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Valentine’s Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cups

Valentine’s Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cups - featured image

These fluffy, decadent mousse cups combine rich dark chocolate and a tangy homemade strawberry puree for a romantic, make-ahead dessert. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, parties, or any time you want an easy, impressive treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 oz (115 g) high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, cold
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp (25 g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (plus more for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Optional: Whipped cream (for topping)
  • Optional: Extra chocolate shavings or curls
  • Optional: Heart-shaped sprinkles
  • Optional: Mini meringues or crumbled cookies

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: Wash and hull strawberries. Chop chocolate into small pieces. Set out all other ingredients.
  2. Make the strawberry puree: In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until strawberries break down and mixture is bubbling (about 5 minutes). Mash any large pieces. For a smooth puree, press through a fine mesh sieve. Let cool completely.
  3. Melt the chocolate: Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring after each, until mostly melted. Stir until smooth. Alternatively, melt over low heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly.
  4. Whip the cream: In a large chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, vanilla, and salt. Start on low speed, then increase to medium-high. Beat until soft peaks form.
  5. Combine chocolate and cream: Add a heaping spoonful of whipped cream to the melted chocolate and mix to lighten. Gently fold in the rest of the whipped cream in two batches, using a spatula.
  6. Assemble the mousse cups: Spoon or pipe a layer of chocolate mousse into each dessert cup. Add a tablespoon of cooled strawberry puree, then top with another layer of mousse. Swirl the tops or use a piping bag for a decorative finish.
  7. Chill and serve: Cover cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 24 hours). Before serving, top with whipped cream, sliced strawberries, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles as desired.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality chocolate and chill the mousse for at least an hour before serving. Adjust sugar in the strawberry puree to taste, depending on berry sweetness. The recipe is naturally gluten-free; check labels on chocolate and toppings. Can be made dairy-free with coconut cream and plant-based cream cheese. Mousse and puree can be made ahead and assembled just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Valentine's Day, chocolate mousse, strawberry dessert, easy mousse, make-ahead dessert, gluten-free, romantic dessert, fluffy mousse, no-bake dessert