Decadent French Chocolate Mousse with Whipped Cream

Ingredients

• 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

1. 01
   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. 02
   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. 03
   In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks and vanilla extract together, then gently fold into the cooled chocolate mixture until combined.
4. 04
   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. 05
   In a clean bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold into the chocolate mixture.
6. 06
   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. 07
   To make the whipped cream topping, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together in a bowl until soft peaks form.
8. 08
   Spoon or pipe the whipped cream onto the chilled mousse before serving.