Description
These No-Bake Chocolate Mousse Bars are a luscious and creamy dessert that combines a crunchy graham cracker crust with a rich, airy chocolate mousse. Perfect for any occasion, these bars require no baking and come together with simple ingredients for an elegant treat that sets in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or chocolate wafer crumbs for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Mousse Filling
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk (or more for a creamier texture)
- 1 tablespoon gelatin (optional, for extra firmness)
Garnish
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- Shaved chocolate or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Pour in the melted unsalted butter and mix thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a lined 9×9 inch baking pan to form the crust. Place it in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the mousse.
- Make the chocolate mousse filling: In a heatproof bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and milk together over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly. If using gelatin, sprinkle it over 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl and let it bloom for 5 minutes, then gently warm it to dissolve fully. Stir the dissolved gelatin into the melted chocolate mixture.
- Whip the cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gradually fold the melted chocolate mixture into the whipped cream gently to maintain the airy texture. Be careful not to deflate the mousse.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the mousse over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the mousse is set firmly.
- Serve and garnish: Once set, cut the mousse into bars. Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with shaved chocolate or chocolate chips for an extra touch of elegance. Serve chilled.
Notes
- For a firmer mousse, gelatin is recommended but can be omitted for a lighter texture.
- Chocolate wafer crumbs in the crust add extra chocolate flavor to the bars.
- Milk quantity can be adjusted to achieve the desired mousse consistency.
- These bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To serve thicker bars, use an 8×8 inch pan instead of 9×9.
