Chocolate Mousse Brownies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Elevate your holiday dessert table with these Chocolate Mousse Brownies—an irresistible combination of rich, fudgy brownies layered with creamy chocolate mousse. Perfectly balanced between dense and airy, these brownies are both decadent and delightful. Topped with a glossy chocolate ganache, they are sure to impress family and friends this Christmas season.

Riley Dawson

Created by

Riley Dawson

Last updated on 2025-11-26T18:16:50.643Z

Chocolate Mousse Brownies are the perfect treat to impress your guests this holiday season!

A Decadent Holiday Delight

These Chocolate Mousse Brownies are more than just a dessert; they are an experience. The layered combination of fudgy brownies and light, airy chocolate mousse creates a delightful textural contrast that is sure to please any palette. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these brownies effortlessly elevate any dessert table without demanding hours of your time in the kitchen.

During the holiday season, when gatherings are abundant and the sweet scent of baked goods fills the air, these brownies stand out. The rich flavors meld beautifully, making them an instant favorite among family and friends. Whether served at the end of a festive meal, during a cozy get-together, or even as a midday treat, their indulgent nature is bound to leave a lasting impression.

Versatile & Customizable

One of the best aspects of these brownies is their versatility. While the classic recipe is irresistibly good, there are countless ways to personalize them to suit your taste. You could add a layer of caramel or sprinkle some sea salt on top to enhance the chocolate experience. For those who enjoy a hint of fruitiness, consider incorporating fresh raspberries or a raspberry sauce to balance the richness of the chocolate.

Furthermore, these brownies are suitable for a range of dietary preferences. With a few substitutions, you can easily make them gluten-free or dairy-free. Consider using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour or opting for dairy-free chocolate to create a dessert that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Perfect for Gifting

If you're looking for a thoughtful gift to share with loved ones during the holiday season, look no further than these Chocolate Mousse Brownies. Their elegant appearance and delicious flavor make them an ideal treat to package up and share. Consider arranging them in a decorative box or a festive tin, tied with a ribbon to add a personal touch.

Homemade gifts carry a sense of warmth and care that store-bought items often lack. When you present these brownies to friends or neighbors, you're not just giving them a delicious treat; you're sharing the joy of your time and effort. They'll surely appreciate the gesture and the chance to savor this scrumptious dessert!

Ingredients

Ingredients

Brownie Base

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Mousse

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 3 large eggs, separated
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache

  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you begin!

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Brownie Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sugar together until combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in eggs and vanilla, then mix in flour, cocoa, and salt until well blended.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Make the Chocolate Mousse

While the brownies are baking, prepare the mousse. Melt the chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.

In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until creamy.

Gradually stir the melted chocolate into the egg mixture, then fold in the whipped cream gently until no streaks remain.

Assemble

Once the brownies are cool, spread the chocolate mousse evenly on top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Prepare the Ganache

To make the ganache, heat the cream until it's just about boiling, then pour it over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth.

Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the set mousse layer. Refrigerate until the ganache is firm.

Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious Chocolate Mousse Brownies!

Tips for Success

To achieve the perfect brownie base, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. This will ensure a dense, fudgy texture that complements the lightness of the mousse. Remember, the key to fudgy brownies is to avoid overbaking; they should still be slightly gooey in the center when you take them out.

When preparing the chocolate mousse, it’s important to let the melted chocolate cool slightly before adding it to the egg yolk mixture. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a smooth, velvety mousse. Also, be gentle when folding in the whipped cream, as maintaining the airiness is crucial for the mousse's texture.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers—though they’re unlikely to last long—you can store these brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to five days. The cool environment can help the flavors meld even more, making for an even tastier treat later.

If you prefer to freeze them, you can cut the brownies into portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This helps to prevent freezer burn and maintain their flavor. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for about an hour or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that freshly baked taste.

Secondary image

Chocolate Mousse Brownies

Elevate your holiday dessert table with these Chocolate Mousse Brownies—an irresistible combination of rich, fudgy brownies layered with creamy chocolate mousse. Perfectly balanced between dense and airy, these brownies are both decadent and delightful. Topped with a glossy chocolate ganache, they are sure to impress family and friends this Christmas season.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Riley Dawson

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 16 servings

What You'll Need

Brownie Base

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter
  2. 2 cups sugar
  3. 4 large eggs
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  6. 1 cup cocoa powder
  7. 1/2 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Mousse

  1. 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  2. 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  3. 3 large eggs, separated
  4. 1/4 cup sugar
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache

  1. 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  2. 1/2 cup heavy cream

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sugar together until combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in eggs and vanilla, then mix in flour, cocoa, and salt until well blended.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 02

While the brownies are baking, prepare the mousse. Melt the chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.

In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until creamy.

Gradually stir the melted chocolate into the egg mixture, then fold in the whipped cream gently until no streaks remain.

Step 03

Once the brownies are cool, spread the chocolate mousse evenly on top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Step 04

To make the ganache, heat the cream until it's just about boiling, then pour it over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth.

Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the set mousse layer. Refrigerate until the ganache is firm.