Julia Child’s Chocolate Mousse!

There’s something about Julia Child’s recipes that feels like a warm hug from your favorite aunt. You know, the one who greets you with a bear hug, a kitchen full of mouth-watering smells, and a dessert that leaves you practically licking the plate. That’s how I feel every time I make her classic chocolate mousse. And the best part? It’s not even that hard to make.

I first stumbled upon Julia Child’s chocolate mousse recipe during a late-night binge of The French Chef reruns. You know, those days when you’re curled up on the couch, craving something sweet but far too lazy to actually bake anything. As Julia worked her magic, whisking eggs and melting chocolate with the kind of passion that made you believe you could do it, too, I was hooked. But here’s the twist—I’m not exactly Julia Child in the kitchen. My cooking style is more like, “throw things in a bowl and hope for the best.” Yet, somehow, her recipe spoke to me. It was rich, velvety, and looked like pure decadence. So, I decided to give it a shot.

The first time I made it, I was a hot mess. Chocolate everywhere, bowls piling up in the sink, and me, frantically whisking egg yolks like my life depended on it. But when I took that first spoonful of creamy, chocolatey goodness, it was like I had unlocked some kind of culinary superpower. It was everything you want a dessert to be—smooth, rich, and completely irresistible. Fast forward to today, and I’ve made this mousse more times than I can count. I’ve even managed to put my own spin on it, tweaking a few things here and there, but always staying true to the luscious, dreamy dessert that Julia intended.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

1. It’s a Classic for a Reason
   This isn’t just any chocolate mousse. It’s Julia Child’s chocolate mousse. There’s something special about making a dessert that’s been enjoyed and perfected for decades. It’s like bringing a little piece of culinary history into your kitchen.
   
2. Decadent and Rich Flavor
   This mousse is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. It’s rich, creamy, and packs an intense chocolate flavor that’ll make you close your eyes and sigh with happiness. Think chocolate pudding but so much better.
   
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
   Whether you’re serving it at a fancy dinner party or just making it for a weeknight treat, this mousse fits the bill. And if you want to get fancy, you can even turn it into a chocolate mousse pie or a stunning layered mousse cake.
   
4. Quick and Easy to Make
   Despite its luxurious taste, it only takes about 20 minutes to whip up. Sure, it needs to chill for a bit, but the actual making process is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made this more often.
   
5. Versatile Dessert
   From serving it plain in a pretty glass to using it as a filling for pies or cakes, this mousse can be transformed in so many delightful ways. You can even dress it up with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of sea salt.
   
6. Make-Ahead Friendly
   Got a busy schedule? No problem. This mousse holds up beautifully in the fridge for a couple of days, so you can make it ahead of time and have dessert ready whenever you want.
   

Ingredients for the Julia Child’s Chocolate Mousse Recipe

• 6 ounces of bittersweet chocolate (preferably 70% cocoa), chopped
• 3 tablespoons of strong brewed coffee (or water, if you prefer)
• 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup of sugar, divided
• 1/4 cup of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Cooking Equipment You’ll Need:

• Double boiler or heatproof bowl over simmering water
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Serving glasses or dishes

Cooking Instructions: How to Make Julia Child’s Chocolate Mousse Dish

1. Melt the Chocolate and Butter
   Combine the chopped chocolate, coffee, and butter in a heatproof bowl. Place it over a pot of simmering water (double boiler style) and stir until everything is smooth and melted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
   
2. Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar
   In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with half of the sugar (1/4 cup) until the mixture is pale and creamy. Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture and mix until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and stir well.
   
3. Beat the Egg Whites
   In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form soft peaks. Slowly add the remaining sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
   
4. Whip the Cream
   In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Set aside.
   
5. Fold Everything Together
   Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until partially combined. Then, fold in the beaten egg whites until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
   
6. Chill and Serve
   Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve chilled and enjoy!
   

Notes

1. Make It Kid-Friendly
   If you’re serving this to kids, you can skip the coffee and use water instead. The coffee just deepens the chocolate flavor, but it’s still amazing without it.
   
2. Go Fancy
   Turn this mousse into a chocolate mousse pie by pouring it into a pre-baked pie crust. Or make a chocolate mousse cake by layering it between slices of sponge cake.
   
3. Add Some Texture
   Top your mousse with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or even fresh berries for an extra special touch.
   
4. Storing Tips
   This mousse keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Just cover it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
   
5. Use Good Chocolate
   Since chocolate is the star of the show, go for high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. It makes all the difference.
   
6. Serving Suggestions
   Pair this mousse with shortbread cookies or enjoy it on its own. Either way, it’s pure chocolate bliss.
   

Macronutrients Count Per Serving

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugars: 26g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 4g

Pro Tips for the Recipe

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
   Cold ingredients can cause the chocolate to seize. Make sure your eggs and cream are at room temperature before mixing.
2. Perfectly Whipped Egg Whites
   Whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks is essential for that airy, light texture. Make sure your bowl and whisk are clean and dry for best results.
3. Chill Before Serving
   Give your mousse at least 2 hours to chill. This helps it firm up and develop that silky-smooth texture.
4. Personalize the Flavor
   Want to add some flair? Mix in a dash of orange liqueur or espresso powder for extra richness.
5. Presentation Matters
   Serve your mousse in pretty glasses or jars and top with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or fresh berries for a fancy touch.

Curious Minds Want to Know! (Q&A Section)

1. What Can I Serve With Julia Child’s Chocolate Mousse?
   This mousse pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s also divine with a side of buttery shortbread cookies.
2. Can I Make This Mousse Ahead of Time?
   Absolutely! It actually tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight. Just cover and refrigerate, and it’ll keep well for up to three days.
3. How Can I Make This Dessert Even Richer?
   Using high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa makes a world of difference. For a boozy twist, add a splash of dark rum or coffee liqueur.
4. Can I Turn This Recipe Into a Cake or Pie?
   Yes! Pour the mousse into a pre-baked pie crust for a luscious pie, or layer it between sponge cake slices for a mousse cake masterpiece.
5. What If I Don’t Have Coffee on Hand?
   No worries! The coffee just enhances the chocolate flavor. You can replace it with water or even milk if you prefer.