The 2-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse My Family Begs Me to Make

This two-ingredient chocolate mousse is one of those rare desserts that feels both luxurious and effortless. With nothing more than good chocolate and a pint of heavy cream, you can create something so silky, rich and deeply chocolatey that it feels like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen. Best of all, there’s absolutely no baking involved — just a little melting, some whipping, and gentle folding. It comes together so quickly that it’s become my go-to when I need something special at the last minute.

Whether I’m hosting a dinner party or simply craving something sweet after a long day, this mousse never fails to impress. It’s also a wonderfully kid-friendly recipe, and my kids love  helping me make this. Though, if I’m being honest, most of their assistance involves sneaking tastes of the melted chocolate with their fingers before it ever makes it to the bowl.

While there are countless reasons to love this recipe, its versatility is what truly makes it stand out. You can make it ahead of time, portioning the mixture into pretty little cups or glasses, then finishing each one your own way: with a swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or a few fresh berries on top. It’s truly a zero-fuss, all-reward, family-friendly dessert that’s light enough for summer, cozy enough for winter, and absolutely perfect whenever you need something that is guaranteed to make everyone smile.

This chocolate mousse is pure magic: rich, creamy, and impossibly smooth, yet so simple you can make it on a complete whim. As someone with a sweet tooth, it’s a total dream. With just chocolate and cream, it delivers that classic, restaurant-worthy decadence without needing to  use eggs or any fussy steps. Plus, it comes together in minutes, chills in the refrigerator, and looks so impressive no one will believe how easy it was to make.

1. Heat cream and melt chocolate. Heat the cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute. Add chocolate chips and stir to combine. Set the bowl aside for the chocolate to melt.
2. Whisk chocolate. Whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth. Set aside to cool while you whip the remaining cream.
3. Whip remaining heavy cream. Place the remaining cream in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric hand mixer or with a whisk by hand until soft peaks form. Transfer some to a small bowl and refrigerate for topping the finished mousse before serving. Continue whipping the remaining whipped cream until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold whipped cream and chocolate. Fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture with a large spatula. Work swiftly and gently and don’t stress if there are streaks of cream in the chocolate mousse.
5. Divide mixture and chill. Divide the mixture between ramekins or cocktail glasses, and refrigerate before serving. Dollop with the reserved softly whipped cream and sprinkle with grated chocolate or chopped hazelnuts, if desired.

• If you want more than four servings, just double the recipe. Cook and chill times stay exactly the same.
• While it is extremely delicious on its own, a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries take this chocolate mousse to the next level.