Name: Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
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

This Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe is truly a dream come true for anyone who loves rich, fudgy brownies topped with silky smooth chocolate mousse and finished with a glossy chocolate ganache. Each layer brings a unique texture and deep cocoa flavor, making this dessert an irresistible centerpiece for celebrations or an extra-special treat for a cozy night in. If you’re searching for a chocolate dessert that stops the show and sparks pure joy, look no further — this is the recipe that will win hearts!

Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe are easy to find, but each one has its own little magic to contribute. From the base to the topping, every component builds a layer of decadence, flavor, and luscious texture you can’t get anywhere else.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, 115g): Adds richness and moisture, creating the fudgiest brownie base.
Granulated sugar (1 cup, 200g): Sweetens the brownies and helps make the tops crackly and shiny.
Large eggs (2): Give structure and a tender crumb to your brownies.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the chocolate flavor for a warm finish.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup, 40g): Packs the brownies with pure chocolate intensity.
All-purpose flour (1/2 cup, 65g): Provides just the right texture without making the brownies cakey.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances and sharpens every chocolate note.
Baking powder (1/4 tsp): Lifts the brownie base just enough for a tender bite.
Heavy whipping cream, chilled (1 1/2 cups, 350ml): Whips into soft peaks for the mousse, making it light as air.
Semisweet chocolate, finely chopped (8 oz, 225g & 4 oz, 115g): Divided between the mousse and the ganache, it melts into silky, indulgent layers.
Milk (3 tbsp, 45ml): Loosens the chocolate for a smooth, glossy mousse.
Powdered sugar (2 tbsp, 25g): Adds delicate sweetness and helps with a creamy mousse texture.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup, 120ml): Enriches the ganache, making the final layer pure chocolate heaven.

How to Make Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Bake the Brownie Base

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper for easy lifting. In a big mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until it’s completely smooth and a little glossy. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, and gently fold them in—stop as soon as you don’t see dry flour. Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan, smooth it with a spatula, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick in the center has a few fudgy crumbs clinging to it. Let this brownie base cool completely in the pan; patience here really pays off.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Mousse

Now for the creamy, dreamy middle layer! Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it just starts to steam—don’t let it boil. Pour the hot milk over your chopped semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl, let it sit a couple of minutes, and then stir until you have a smooth, glossy mixture. Set it aside to cool to room temperature; you want it fluid, but not warm enough to melt your whipped cream. Meanwhile, whip the chilled heavy cream and powdered sugar until you get soft peaks—luxurious but still pillowy. Gently fold in the cooled chocolate mixture, being careful not to knock out all that beautiful air. Spread this mousse wonderland over the cooled brownie base, then let it set in the fridge for at least two hours.

Step 3: Top with Ganache

The crowning glory of this Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe is a shiny blanket of ganache. Pop your chopped chocolate in a bowl, heat the heavy cream just until simmering, and pour it over the chocolate. Wait two or three minutes so it can work its melting magic, then stir until silky smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache over the set mousse layer and gently smooth it with an offset spatula, making sure every bite will have chocolate on top. Chill the whole pan for at least an hour so the ganache firms up to the perfect, sliceable consistency.

How to Serve Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate every square by adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a handful of chocolate shavings, or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. For an extra treat, try topping each piece with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh raspberry—these little touches make the Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe look as spectacular as it tastes.

Side Dishes

To turn dessert into a real event, serve these rich brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a spoonful of lightly sweetened whipped cream. A bright, tart fruit salad or a scoop of berry sorbet is fantastic for balancing the deep chocolate flavors and keeps your palate refreshed between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to show off, cut the brownies into neat squares, triangles, or even use a biscuit cutter for circles. Arrange them on a platter with berries, mint leaves, or edible flowers for a bakery-style display. For the ultimate Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe experience, try serving them in dessert glasses: layer crumbled brownie, mousse, and ganache for a stunning parfait presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These brownies are almost even better the next day! Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator; the chill keeps the mousse and ganache beautifully set. For best flavor and texture, enjoy within three to four days.

Freezing

Need to plan ahead? You can freeze the fully assembled Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe (once the ganache has set!). Slice the brownies and layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They’ll stay lovely for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

The mousse and ganache are best served chilled or at cool room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer a softer brownie base, let a piece sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before eating. If you like a just-slightly-warm bite, a couple of seconds (no more than 10!) in the microwave works wonders, but beware—the mousse will melt quickly!

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet in the mousse or ganache?

Absolutely! If you love a more intense chocolate experience, swap semisweet for dark chocolate in either or both layers. Just keep in mind the finished dessert will be a bit less sweet and a touch richer.

How do I know if my brownies are underbaked or overbaked?

Brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. If the toothpick is totally clean, the base may be slightly overbaked, but it will still be delicious thanks to the mousse and ganache!

Can I make this Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour in the brownie base. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Is it possible to use whipped topping instead of real whipped cream for the mousse?

While you can use whipped topping, the texture and taste won’t be quite as luscious as real whipped cream. For the signature lightness and richness, I always recommend using the real deal in this Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe.

What makes this different from regular brownies?

The magic is in the three layers! You get a dense, fudgy brownie, an airy mousse that almost melts on your tongue, and a glossy ganache for the ultimate chocolate finish. This Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe transforms a simple treat into a celebration.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for your next wow-worthy dessert, this Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe is ready to steal the show. Every time I serve these brownies, there’s never a crumb left behind! Give it a try—you’ll love every luscious layer, and so will everyone lucky enough to grab a piece. Let me know how they turned out!

Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 9 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent goodness of these Chocolate Mousse Brownies that combine rich, fudgy brownie base with a silky chocolate mousse topping, finished with a luscious ganache layer.

Instructions

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