When we imagine a decadent dessert, our minds naturally think of chocolate. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we can’t think of a more fitting dessert to enjoy this February than a classic French favorite.

The creamy texture of the mousse is a sweet surprise, while the topping of whipped cream cuts the richness of the chocolate with its light flavor and body. Not only will chocolate lovers rejoice but this recipe is naturally gluten-free, pleasing a crowd in all its forms.

Classic flavors are elevated in this simple, yet elegant dessert. We recommend pairing this recipe with our Duchess of Bedford traditional black tea (scroll past the recipe to see additional tea recommendations).

Gluten-Free French Chocolate Mousse Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes + Chilling 3 – 5 hours

Makes ~2 ½ cups

Ingredients

• 4.5 ounces (¾ cup) 70% chocolate, chopped
• 2.5 ounces (3/8 cup) milk chocolate, chopped
• 3 ½ Tbsp. butter, cubed
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 Tbsp. + ½ tsp. granulated sugar
• 4 egg whites
• ¼ tsp. kosher or sea salt

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 ½ tsp. powdered sugar
• ¼ tsp. vanilla extract
• cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place both types of chocolates and butter in a bowl. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water (without touching the water) to melt. Stir occasionally until melted. Set aside.
2. While your chocolate is melting, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until pale and foamy and a ribbon forms when you lift the whisk.
3. Pour the melted chocolate and butter into the egg yolk mixture and fold until combined.
4. In another clean bowl, whisk your egg whites and salt together with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
5. With a spatula, gently fold one-fourth of the egg white mixture at a time into the chocolate mixture until just uniformly combined. Be very gentle with folding the egg whites; knocking too much air out will result in dense mousse.
6. Spoon mousse into dishes of your choice, leveling the top with a spatula if desired.
7. Cover and refrigerate for 3 – 5 hours to set.
8. Before serving, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
9. Add a dollop of whipped cream to each mousse. Garnish with a light dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings. Serve chilled.

Enjoy!

Baking / Assembly Tips:

• Use high-quality baking chocolates for the best results.
• Make sure the egg whites have no egg yolk in them, or they won’t whip properly because of the fat from the yolks. Cleaning the bowl with a little lemon juice or vinegar beforehand helps with the volume of the egg whites as well.
• Make sure your chocolate egg yolk mixture isn’t too warm before folding it into the whipped whites. Let it cool for a few minutes if needed.

Tea Recommendations:

We recommend you serve this afternoon tea recipe with the following loose leaf teas.

We hope you enjoy this Gluten-Free French Chocolate Mousse Recipe as much as we do!