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Dark Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Parfaits Recipe


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4.3 from 7 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delight in these elegant Dark Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Parfaits, featuring a luscious bittersweet chocolate mousse layered with light whipped cream and fresh strawberry puree. This sophisticated dessert combines rich chocolate flavor with vibrant strawberries, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and texture in a chilled parfait.


Ingredients

Chocolate Mousse Layer

  • 5 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold (divided as 1/4 cup and 3/4 cup)
  • 3 egg whites, room temperature

Strawberry Mousse Layer

  • 1 1/4 cup strawberries, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided (6 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon + remaining amount)
  • 5 tablespoons water, divided (3 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, cold

Garnish

  • Fresh strawberries, sliced


Instructions

  1. Melt Chocolate: Set up a double boiler with 2 inches of water in the bottom pan. Place the chopped bittersweet chocolate and 1/4 cup cold heavy whipping cream in the top pan. Gently melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally with a rubber spatula until thoroughly combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Whip Egg Whites for Chocolate Mousse: In a large bowl, whisk the 3 room temperature egg whites until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside carefully to keep aerated.
  3. Whip Remaining Cream: In another bowl, beat the remaining 3/4 cup cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, being careful not to overbeat.
  4. Combine Chocolate and Cream: Fold half of the whipped cream into the melted chocolate mixture, stirring gently. Then fold in the remaining whipped cream. Next, gently fold in the stiff egg whites until just incorporated, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
  5. Chill Mixing Bowl: Place the bowl you will use to whip the strawberry mousse ingredients in the freezer for about 15 minutes to chill, enhancing whipping results.
  6. Prepare Strawberry Mixture: Remove the chilled bowl and add the finely chopped strawberries and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Let sit for about 10 minutes to macerate the strawberries. Then process the strawberries in a food processor until smooth.
  7. Bloom Gelatin: In a medium bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 2 tablespoons of water and let stand for 5 minutes to bloom.
  8. Make Sugar Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 6 tablespoons granulated sugar with 3 tablespoons water. Bring to a boil without stirring, and cook until the sugar syrup reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside briefly.
  9. Whip Egg Whites with Sugar: To the gelatin bowl, add the 2 egg whites and beat until foamy. Gradually add the last tablespoon of granulated sugar, continuing to beat until soft peaks form.
  10. Add Hot Syrup to Egg Whites: Carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into the beaten egg whites while mixing at medium speed. Beat for about 1 minute, add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, then increase speed and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
  11. Whip Cream for Strawberry Layer: In a large chilled bowl, beat the cold 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
  12. Fold Strawberry Mousse: Gently fold the stiff egg white mixture into the whipped cream, then fold in the pureed strawberry mixture until fully combined.
  13. Assemble Parfaits: Spoon the chocolate mousse layer into serving glasses or dishes as the first layer. Add a layer of the strawberry mousse whipped cream mixture on top. Finish with a final strawberry layer if desired.
  14. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled parfaits for at least 2 hours to chill and set properly.
  15. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, top each parfait with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with sliced fresh strawberries for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Use room temperature egg whites for better volume when whipping.
  • Be sure to not overbeat whipped cream to avoid turning it into butter.
  • Take care when folding in egg whites to retain airiness for a light mousse texture.
  • Chilling the bowls helps the cream whip faster and better.
  • For a caffeine-free version, use cocoa powder or omit chocolate altogether.
  • Make sure the sugar syrup reaches the correct temperature for a stable meringue in the strawberry mousse layer.
  • Consume the parfaits within 2 days for optimal freshness.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: French