Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Refreshing Peppermint Flavor: The peppermint adds a cool, festive twist to the rich chocolate mousse, making it the perfect treat for the holiday season.
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Light and Creamy: Despite its richness, the mousse is airy and light, making it a deliciously satisfying dessert without being too heavy.
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Simple and Elegant: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this dessert is both easy to make and elegant enough for any occasion.
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No-Bake: This is a no-bake dessert, making it a quick and simple treat to whip up when you need something special.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (or to taste)
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Whipped cream (for topping)
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Crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)
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Chocolate shavings or curls (optional, for garnish)
Directions
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Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the chopped chocolate until smooth and glossy. If using the microwave, heat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between. Let the melted chocolate cool to room temperature.
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Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
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Flavor the Cream: Once the cream is whipped, gently fold in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Taste and adjust the peppermint extract to your liking.
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Combine the Chocolate and Whipped Cream: Once the melted chocolate has cooled, fold it into the whipped cream mixture until fully combined. Be gentle while folding to keep the mousse light and airy.
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Chill the Mousse: Spoon the mousse into individual serving dishes or glasses. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set and chilled.
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Serve: Before serving, top each mousse with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies, and chocolate shavings or curls, if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6-8
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Chilling Time: 2 hours
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Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
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Vegan Version: Use dairy-free chocolate, coconut cream, and powdered sugar to make this mousse dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
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Add Coffee: For a richer flavor, add 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules to the melted chocolate for a mocha twist.
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Chocolate Mint Swirl: Swirl extra melted chocolate into the mousse for a marbled effect before chilling.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover mousse in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
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Freezing: While mousse is best fresh, it can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
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Reheating: Since this mousse is served cold, there is no need for reheating. Simply chill it for a few hours and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, less intense chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate, however, offers a richer taste and complements the peppermint flavor beautifully.
Can I make this mousse ahead of time?
Yes! This mousse is a great make-ahead dessert. Prepare it a day or two before serving and let it chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How can I adjust the peppermint flavor?
If you want a stronger peppermint flavor, simply add a bit more peppermint extract. Start with an extra 1/4 teaspoon and taste until you reach your desired flavor.
Can I use a different extract?
Yes, if you prefer a different flavor, you can replace the peppermint extract with almond, vanilla, or hazelnut extract to give the mousse a different twist.
How do I know when the whipped cream is ready?
The whipped cream is ready when it forms soft peaks and holds its shape. You can test this by lifting the beaters out of the bowl – soft peaks will form and gently bend over at the tips.
Conclusion
Peppermint Chocolate Mousse is a luxurious yet easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any holiday or special occasion. The creamy, smooth texture of the mousse, combined with the cool peppermint and rich chocolate flavor, makes it an irresistible treat. Whether served in individual cups or shared among friends, this dessert is sure to be a festive and refreshing favorite! Enjoy every spoonful of this indulgent delight.

Peppermint Chocolate Mousse
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peppermint Chocolate Mousse is a decadent and airy dessert that perfectly balances rich, dark chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint. This no-bake, easy-to-make treat is perfect for the holidays or any special occasion, offering a creamy texture and a festive twist. With just a few ingredients, it’s both elegant and simple to prepare!
Ingredients
- 8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (or to taste)
-
Whipped cream (for topping)
-
Crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)
-
Chocolate shavings or curls (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Melt the Chocolate:
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In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the chopped chocolate until smooth and glossy. If using the microwave, heat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between. Let the melted chocolate cool to room temperature.
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Whip the Cream:
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In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 2-3 minutes.
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Flavor the Cream:
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Once the cream is whipped, gently fold in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Taste and adjust the peppermint extract to your liking.
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Combine the Chocolate and Whipped Cream:
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Once the melted chocolate has cooled, fold it into the whipped cream mixture until fully combined. Be gentle while folding to keep the mousse light and airy.
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Chill the Mousse:
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Spoon the mousse into individual serving dishes or glasses. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set and chilled.
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Serve:
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Before serving, top each mousse with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies, and chocolate shavings or curls, if desired.
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Notes
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free chocolate, coconut cream, and powdered sugar to make this mousse dairy-free and vegan-friendly.Add Coffee: Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules to the melted chocolate for a mocha twist.Chocolate Mint Swirl: For a marbled effect, swirl extra melted chocolate into the mousse before chilling.