These Marry Me Raspberry Chocolate Mousse Cups are a sweet treat that will surprise anyone you share them with! Rich chocolate and fresh raspberries create a delightful mix in a cute cup.
I love how simple they are to make! Just whip the mousse, layer it with some berries, and voilà! Perfect for a date night or when you’re feeling fancy. You’ll want to keep these a secret! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chocolate Cookie Crumbs: These give the dessert a crunchy base. If you can’t find chocolate wafer cookies, you can use crushed Oreos or any chocolate cookie you like! I often choose Oreos because they come together easily and pack a lot of flavor.
Cocoa Powder: This deepens the chocolate flavor of the crust. If you need a substitution, you can use extra chocolate crumbs or even carob powder for a different taste. Just be aware that it’ll change the flavor profile a bit!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chips work well here. You could swap these for milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter mousse, or even white chocolate for a different flavor twist.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Essential for that light and airy mousse! If you’re looking for a lighter option, try coconut cream. Just chill the can and scoop out the solid part for a delicious dairy-free alternative.
Fresh Raspberries: Fresh is best for bright flavor! If berries are out of season, frozen raspberries work too; just thaw and drain excess moisture before use.
How Should I Whip the Cream for the Mousse?
Whipping cream is crucial for that light mousse texture. Start with chilled cream, as cold cream whips better. Use a clean, dry bowl, preferably chilled for quicker results. Here’s how:
- Pour the cream into the bowl and add granulated sugar and vanilla extract.
- With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream until you see soft peaks, meaning it’ll hold a shape but still looks smooth.
- For stiff peaks, continue whipping until the cream stands firmly. Be careful not to over-whip, or you’ll end up with butter!
- When folding the whipped cream into the chocolate, gently combine to avoid deflating the air you’ve whipped in.
With this technique, your mousse will be airy and delicious!
How to Make Marry Me Raspberry Chocolate Mousse Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (about 20 chocolate wafer cookies)
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Chocolate Mousse:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries
- Chocolate shavings or curls, for garnish
- Optional: A pinch of sea salt flakes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert will take about 30 minutes to prepare, plus a chilling time of at least 2 hours. So, set aside around 2 hours and 30 minutes total to whip these up and let them set before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crusts:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chocolate cookie crumbs and cocoa powder. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture looks like damp sand. This will give your cups that crunchy base we all love!
2. Mold the Crusts:
Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of 8 muffin cup liners or silicone molds—whichever you have. Make sure it’s packed tightly to hold together. Pop them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
3. Make the Chocolate Mousse:
Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for about 2 minutes. Then stir gently until it melts completely into a smooth, glossy mixture. Allow it to cool at room temperature.
4. Whip the Cream:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the cream holds its shape well!
5. Combine:
Now, gently fold about one-third of the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate. This helps lighten the chocolate mix. After that, fold in the remaining whipped cream carefully to keep it fluffy and smooth.
6. Fill the Cups:
Spoon or pipe this chocolate mousse into the chilled crusts. Fill them almost to the top, leaving a little space for the fun toppings!
7. Chill:
Cover your mousse cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, so they can set up nicely. You want them firm and ready to impress!
8. Decorate:
When you’re ready to serve, add a couple of fresh raspberries on top of each mousse cup. Sprinkle on some chocolate shavings and a touch of sea salt flakes for an elegant finish.
9. Serve:
Now it’s time to enjoy your creation! Serve these chilled and watch everyone smile with delight!
This divine pairing of rich chocolate mousse and bright raspberries nestled in a crunchy chocolate crust is bound to win hearts, making it perfect for special occasions or just because!
Can I Use Different Types of Cookies for the Crust?
Absolutely! While chocolate wafer cookies are ideal for a rich flavor, you can use crushed Oreos, chocolate graham crackers, or any chocolate cookie you enjoy. Just make sure they’re finely crushed to form a nice crust!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just chill a can of coconut milk overnight and scoop out the solid part to use in place of heavy cream. The texture will remain smooth and luxurious!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Mousse Cups?
These mousse cups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover them with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. However, it’s best to add the berries and toppings just before serving for optimal presentation.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the chocolate mousse and the crusts a day in advance. Just assemble and chill them the day before serving for a stress-free dessert!
