Orange Chocolate Mousse is a delectable dessert that has taken the world by storm. This creamy and decadent dessert blends together the flavors of citrusy oranges and rich chocolate to create a dessert that is sweet, tangy, and smooth. Believed to originate from Germany, this dessert dates back to the 1920s and has since spread across the globe, captivating the hearts and taste buds of many.
Orange Chocolate Mousse has gained popularity due to its unique flavor combination and its ability to be served as both a casual and elegant dessert. It’s the perfect dessert for those looking for a flavorful and light dessert to enjoy after a meal. Whether it’s served as a standalone dessert or paired with a light cake or bread, the Orange Chocolate Mousse is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Overall, the Orange Chocolate Mousse is a delicious and irresistible dessert that has become a staple in many households and restaurants alike. Its popularity is owed to its unique taste and versatility, making it a must-try for any dessert lover.
Here is why you might love this recipe:
1. The combination of orange and chocolate creates a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.
2. The texture of the mousse is light and airy, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
3. The recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients, so you can whip up a batch of this yummy treat whenever you want!
Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (91.3 g) dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (120.7 g) heavy cream
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup (50.7 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup (60.9 g) whipped cream
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, melt the dark chocolate chips over low heat. Stir continuously until the chocolate is smooth.
- In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just starts to simmer.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest.
- Whisk in the hot cream into the egg yolk mixture slowly, whisking continuously.
- Return the mixture back into the saucepan and heat over low-medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly until thickened, about 5-7 minutes, or until it coats the back of the spoon.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Fold in the whipped cream gently until it is fully incorporated.
- Divide the mixture evenly between 4 serving cups.
- Chill the cups in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.
- Before serving, garnish with extra orange zest and dark chocolate curls (optional). Enjoy your decadent chocolate orange mousse dessert!
Notes
Nutrition
Data source: USDA
Ingredients Explained
| Ingredient | Description | Possible Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Chocolate Chips | Semi-sweet chocolate chips made with dark chocolate, gives richness and depth of flavor | Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chunks or cut chocolate bars |
| Heavy Cream | High-fat dairy cream, contributes to the creamy texture and richness of the dessert | Coconut cream or whipped tofu cream for a vegan option, milk or half-and-half for a lighter version |
| Egg yolks | Adds richness, smoothness, and binding to the dessert | 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot for a vegan option |
| Granulated sugar | Sweetener that adds sweetness and balances the bitterness and acidity of the chocolate and orange | Brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or stevia for a healthier alternative |
| Fresh Orange juice | Provides a tangy, citrusy flavor that complements the chocolate well | Fresh grapefruit or lemon juice, or orange liqueur |
| Orange zest | Grated outer part of the orange peel, gives a burst of flavor and aroma | Lemon or lime zest for a different twist |
| Whipped Cream | Lightly sweetened whipped cream, adds a fluffy and airy texture to the dessert | Whipped coconut cream or whipped silken tofu for a vegan option, Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy taste |
| Extra Orange zest | Additional orange zest for decoration and flavor | None |
| Dark chocolate curls | Shaved curls of dark chocolate, adds elegance and texture to the dessert | Chocolate shavings or sprinkles, nuts, or fruit slices |
This recipe, Chocolate Orange Mousse, contains ingredients that have potential health benefits. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, specifically flavonoids. These antioxidants help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5469058/).
Egg yolks are a great source of vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. They are also a source of choline, which is vital for brain development and function (source: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-HealthProfessional/).
Oranges and their juice are high in vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. They also contain potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure and support heart health (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3813196/).
Heavy cream, while high in calories and fat, can be a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, while vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK56068/).
However, it is important to note that this recipe is high in calories, sugar, and saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, individuals with allergies or sensitivities to any of the ingredients should avoid this recipe.
Storage Tips
| Storage | Lifespan | Defrosting Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge | 3-4 days | Transfer to the fridge |
| Freezer | 1-2 months | Transfer to the fridge to thaw overnight, or leave at room temperature for 1-2 hours |
Budgeting Tips
1. Buy ingredients in bulk: Buying chocolate chips, heavy cream, and eggs in larger quantities can save money in the long run. Look for deals and discounts at your local grocery store.
2. Substitute ingredients: You can substitute more affordable ingredients without sacrificing taste. Instead of using heavy cream, try using whole milk or half-and-half. Use regular chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate chips.
3. Use leftover ingredients: Save leftover egg whites to use for another recipe such as meringues or an omelette. Use leftover whipped cream to top off a hot cocoa or coffee.
4. Use coupons: Check local newspapers or online for coupons that you can use towards your ingredients.
5. Make your own whipped cream: Instead of buying pre-made whipped cream, make your own with heavy cream and sugar. It’s more cost-effective and tastes better!
6. Use generic brands: Choosing generic brands can save money without sacrificing taste.
7. Grow your own oranges: If you have space, consider growing your own oranges to use in this recipe.
By implementing these tips, you can enjoy a delicious chocolate orange mousse dessert while also saving money.
Time Saving TIps
1. Make sure that all ingredients are at room temperature before you start preparing the mousse. This allows them to combine more easily.
2. Use a high-quality chocolate, as it will enhance the overall flavour of the mousse.
3. Instead of using freshly-squeezed orange juice, you can use bottled orange juice to save time.
4. To save time on whisking, you can use an electric mixer to whip the egg whites and heavy cream instead of doing it by hand.
5. Make the recipe ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
6. If you don’t have time to chill the mousse overnight, you can put it in the freezer for an hour or two to speed up the setting process.
7. To save time on cleaning, use disposable piping bags or simply spoon the mousse into glasses.
8. For an extra quick version of this recipe, you can use pre-made chocolate mousse and fold in the orange zest and juice.
9. To simplify the recipe, skip the step of zesting the oranges and simply add a bit of orange extract or orange-flavoured liquor to the mousse mixture.
10. Use pre-chopped chocolate or chocolate chips to save time on chopping chocolate.
Recipe Variations
1. Classic Orange Chocolate Mousse: This is the traditional version of the dessert that blends orange flavor with rich and creamy chocolate mousse. The mousse is made by whisking egg yolks with melted chocolate and folding in whipped cream and orange zest. It is then chilled until set and served with a dollop of whipped cream and orange segments.
2. Dark Chocolate Orange Mousse: This version uses dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate to create a more intense flavor. The mousse is infused with orange zest and juice, and the result is a decadent dessert that balances the richness of the chocolate with the citrusy tanginess of the orange.
3. Vegan Orange Chocolate Mousse: This version uses coconut cream instead of whipped cream to make a vegan version of the dessert. The chocolate is melted using dairy-free milk, and the mousse is flavored with orange zest and a touch of vanilla extract. This dessert is perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or following a plant-based diet.
4. White Chocolate Orange Mousse: This variation swaps the milk chocolate for white chocolate to create a lighter and creamier mousse. Orange zest and juice are added to the mix to balance out the sweetness of the white chocolate. The mousse is then garnished with fresh orange slices and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
5. Layered Orange Chocolate Mousse: This variation involves creating distinct layers of orange and chocolate mousse in a glass or a jar. A layer of orange mousse is topped with a layer of chocolate mousse, and this process is repeated until the glass is filled. The dessert is then chilled until set, and served with a sprig of mint or a slice of fresh orange.
Overall, the variations can range from the types of chocolate used, the use of whipped cream or coconut cream, the use of whole orange or just zest and juice, and the layering effect. Each version of Orange Chocolate Mousse offers its own unique twist on this classic dessert, giving dessert enthusiasts something to look forward to.
What To Serve With
There are a number of delicious foods that can be served with orange chocolate mousse to enhance its flavor and provide balance to the dessert experience. Some options include:
1. Fresh Berries: Fresh berries such as raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries add brightness and acidity, which pairs well with the rich and creamy mousse.
2. Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can provide a light and airy texture, while also complementing the chocolate and orange flavors of the mousse.
3. Biscuits or Cookies: Serve the mousse with some crispy, buttery biscuits or cookies, such as shortbread or almond thin cookies, to provide a contrasting texture and flavor.
4. Nuts: Chopped nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts can provide a crunch and nuttiness that complements the mousse.
5. Coffee or Tea: A cup of coffee or tea can be a great way to elevate the flavors of the mousse and provide balance to the sweetness of the dessert.
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