Olive Garden’s Chocolate Mousse is a rich and creamy dessert that combines the smoothness of high-quality dark chocolate with the airy texture of whipped cream. This indulgent treat is simple to prepare and perfect for any special occasion or casual get-together. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dessert that tastes just like the one served at Olive Garden.Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1/4th of the recipe)Calories: 300-350 kcal, Total Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Cholesterol: 85mg, Sodium: 40mg, Total Carbohydrates: 24g, Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 21g, Protein: 3g, Vitamin A: 12% DV, Calcium: 3% DV, Iron: 12% DVEstimated based on one serving (assuming 12 servings per batch)
1 mixing bowl (medium to large) for egg-sugar mixture
1 hand mixer or stand mixer for whipping cream
1 spatula for folding ingredients
1 whisk for mixing eggs and sugar
1 serving dish (small glasses, bowls, or jars)
Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredients
Ingredients
8oz227g dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa content)
1 ½cups360 ml heavy cream, chilled
3large eggs
½cup100g granulated sugar
1tspvanilla extract
Pinchof salt
Optional: 1-2 tbsp cocoa powder for extra chocolate flavor
Optional: Fresh berries or chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
Melt the chocolate:
Break the chocolate into pieces and melt using a double boiler or microwave.If using a double boiler, place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir occasionally until fully melted and smooth. If using the microwave, heat the chocolate in 20-30 second intervals, stirring each time, until melted.
Prepare the egg-sugar mixture:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and smooth. This should take about 3-5 minutes with a hand whisk or 2 minutes with an electric mixer.
Combine chocolate with egg mixture:
Slowly add the melted chocolate to the egg-sugar mixture and stir gently until fully incorporated.
Whip the cream:
In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks using a hand mixer or stand mixer. The whipped cream should hold its shape but still be soft and billowy.
Fold in the whipped cream:
Gradually fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture using a spatula. Be gentle to maintain the mousse's light texture. Continue folding until everything is combined.
Chill the mousse:
Spoon the mousse into individual serving glasses or bowls. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results.
Serve and garnish:
Once set, serve the mousse chilled. Optionally, top with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
Chocolate quality matters: Using high-quality chocolate makes a huge difference in the taste of the mousse. Look for dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content.
Whipped cream texture: Be careful not to overwhip the cream. Soft peaks are the perfect consistency for folding into the chocolate mixture.
Chilling time: The mousse needs time to set, so be sure to chill it for at least 2 hours. For the best results, refrigerating it overnight allows the flavors to meld and the mousse to firm up perfectly.
Optional variations: You can add a splash of coffee or liqueur (like Kahlúa) to deepen the chocolate flavor, or sprinkle a little sea salt for an extra touch.