Decadent French Chocolate Mousse with Whipped Cream

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1 Melt the chopped dark chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. 2 In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
3. 3 In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks and vanilla extract together, then gently fold into the cooled chocolate mixture until combined.
4. 4 Carefully fold a third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it, then gently fold in the remaining egg whites until no white streaks remain.
5. 5 In a clean bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold into the chocolate mixture.
6. 6 Divide the mousse among four serving cups or ramekins, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
7. 7 To make the whipped cream topping, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together in a bowl until soft peaks form.
8. 8 Spoon or pipe the whipped cream onto the chilled mousse before serving.