If you love the rich, bittersweet flavor of coffee paired with a light, creamy texture, then this Coffee Mousse Recipe is going to become your new favorite dessert. It’s incredibly simple to prepare yet feels delightfully indulgent, balancing the intensity of instant coffee with the smoothness of whipped cream and a slight hint of vanilla. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in, this coffee mousse delivers a sophisticated finish to any meal—and the best part is, you don’t need any fancy ingredients or complex techniques to whip it up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Coffee Mousse Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to create layers of flavor and texture. From the instant coffee that gives the mousse its signature kick to the gelatin that ensures the perfect set, these essentials come together to create magic in a glass.
- Instant coffee granules: Provides the robust coffee flavor that defines this dessert.
- Water: Used to bloom the gelatin and dissolve coffee and sugar.
- Caster sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the coffee’s bitterness without graininess.
- Powdered gelatine: Gives the mousse its delicate, scoopable texture.
- Vanilla extract: Introduces a mellow warmth that complements the coffee perfectly.
- Whipping cream: Whipped to firm peaks, it makes the mousse luxuriously light and airy.
- Cocoa or chocolate shavings: For a decorative and flavorful finish when serving.
How to Make Coffee Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatine
Start by gently heating the water in a saucepan over low heat, then sprinkle the powdered gelatine on top. Stir continuously until the gelatine fully dissolves—this step ensures your mousse will set beautifully without any lumps.
Step 2: Add Coffee and Sugar
Next, stir in the instant coffee granules and caster sugar to the warm gelatine water. Keep stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved and you have a smooth, coffee-infused syrup—that fragrant mix is the heart of your mousse.
Step 3: Cool the Coffee Mixture
Transfer the coffee syrup to a large bowl and refrigerate it until it’s cooler than room temperature, about 15-20 minutes. Cooling it down prevents the whipped cream from melting on contact, helping maintain the mousse’s delicate texture.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
While the coffee mixture chills, whip the cold cream in a large bowl until firm peaks form. This airy and fluffy cream is what transforms your coffee mixture into a light mousse, so don’t rush this step.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Stir the vanilla extract into the cooled coffee syrup, then add a quarter of the whipped cream to the coffee mixture and stir gently to loosen it. Now fold in the remaining whipped cream in three gentle additions—be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep as much air as possible.
Step 6: Chill
Divide the mousse evenly into dessert glasses or bowls, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This chilling time allows the gelatin to set and the flavors to meld for the perfect creamy consistency.
Step 7: Serve with a Flourish
Just before serving, sprinkle each mousse with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for that irresistible final touch—a little extra flair that makes this Coffee Mousse Recipe feel truly special.
How to Serve Coffee Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like cocoa powder or chocolate shavings add visual appeal and a slight bitterness that compliments the creamy coffee base beautifully. You can also try adding a few coffee beans or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This mousse pairs wonderfully with light biscotti, crisp shortbread cookies, or even fresh berries. These sides provide delightful textures and sweetness contrasts that make every bite unforgettable.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your coffee mousse layered with crushed cookies or a drizzle of caramel for added complexity. Using clear glasses or small mason jars shows off the mousse’s gorgeous texture and adds an elegant touch, perfect for dinner parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mousse keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days when covered tightly. This makes it a great make-ahead dessert that you can prepare in advance to impress guests without last-minute stress.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not recommended for this Coffee Mousse Recipe because it may alter the creamy texture when thawed. The mousse is best enjoyed fresh or chilled rather than frozen.
Reheating
Since mousse is served cold, reheating is not necessary. Simply take it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to soften just slightly, enhancing the luscious mouthfeel.
FAQs
Can I use fresh brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?
You can try substituting with strong brewed coffee, but instant granules dissolve easily and infuse flavor uniformly, which is key for this mousse’s smooth texture.
Is there a dairy-free version of this coffee mousse?
Yes! You can use coconut cream or another plant-based whipping cream alternative for a dairy-free twist that still delivers creamy richness.
How long does it take for the mousse to set properly?
Allow at least 2 hours in the fridge, but overnight chilling is ideal to fully develop the flavors and give the mousse the perfect firmness.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Coffee Mousse Recipe is a fantastic make-ahead dessert because it tastes even better after resting and sets perfectly for serving later.
What can I do if the mousse is too runny?
If your mousse isn’t setting well, it might be due to insufficient gelatin or not letting it chill long enough—try adjusting the gelatin amount slightly or extending refrigeration time.
Final Thoughts
This Coffee Mousse Recipe is truly a dessert lover’s dream: easy to make, yet decadently rich and creamy with a vibrant coffee kick. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again whether as a special treat or a delightful finish to any meal. So why not bring a little café magic into your kitchen today and whip up a batch? Your taste buds are going to thank you!
Print
Coffee Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Description
This Coffee Mousse is a luscious, airy dessert that combines the rich flavor of coffee with smooth, whipped cream and a delicate gelatin base. Perfect for coffee lovers, it’s a simple yet elegant treat that can be prepared in under 15 minutes and chilled for a delightful finish. Garnished with cocoa or chocolate shavings, this mousse offers a perfect balance of sweetness and coffee intensity without the heaviness of traditional desserts.
Ingredients
For the Coffee Gelatin Base
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup caster sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered gelatine
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Mousse
- 1 1/2 cups whipping cream (cold)
- Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for serving
Instructions
- Bloom gelatine: Place 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over low heat. Sprinkle the powdered gelatine evenly over the water and stir continuously until the gelatine fully dissolves without boiling.
- Add coffee and sugar: To the dissolved gelatine mixture, add 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules and 3/4 cup caster sugar. Stir gently until the sugar has completely dissolved, forming a coffee syrup.
- Cool coffee mixture: Transfer this coffee syrup to a large bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, or until it is cooler than room temperature but not fully set.
- Whip cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 1/2 cups of cold whipping cream until firm peaks form. Ensure the cream is cold for best results and to achieve the desired airy texture.
- Combine mixtures: Stir 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the cooled coffee syrup. Add about one-quarter of the whipped cream to the coffee syrup and stir gently to loosen the mixture. Then carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream in three additions, preserving the light and fluffy texture.
- Chill: Spoon the combined mousse mixture evenly into six dessert glasses or serving dishes. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the mousse to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Just before serving, garnish each mousse with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure the gelatin mixture does not boil to preserve its gelling properties.
- Chilling the coffee mixture before folding in the whipped cream helps maintain mousse texture.
- You can substitute caster sugar with superfine sugar if not available.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, consider using espresso powder instead of instant coffee granules.
- This mousse can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated for convenience.
