Simplest Chocolate Mousse

1. Warm Cream and Melt Chocolate

Pour 2 cups of the heavy cream into a medium saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once the cream is warmed, add the milk chocolate chips and whisk continuously until they melt completely into the cream, resulting in a smooth, glossy mixture.

2. Add Cocoa, Espresso, Salt, and Vanilla

Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder, instant espresso powder, and kosher salt into the chocolate cream. Allow the mixture to stand for about two minutes to let the flavors meld, and then whisk again until everything is fully combined.

3. Chill Chocolate Mixture

Let the chocolate mixture cool to room temperature before covering it with plastic wrap and refrigerating it for about an hour.

4. Whip Chocolate Cream

Using a handheld mixer, beat the chilled chocolate cream until it forms stiff peaks.

5. Prepare Whipped Cream Topping

Take the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream and beat it with the vanilla extract until it reaches soft peaks.

6. Garnish and Serve

Top each serving of mousse with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of shaved or grated chocolate for an elegant finish.