines the robust aroma of coffee with the luxurious silkiness of mascarpone and whipped cream, creating a no-bake delight that feels both fancy and comforting. Whether you need a show-stopping finale for a dinner party or just a way to treat yourself on a cozy evening in, Coffee Mousse delivers pure joy by the spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Coffee Mousse is that its magic comes from a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in the texture, flavor, and overall experience of this dessert, so be sure to pick the best you can find.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whips up into fluffy peaks, giving the mousse its airy, cloud-like texture.
- Instant coffee granules: Bring bold, unmistakable coffee flavor without the fuss of brewing.
- Hot water: Dissolves the coffee granules smoothly, ensuring even flavor throughout.
- Powdered sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness while blending seamlessly into the cream.
- Mascarpone cheese (softened): The secret to that luscious, velvety base—don’t skip the softening step!
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a touch of warmth.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances every note, making the coffee and cream really pop.
- Optional cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for garnish: For a decorative finish and a hint of chocolate that pairs perfectly with coffee.
How to Make Coffee Mousse
Step 1: Dissolve the Coffee
Start by dissolving the instant coffee granules in hot water. Give it a good stir so there are no gritty bits—just pure, aromatic coffee. Let this mixture cool for a few minutes; you want it lukewarm, not hot, so it blends smoothly with the creamy ingredients later.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until soft peaks form. This step is key for that signature lightness, so stop whipping as soon as the cream holds gentle peaks.
Step 3: Make the Coffee Mousse Base
Grab a separate bowl and combine the softened mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and the cooled coffee mixture. Stir until everything is creamy and completely blended—no lumps allowed! This is where the flavors start to come together in a rich, smooth base.
Step 4: Fold Everything Together
Gently fold the whipped cream into your mascarpone mixture, working in batches if needed. The goal is to keep that lovely airiness from the whipped cream, so use a soft touch and stop folding as soon as the mousse is uniform and fluffy.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Spoon or pipe the finished Coffee Mousse into individual serving cups or glasses. Pop them in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours—this lets the flavors meld and the mousse set to the perfect texture. Just before serving, add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a shower of chocolate shavings for that irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Coffee Mousse
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way with Coffee Mousse. Dust the tops with cocoa powder for a sophisticated look, or scatter some chocolate shavings for extra indulgence. If you want to get fancy, try a few chocolate-covered espresso beans or a swirl of whipped cream—each option adds a delicious visual and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your Coffee Mousse with buttery shortbread cookies, crisp biscotti, or even a handful of fresh berries. These sides add texture and color, making every spoonful of mousse feel special. If you’re hosting, a platter of assorted cookies or a fruit bowl alongside the mousse is always a hit.
Creative Ways to Present
Coffee Mousse looks gorgeous in clear glasses or stemmed dessert cups, letting those creamy layers shine. For a playful twist, try serving it in espresso cups or small mason jars. You can even pipe the mousse into chocolate shells for a bite-sized treat that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Coffee Mousse keeps beautifully in the fridge. Cover your serving cups tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and luscious for up to two days, so you can savor it slowly or prep ahead for guests.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, you can freeze Coffee Mousse for up to a month. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and seal well. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving; just note that the texture may be slightly less airy after freezing, but the flavor will still be divine.
Reheating
Since Coffee Mousse is a chilled, no-bake dessert, there’s no need to reheat. Simply let it come to the perfect temperature in the fridge, then serve straight away. If it’s been frozen, give it a gentle stir once thawed to restore some of that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use freshly brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?
You can, but you’ll need to use a very small amount of strong, cooled coffee to avoid watering down the mousse. Instant granules are ideal because they pack intense flavor without extra liquid.
Is there a substitute for mascarpone cheese?
Cream cheese can be used in a pinch, but the texture and flavor will be a bit tangier and less silky. If you’re after that classic Coffee Mousse creaminess, mascarpone is your best bet.
How can I make this dessert less sweet?
Simply reduce the powdered sugar to taste. Start with a tablespoon less, then adjust after tasting the mascarpone-coffee mixture before folding in the whipped cream.
Is Coffee Mousse gluten-free?
Yes, the base recipe for Coffee Mousse is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any garnishes or cookies you serve alongside if you’re catering to a gluten-free crowd.
Can I make Coffee Mousse with decaf coffee?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite decaf instant coffee granules for all the flavor and none of the caffeine—a perfect option for evening desserts.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly special about Coffee Mousse—it’s easy to make, effortlessly elegant, and utterly delicious. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to dessert for both celebrations and quiet moments of indulgence. Happy whisking!
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Coffee Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy coffee mousse made with mascarpone cheese and whipped cream, infused with instant coffee for a smooth, indulgent dessert. This no-bake French-inspired treat is easy to prepare and perfect for coffee lovers seeking a light, elegant finish to their meal.
Ingredients
For the Coffee Mixture
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
- 2 tablespoons hot water
For the Mousse
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Garnish (Optional)
- Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee Base: Dissolve the instant coffee granules in the hot water and let it cool slightly to room temperature to avoid melting the whipped cream when mixed.
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar using an electric mixer until soft peaks form, which means the cream holds shape but is still soft and creamy.
- Combine Mascarpone Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the softened mascarpone cheese with vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and the cooled dissolved coffee until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Fold Ingredients Together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone coffee mixture with a spatula, taking care not to deflate the airiness. Mix until well combined and fluffy.
- Chill the Mousse: Spoon or pipe the mousse into individual serving cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set and develop flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings to add a touch of elegance and extra chocolate flavor.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the instant coffee granules to 3 tablespoons.
- This mousse can be prepared a day in advance and kept chilled in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.
- For an adult version, add a splash of coffee liqueur such as Kahlúa before folding in the whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
