This creamy, fluffy coffee mousse is made with just 5 simple ingredients and comes together in minutes—no baking, no fancy equipment, and definitely no fuss. It’s a coffee lover’s dream dessert, and my family swears it’s even better than tiramisu!
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a brunch, or just want a rich yet light dessert to enjoy on the couch, this no-bake coffee mousse delivers all the bold flavor of espresso in a perfectly smooth and airy texture.
☕ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-fuss & no-bake. No gelatin, no eggs, no cooking—just mix, whip, and chill.
- Fast & effortless. Just 10 minutes to prepare with ingredients you probably already have.
- Make-ahead friendly. Chill it for hours or overnight—ideal for entertaining.
- Versatile. Easily make it dairy-free, sugar-free, or decaf.
- Rich coffee flavor. It’s like a grown-up dessert version of your favorite espresso drink.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- Heavy cream: Whipped to stiff peaks for that mousse-like texture. Use full-fat for best results.
- Milk: Helps mellow the intensity of the coffee and gives the mousse a silky base.
- Espresso or strong coffee: Freshly brewed and cooled. The stronger, the better!
- Confectioners’ sugar: Adds just enough sweetness without a gritty texture.
- Dark chocolate: Melted and cooled. Adds richness and balances the bitterness of coffee. You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate if preferred.
👩🍳 How to Make Coffee Mousse
Step 1: Whip the Cream
In a cold mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Coffee-Chocolate Mixture
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the milk, cooled coffee, powdered sugar, and melted chocolate until smooth.
Step 3: Fold
Gently fold the whipped cream into the coffee-chocolate mixture in batches, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. The mixture should be smooth and fluffy.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Divide the mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Chill for at least 2 hours, or until set. Top with a dusting of cocoa powder, chocolate curls, or coffee beans if desired.
🌟 Recipe Tips
- Chill your tools. Cold cream, bowl, and beaters whip faster and hold their shape better.
- Fold gently. Add the whipped cream in batches to keep the texture light and airy.
- Customize the garnish. Dust with cocoa powder, top with shaved chocolate, or add chocolate-covered espresso beans.
🔄 Variations
- Caffeine-free: Use decaf coffee or espresso.
- Sugar-free: Swap in a powdered sugar substitute and sugar-free chocolate.
- Extra bold: Add 1 tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to intensify the flavor.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and a plant-based milk substitute.
❄️ Storage
- To store: Keep the mousse covered in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- To freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
❓ FAQs
Does coffee mousse taste like coffee?
Yes! It has a strong coffee flavor, balanced by the sweetness of chocolate and creaminess from the whipped cream.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely! This mousse actually benefits from sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
Can I make it without chocolate?
You can omit the chocolate, but the mousse will be lighter in color and texture. Consider adding more whipped cream and sugar to taste.
📌 Coffee Mousse Recipe Card
Yield: 6 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes + chilling
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup strong coffee or espresso, cooled
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 4 oz dark chocolate, melted and cooled
Instructions
- In a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, combine milk, coffee, sugar, and melted chocolate.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream in batches until the mousse is smooth and fluffy.
- Spoon into serving glasses or bowls. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.