French Chocolate Mousse with Orange

A luxurious dessert that combines the rich, velvety texture of chocolate mousse with the bright, citrusy notes of orange. This elegant treat is perfect for special occasions or when you want to indulge in a moment of French-inspired decadence.

Why It’s Loved

The bittersweet richness of dark chocolate is beautifully complemented by the zesty brightness of orange. The citrus adds a refreshing contrast, preventing the dessert from feeling overly heavy.The mousse’s light and airy consistency, achieved through whipped egg whites (and optionally whipped cream), makes it feel indulgent yet not overwhelming. This dessert can be served on its own, garnished with whipped cream or chocolate shavings, or paired with other treats like fresh berries or shortbread cookies. Despite its elegant presentation, this mousse is surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few high-quality ingredients and minimal effort.

Origin French Chocolate Mousse with Orange

The combination of chocolate and orange has deep roots in French culinary tradition. Chocolate mousse itself is believed to have originated in France in the 18th century, with the word “mousse” meaning “foam” in French, referring to its light and airy texture.The addition of orange reflects the French penchant for balancing rich flavors with bright, acidic elements. Citrus fruits like oranges were historically prized in European cuisine for their ability to enhance desserts and savory dishes alike. This pairing of chocolate and orange has since become a timeless classic, celebrated in patisseries and home kitchens around the world.

French Chocolate Mousse with Orange

Recipe by RecipeWikki

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate (at least 60-70% cocoa content), finely chopped

• 4 large eggs , separated into yolks and whites

• 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar

• Zest of 1 orange (finely grated)

• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice (from the same orange)

• 200ml (¾ cup) heavy whipping cream , lightly whipped (optional, for extra richness)

• Pinch of salt

• Optional garnish: Whipped cream, orange zest, or chocolate shavings

Directions

• Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
• Melt the chocolate using a double boiler (bain-marie) or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth.
• Let the chocolate cool slightly but remain liquid.
• In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the orange zest and orange juice until well combined.
• Gradually add the melted chocolate to the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to create a smooth, glossy base.
• In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
• Gradually add the sugar while continuing to whip until stiff, glossy peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
• Gently fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it.
• Carefully fold in the remaining egg whites in two additions, being careful not to deflate the
• If you want an even lighter and richer mousse, gently fold in the lightly whipped cream at this stage.
• Divide the mousse into individual serving glasses or bowls.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours , or overnight, to allow the mousse to set and the flavors to meld.
• Before serving, garnish with additional orange zest , a dollop of whipped cream, or chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
• Serve chilled and enjoy the luxurious blend of chocolate and orange!

Notes

• If you’re concerned about consuming raw eggs, use pasteurized eggs or prepare a cooked base by gently heating the egg yolks with sugar and orange juice over a double boiler until thickened before adding the chocolate.
• This dessert can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen over time, making it even more delicious.