Easy Chocolate Mousse with Orange Kisses Recipe

Indulge your taste buds with the luxurious Easy Chocolate Mousse with Orange Kisses Recipe, a classic combination of zesty oranges and rich dark chocolate. This orange chocolate mousse promises an unforgettable culinary experience, combining the freshness of oranges with the decadence of creamy chocolate mousse.

Ideal for special occasions or a lavish weekend treat, this dessert is a delight to the palate and a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a budding cook, our step-by-step guide will help you create this exquisite dessert that’s bound to impress. Get ready to dazzle your dinner guests with a dessert that’s as delightful to prepare as it is to devour.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Simple yet Sophisticated: With just a few quality ingredients, this mousse recipe brings out a sophisticated flavor that’s easy to achieve, making you feel like a professional pastry chef in your own kitchen.
• Perfect Combination of Flavours: The zesty orange perfectly complements the richness of the dark chocolate, providing a balanced and refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a special holiday, this chocolate mousse fits any celebration and is sure to impress your guests.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its luxurious appearance and taste, this dessert is surprisingly simple to make, with no need for special equipment or advanced cooking skills.

What is Chocolate Mousse?

Did you know that classic Chocolate Mousse was originally referred to as “mayonnaise de chocolat”? Interestingly, it was the renowned French post-Impressionist painter Henri Toulouse-Lautrec who invented it in the late 19th century. Toulouse-Lautrec, celebrated for his bohemian art, had a profound passion for cooking. He took great delight in compiling a collection of his favorite recipes, either preparing them himself or adding his unique flair. Today, chocolate mousse is a timeless dessert, embodying tradition and versatility.

Ingredients

• Oranges: Opt for juicy, ripe oranges as they will be the source of zest and fresh juice, providing a vibrant citrus flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the chocolate.
• Heavy Cream: Use full-fat heavy cream for a rich and creamy texture. It’s essential for achieving the light yet luxurious consistency of the mousse.
• Dark Chocolate: Select high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70% for a deep, intense chocolate flavor. Melt it down, mix it into the mousse, and decorate with it.
• Cocoa Powder for Decoration (Optional): A light dusting of cocoa powder adds a touch of elegance and intensifies the chocolate flavor. Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder for the best taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Just a bit of sugar to sweeten the mousse without overpowering the natural flavors of the chocolate and orange.
• Orange Liqueur (Cointreau or similar): Orange Liqueur enhances the citrus notes and adds a sophisticated depth to the dessert. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can omit this or use orange juice as a substitute.

Substitutions and Additions

For those looking to modify the Easy Chocolate Mousse with Orange Kisses Recipe based on dietary preferences, availability of ingredients, or just to experiment with new flavors, here are some suggestions:

• Oranges: If oranges are not readily available, or you’re seeking a different citrus note, try using Meyer lemons or even grapefruit for a slightly different but equally refreshing twist. The zest and juice of these fruits can directly substitute for oranges in the recipe.
• Heavy Cream: For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream can be used in place of heavy cream. It offers a similar texture and a subtle tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with dark chocolate.
• Dark Chocolate: If dark chocolate is too intense for your taste, you can opt for milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier mousse. However, be mindful that this might also increase the dessert’s overall sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Those looking to reduce refined sugar intake can use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Start with less than the recipe calls for and adjust to taste, as these sweeteners can be more potent.
• Orange Liquor: For a non-alcoholic version, pure orange juice or a teaspoon of orange extract can be used. Alternatively, to explore different flavors, other liqueurs such as Grand Marnier or even a raspberry liqueur could provide an exciting twist.

Additional Ingredients to Try:

• Nuts: Toasted almonds or hazelnuts can be chopped and sprinkled over the top for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements both orange and chocolate.
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or chili powder can bring warmth and depth to the mousse, creating a more complex flavor profile.
• Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on the final product can enhance the chocolate flavor and add a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
• Fresh Berries: Garnish with raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a burst of color and a refreshing fruity finish that balances the richness of the mousse.

By experimenting with these substitutions and additions, you can tailor this decadent Chocolate Mousse with Orange Kisses Recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a versatile dessert to enjoy on any occasion.

Instructions

Utilize a vegetable peeler to create thin strips from the oranges. Reserve the orange flesh for a different purpose.

Mix 1-1/4 cups of cream in a medium-sized bowl with the orange peels, ensuring the peels are fully immersed and coated.

Combine the orange peel and cream in a heavy saucepan and warm it over medium-low heat.

Gradually add sugar, stirring intermittently. As soon as the cream mixture reaches a boil, take it off the heat.

Wrap in foil and let it sit for 2-3 hours, enabling the orange essence to permeate the cream mixture.

Finely chop 14 oz. of chocolate and place chocolate in a double boiler. Add the remaining 3/4 cup of cream. Gently melt the chocolate over boiling water, stirring continuously with a rubber spatula as it begins to warm.

After the chocolate has fully melted, allow it to cool for a few minutes.

Incorporate the liqueur into the melted chocolate, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution. Allow the chocolate mixture to cool down entirely.

After the cream mixture has fully cooled and infused with the orange flavor, carefully strain it into a medium bowl, removing and discarding the solid pieces of orange peel.

Blend the cream and chocolate mixtures together. Chill the combined mixture in the refrigerator for one hour.

Line small round cake molds with foil or parchment paper for effortless removal.

Transfer the chocolate mousse mixture into a pastry bag.

Transfer the mixture into cake rings. After filling, place the rings in the freezer for one hour.

Take it out of the freezer. Utilize a slender knife to gently release the mousse from the rings.

Enhance the presentation by garnishing with the set-aside chocolate, a dusting of cocoa powder, caramelized orange slices, orange zest, or other preferred additions as desired.

Recipe tips

• Chill Your Tools: Before whipping the cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Cold equipment helps the cream whip more efficiently.
• Melting Chocolate: To prevent the chocolate from burning or seizing, use a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Ensure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl.
• Cream Infusion: Consider allowing the cream and orange peel mixture to infuse overnight in the refrigerator for a stronger orange flavor.
• Smooth Mousse Texture: To achieve a smooth consistency in your mousse, ensure that the chocolate and cream mixtures are close to the same temperature before combining them.
• Mousse Setting: For best results, allow the mousse to set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This ensures a firmer, more stable texture.
• Decorative Touch: Use a vegetable peeler to create delicate chocolate curls from the reserved chocolate. These make an elegant garnish on top of your mousse.
• Serving Tip: To enhance its flavor profile, serve the mousse slightly below room temperature. Remove it from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Easy Chocolate Mousse with Orange Kisses Recipe lends itself well to a variety of serving suggestions, making it the perfect finale for any meal. Consider pairing it with:

• A glass of dessert wine: A sweet, fortified wine like Port or a late-harvest Riesling complements the rich chocolate and vibrant orange flavors, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Espresso or coffee: The bitterness of espresso or a well-brewed coffee balances the sweetness of the mousse, enhancing its chocolate depth.
• Whipped cream and fresh citrus segments: A dollop of freshly whipped cream alongside segments of orange, grapefruit, or tangerine adds a refreshing contrast and makes for a visually appealing plate.
• Shortbread cookies or biscotti: Serving the mousse with a side of crisp, buttery shortbread cookies or almond biscotti provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy mousse.
• Fruit coulis: Drizzling raspberry or strawberry coulis around the plate not only adds a pop of color but also introduces a tangy flavor that complements the chocolate and orange in the mousse.

Each of these suggestions aims to elevate the dining experience, allowing the Easy Chocolate Mousse with Orange Kisses to shine as a memorable and sophisticated delicious dessert.

Storage & reheating

Proper storage is crucial to ensure the Easy Chocolate Mousse with Orange Kisses maintains its quality and texture. After preparing, if not serving immediately, the mousse should be tightly covered with cling film or an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It can safely remain refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.

This dessert also freezes exceptionally well for longer storage. To freeze, place the mousse in a freezer-safe container or individual servings in airtight containers, ensuring there’s minimal air inside to prevent freezer burn. The mousse can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature to maintain consistency and prevent separation.

Recipe FAQ

Can I substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, less intense chocolate flavor. Keep in mind that milk chocolate melts differently and may slightly affect the texture of the mousse. It’s recommended to use high-quality chocolate for the best results.

What if I don’t have a double boiler for melting chocolate?

If you don’t have a double boiler, you can make one by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. This setup mimics a double boiler and gently melts the chocolate without burning it. Alternatively, you can melt chocolate in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, being careful not to overheat.

Is there a non-alcoholic alternative to the liqueur?

You can omit the liqueur for a non-alcoholic version and replace it with orange extract or orange juice concentrate. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. This will maintain the orange flavor without adding alcohol.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan chocolate mousse, substitute the cream with a plant-based alternative such as coconut cream, which whips well. For the flavoring, use vegan dark chocolate and a plant-based liqueur or orange extract. 

How can I enhance the orange flavor more?

To intensify the orange flavor and infuse the cream with orange peel, you can add finely grated orange zest to the chocolate mixture. Ensure you use organic, unwaxed oranges for the best flavor and zest them just before use to capture the essential oils.

What can I do if my mousse didn’t set properly?

If your mousse is too runny, it may not have been chilled long enough. Ensure it’s refrigerated for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight. If it still doesn’t set, it might have been due to the ratio of ingredients or not letting the chocolate mixture cool sufficiently before combining it with the cream. To fix a mousse that hasn’t been set, consider serving it in small glasses as a rich chocolate cream or fold in whipped cream to adjust the texture.