Chocolate mousse trifles are a decadent dessert you can assemble in 15 minutes. These layered treats feature hot fudge, chocolate mousse, and tasty garnishes: flaky sea salt, chocolate curls and whipped cream.
Most everyone loves a delicious chocolate trifle! Serve this make-ahead dessert for birthdays, graduations, wedding showers, baby showers, and funeral receptions. With their elegant look, they’re a festive choice for Valentine’s Day, holidays, church functions and other special occasions.
One of the best things about this single-serving dessert is that it’s unfussy trifle recipe. Putting them together requires very little skill and very little time. Pre-teens can confidently make this super-easy no-bake dessert.
Because chocolate mousse trifles are served in individual dessert cups or mini jars rather than a large trifle bowl with spoon, they’re ideal for portion control. When assembling these treats for gatherings, you can prep the exact quantity needed so each guest is assured to have one available to enjoy.
INGREDIENTS
- Heavy whipping cream (also called “heavy cream”)
- Cream cheese
- Pure vanilla extract (my preference is Mexican vanilla extract)
- Powdered sugar
- Dark unsweetened cocoa powder
- Hot fudge sauce (not chocolate syrup)
- GARNISHES: Shaved chocolate, Maldon sea salt flakes, whipped cream
RECIPE STEPS
RECIPE PREP: Chill the metal bowl of a stand mixer along with the whisk attachment in the freezer for 20 minutes.
- STEP 1: Pour heavy cream into the chilled metal bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. On medium speed, beat the cream 1 to 2 minutes or until soft peaks form. With a rubber spatula, transfer whipped cream to different bowl. (There’s no need to clean or wipe down the cold metal mixing bowl before proceeding with the recipe.)
- STEP 2: Add softened cream cheese and vanilla extract to chilled bowl of the stand mixer. Mix until combined.
- STEP 3: If desired, drape a lint-free cloth over the top of the stand mixer to protect your countertop from puffs of sugar and cocoa. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated. Turn the mixer to medium-high speed. Beat the mixture for 2 minutes or until it becomes lightened. Remove the bowl from the stand mixer.
- STEP 4: Add half the whipped cream to the bowl. With a rubber spatula, gently fold it into the chocolate mousse. (This will be a small workout for your arm.) Add remaining whipped cream to the bowl and fold it in.
The image below shows how the chocolate mousse should look when it’s ready to go: light and airy.
- STEP 5: Lightly warm the hot fudge sauce according to package directions – just until it’s pourable. We don’t want the fudge too hot or it will melt the chocolate mousse.
- STEP 6: Assemble the chocolate mousse trifles. Add 2 tablespoons fudge to the bottom of each of 4 dessert cups. Spoon chocolate mousse over the fudge. Garnish desserts as desired: flaky sea salt, chocolate curls, and whipped cream.
RECIPE FAQ
These are the most commonly asked questions when making chocolate mousse trifles, and the most helpful answers for recipe success.
It’s a layered no-bake dessert often topped with whipped cream. Some trifles contain cubed pieces of cake between layers of pudding and fresh fruit. Others, like chocolate trifle, feature a decadent cheesecake mousse spooned over a thick layer of fudge.
Hot fudge sauce has a much thicker consistency than chocolate syrup. It’s also richer and more decadent with an intense chocolate flavor. Chocolate syrup is thinner and more pourable than hot fudge sauce.
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, don’t put on your shoes and head to the store. Instead, check your pantry for 4 semi-sweet baking bars. If you have them on hand, you can make this easy chocolate mousse recipe and use it to assemble these chocolate mousse trifles.
Salt enhances the flavor of chocolate by making it more intense. It also helps tamp down sweetness. Maldon sea salt flakes are perfect for garnishing chocolate desserts. The super-thin flakes have a coarse crunchy texture that’s so delicious.
A quick easy way to make shaved chocolate swirls is with a room temperature Hershey’s Chocolate Bar. With the bar on its side, shave off strips of chocolate with a vegetable peeler. Arrange the pieces on a parchment paper-lined baking tray. Freeze until firm.
Garnish chocolate trifles with raspberries, pitted cherries, or strawberries plus a dollop of Cool Whip. But my favorite way to garnish chocolate mousse trifles is with a pinch of flaky sea salt, more hot fudge sauce, shaved chocolate curls, plus homemade whipped cream.
Yes, they are! Although the trifles are best enjoyed immediately, the chocolate mousse can be made in advance, covered and refrigerated for up to 4 hours. Assemble the desserts when you’re ready to serve them.
more chocolate desserts
If you enjoyed this chocolate trifle recipe, you’ll also want to try these easy chocolate desserts. Each treat is ideal for everyday enjoyment and special occasions. Pin your favorites for later!
- Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
- Mint Chocolate Cupcakes
- Chocolate Pecan Bars
- Chocolate Birthday Cake
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Chocolate Pudding Dessert
- Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
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When I brought these chocolate mousse trifles to a party, guests raved about how rich and tasty they were. Many asked for the recipe. When I shared it, they couldn’t believe how such an easy trifle recipe could taste this good!
If you agree this trifle dessert is irresistibly delicious, give it a 5-star rating in the comments. Then be a recipe hero! Share it with a friend.
CHOCOLATE MOUSSE TRIFLES
- Total Time: 15 Minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Description
These irresistible chocolate mousse trifles are decadent desserts with an elegant presentation. They’re perfect for parties! Assemble this quick easy recipe in 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (very cold) heavy whipping cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup dark unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 1/2 cup hot fudge sauce (not chocolate syrup)
GARNISHES: Shaved chocolate curls, Maldon sea salt flakes, whipped cream
Instructions
RECIPE PREP: Chill the metal bowl of a stand mixer along with the whisk attachment in the freezer for 20 minutes.
- Pour heavy cream into the chilled metal bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. On medium speed, beat the cream 1 to 2 minutes or until soft peaks form. With a rubber spatula, transfer whipped cream to different bowl. (There’s no need to clean or wipe down the cold metal mixing bowl before proceeding with the recipe.
- Add softened cream cheese and vanilla extract to chilled bowl of the stand mixer. Mix until combined.
- If desired, drape a lint-free cloth over the top of the stand mixer to protect your countertop. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated. Turn the mixer to medium-high speed. Beat the mixture for 2 minutes or until it becomes lightened. Remove the bowl from the stand mixer.
- Add half the whipped cream to the bowl. With a rubber spatula, gently fold it into the chocolate mousse. (This will be a small workout for your arm.) Add remaining whipped cream to the bowl and fold it in.
- Lightly warm the hot fudge sauce according to package directions – just until it’s pourable. We don’t want the fudge too hot or it will melt the chocolate mousse.
- ASSEMBLE THE TRIFLES: Add 2 tablespoons fudge to the bottom of each of 4 dessert cups. Spoon chocolate mousse over the fudge. Garnish desserts as desired: flaky sea salt, chocolate curls, and whipped cream.
Notes
WHY FLAKY SALT FOR CHOCOLATE DESSERTS: Salt enhances the flavor of chocolate by making it more intense. It also helps tamp down sweetness. Maldon sea salt flakes are perfect for garnishing chocolate desserts. The super-thin flakes have a coarse crunchy texture.
HOW TO MAKE SHAVED CHOCOLATE CURLS FOR GARNISHING: A quick easy way to make shaved chocolate swirls is with a room temperature Hershey’s Chocolate Bar. With the bar on its side, shave off strips of chocolate with a vegetable peeler. Arrange the pieces on a parchment paper-lined baking tray. Freeze until firm.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Assembly: 5 Minutes
- Cook Time: 0 Minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Mousse Trifles, Chocolate Trifle, Trifle Dessert, Chocolate Trifle Recipe, Easy Trifle Recipe
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