Name: Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp baking powder; 1 1/2 cups (350ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled; 8 oz (225g) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped; 3 tbsp (45ml) milk; 2 tbsp (25g) powdered sugar; 4 oz (115g) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped; 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream

Jump to Recipe

If you’re the kind of person who dreams in layers of rich chocolate, then this Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe is going to make your dessert dreams come true. Imagine: a fudgy brownie base, a pillowy-soft layer of creamy chocolate mousse, and a glossy ganache crown — all coming together in a slice that’s both decadent and delightfully airy. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply craving chocolate, you’ll feel like a true pastry chef with every bite. Friends and family won’t stop talking about these brownies!

Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every layer in the Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe relies on simple but powerful ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Each plays a unique role — from creating a moist, chocolatey base to a cloud-like mousse and a luxurious ganache finish.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Gives the brownies their rich flavor and perfectly chewy texture.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps create those irresistible brownie edges.
Eggs (2 large): Hold everything together and help the brownies bake up fudgy and moist.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the chocolate flavor for an even deeper, more comforting taste.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Delivers intense chocolate flavor right from the start.
All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Just enough to bind the batter without making the brownies cakey.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and deepens the chocolate notes.
Baking powder (1/4 tsp): A small lift makes all the difference for a soft yet dense crumb.
Heavy whipping cream (1 1/2 cups, chilled): Essential for transforming chocolate into a decadent mousse.
Semisweet chocolate (8 oz, finely chopped): The foundation for an ultra-silky mousse.
Milk (3 tbsp): Helps melt and blend the chocolate for a smooth mousse.
Powdered sugar (2 tbsp): Sweetens the whipped cream layer just right.
Semisweet chocolate (4 oz, for ganache): Gives the final glossy topping its irresistible shine.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup, for ganache): Turns chocolate into a lusciously pourable ganache.

How to Make Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Make the Brownie Base

Brownie lovers, this is the foundation of everything! Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until they’re smooth and glossy — you want the sugar to start to dissolve. Sift in your cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, then fold gently just until you don’t see streaks. Over-mixing can zap the fudginess, so keep it tender! Pour the batter into your prepped pan and smooth it out. Bake for 20-25 minutes; your toothpick should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Now, let that gorgeous brownie layer cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Mousse

Things are about to get dreamier! Warm the milk in a small saucepan until just steaming. Pour it over finely chopped semisweet chocolate (the finer the chop, the smoother your mousse). Let it sit for two minutes, then stir until the mixture is velvety and fully melted. Let it come down to room temperature — you want it fluid, not hot. In another bowl, whip your cold heavy cream and powdered sugar into soft peaks (think billowy and luxurious!). Delicately fold the cooled chocolate into the whipped cream, moving gently to avoid deflating all that precious air. Spread the fluffy mousse evenly over your cooled brownie layer, cover, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Step 3: Top with Ganache

Ready for the chocolate finale? Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the cream until it’s just simmering — not boiling — then pour it over the chocolate and let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes. Stir to create a glossy, silky mixture (this is your ganache). Pour it over the set mousse layer and smooth with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Back in the fridge it goes for about an hour, until the ganache is beautifully firm and sliceable.

How to Serve Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

Bring out your inner pastry chef! For an impressive finish, dust the top with a little extra cocoa powder or shaved chocolate. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt add a sophisticated twist and balance all that chocolatey richness. If you’re feeling extra, a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint are never out of place.

Side Dishes

Because these brownies are so luxurious, they pair beautifully with lighter sides. Try serving your Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe with a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Slices of orange or kiwi can also add a refreshing contrast that really lifts the whole dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

These brownies love to shine at parties! Cut them into elegant squares for a classy platter or use a heart-shaped cookie cutter for special occasions. Stack layers with parchment between each piece for a “brownie tower” centerpiece, or serve individually in mini cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe tasting fresh, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or store individual pieces in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay irresistibly fudgy and luscious for up to 5 days, so you can enjoy them all week long (if they last that long!).

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your brownies either in the pan (well-wrapped) or slice them first and separate each piece with parchment. When you’re ready for a chocolate fix, thaw in the fridge overnight. The mousse and ganache both defrost beautifully, making this recipe a fantastic make-ahead treat for gatherings.

Reheating

While these brownies are best enjoyed chilled for ultimate textural contrast, you can leave them at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before serving if you like a slightly softer mousse. Avoid microwaving, as it can compromise the mousse’s luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?

Absolutely! If you’re a fan of an even deeper chocolate flavor, swap equal amounts of dark chocolate for semisweet in both the mousse and ganache layers. Just keep in mind, the overall sweetness will be slightly lower, which many chocolate lovers adore.

Can I make the Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe ahead of time?

This recipe actually improves with time! Prepare it a day in advance and chill overnight — the flavors meld, and the mousse and ganache set perfectly, making slicing a breeze.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

For the best texture, heavy whipping cream is key, but you can use full-fat coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative. Chill it thoroughly and whip as you would with regular cream for a surprisingly luscious result.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply replace the all-purpose flour in the brownie layer with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The results are just as chocolaty and decadent—nobody will know the difference.

How do I get clean slices?

For neat, bakery-worthy squares, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut. This helps the knife glide through all those luscious layers without sticking.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the magic of sharing a beautiful, homemade treat with people you love, and this Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe is the ultimate showstopper. Give it a try and let yourself indulge in every creamy, fudgy, chocolate-filled bite — you deserve it!

Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 29 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 9 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the decadent delight of Chocolate Mousse Brownies. A rich, fudgy brownie base topped with airy chocolate mousse and a shiny ganache layer, this dessert is a heavenly treat for chocolate lovers.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Brownie Base Preheat the oven, mix wet ingredients, fold in dry ingredients, bake, and cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Mousse Melt chocolate with milk, whip cream with sugar, fold together, spread over brownie, and chill.
Step 3: Top with Ganache Melt chocolate with cream, pour over mousse, spread, and refrigerate until set.