Description
These decadent Chocolate Mousse Brownies combine a fudgy brownie base with a silky-smooth chocolate mousse layer, creating the perfect balance of textures and rich chocolate flavor. Easy to make yet impressive enough for special occasions!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (85g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups (350g) high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
- Pinch of salt
- Chocolate curls, cocoa powder, or fresh berries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
- Make the Brownie Base:
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the sugar and whisk until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Brownies:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding the mousse layer.
- Prepare the Chocolate Mousse:
- In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (double boiler), melt the chopped dark chocolate and butter together. Stir occasionally until smooth and completely melted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
- In another bowl, beat the heavy cream and vanilla extract until medium peaks form.
- Whisk the egg yolks into the cooled chocolate mixture one at a time.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until almost incorporated.
- Carefully fold in the egg white mixture in three additions, being careful not to deflate the mousse.
- Assemble and Chill:
- Once the brownie base is completely cool, spread the chocolate mousse evenly over the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the mousse to set.
- Serve:
- When ready to serve, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for clean edges.
- Garnish with chocolate curls, a light dusting of cocoa powder, or fresh berries if desired.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- For the fudgiest brownies, don’t overbake! The residual heat will continue cooking them after removal from the oven.
- Use room temperature eggs for both the brownie base and mousse for better incorporation.
- High-quality chocolate makes a significant difference in the flavor. Use the best you can afford.
- For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the brownies first, then dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between slices.
- If you’re concerned about raw eggs in the mousse, you can use pasteurized eggs or a cooked egg method.
- For a flavor twist, add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur or orange zest to the mousse layer.
- Prep Time: 45
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 95
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 120
Keywords: chocolate mousse brownies, layered brownies, chocolate dessert, fudgy brownies, mousse dessert, decadent chocolate brownies, brownie recipe, chocolate mousse recipe