Velvet Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake

Craving a rich, creamy, and intensely chocolatey dessert without the hassle of turning on your oven? This **no-bake chocolate cheesecake mousse** is your dream come true! It’s the ultimate indulgent treat, boasting a luscious texture and deep cocoa flavor, perfectly layered with decadent hot fudge sauce. Best of all, this impressive dessert comes together in just 15 minutes of active prep time, making it ideal for those spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute entertaining. Forget complicated baking techniques, water baths, and long cooling times – this recipe delivers all the satisfaction of a classic chocolate cheesecake in a fraction of the effort. Get ready to whip up a batch of these exquisite chocolate cheesecake cups and impress everyone, including yourself!

The Magic of No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Cups

Inspired by the overwhelming success of our beloved classic cheesecake mousse, we set out to create a chocolate version that would capture the rich essence of a baked chocolate cheesecake but with unparalleled ease. The result is this sensational no-bake chocolate cheesecake mousse. It’s a testament to simplicity and flavor, requiring no oven, no water bath, and absolutely no stress. Crafted with just six pantry-friendly ingredients, this mousse offers a perfect balance: the delightful tang and richness of cream cheese, the ethereal lightness of freshly whipped cream, and a profound chocolate depth thanks to unsweetened cocoa powder and a generous swirl of hot fudge. Each spoonful is a symphony of textures and tastes, designed to satisfy even the most ardent chocolate lover. When served in individual glasses, these **no-bake chocolate cheesecake cups** are not only incredibly delicious but also beautifully presented, making them perfect for any occasion.

Make-Ahead Perfection: Stabilize Your Whipped Cream

Planning to prepare these delightful chocolate cheesecake cups in advance for a party or a special event? We have a fantastic tip to ensure your mousse remains perfectly fluffy and holds its shape beautifully: use stabilized whipped cream instead of regular whipped cream. Stabilized whipped cream is a game-changer for make-ahead desserts, especially in warmer climates, as it resists deflation and maintains its airy texture for extended periods. Our preferred method for stabilizing whipped cream involves a touch of instant pudding mix, which helps to preserve the mousse’s structure without compromising its luxurious texture or delightful flavor. This simple swap guarantees that your no-bake chocolate cheesecake mousse will look and taste as freshly made hours after preparation, giving you more time to enjoy your guests and less time worrying about your dessert.

5 out of 5 stars (based on 1 vote)

No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Mousse Recipe

This no bake chocolate cheesecake mousse couldn’t be simpler to make. It’s rich, creamy, and ready to eat in just 15 minutes!

Prep:

15
minutes

Total Time:

15
minutes

Servings:

4
people

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1
  cup
  heavy whipping cream
  cold
• 8
  ounces
  cream cheese
  room temperature (1 brick)
• 1
  teaspoon
  pure vanilla extract
• ¾
  cup
  powdered sugar
  sifted
• ¼
  cup
  unsweetened cocoa powder
  sifted
• ½
  cup
  hot fudge sauce
  homemade or store-bought

Equipment

• Kitchen Scale (optional)
• Fine-Mesh Sieve
• Stand Mixer

Instructions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cold heavy cream on medium speed for 1-2 minutes, or until soft peaks form. Remove the whipped cream to a bowl and set aside.
   
2. Add the cream cheese and vanilla extract to the mixer bowl (no need to clean it). Mix to combine until smooth.
   
3. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Once all of the dry ingredients have been incorporated, turn the mixer to medium-high speed and beat until the mixture becomes light and airy, about 2 minutes.
   
5. Turn off the mixer and, using a rubber spatula, add half of the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold it in – this requires a light touch to maintain the mousse’s airy texture. Once the first batch of whipped cream is fully incorporated, add the remaining whipped cream and fold it into the mousse until no streaks remain.
   
6. Warm the hot fudge sauce according to the package directions just until it is pourable – it should be warm but not hot, as excessive heat will melt your delicate mousse.
7. To assemble, add a few generous tablespoons of warm hot fudge to the bottom of your chosen serving dishes (small glasses, ramekins, or jars work perfectly). Top with the prepared chocolate cheesecake mousse. Garnish with your desired toppings, such as chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or a dollop of extra whipped cream. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
   

Recipe Notes & Expert Tips

• **Room Temperature Cream Cheese is Key:** For an ultra-smooth and lump-free cheesecake base, always ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you begin mixing. This allows it to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
• **Quality Ingredients Matter:** While this recipe is straightforward, the quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final taste. I do not recommend using fat-free ingredients for this cheesecake, as it will detract from the rich and delicious flavor profile. However, if you’re looking for a slightly lighter alternative, light cream cheese or Neufchatel can be used, though this may subtly alter the flavor and texture.
• **Choosing Your Cocoa Powder:** You can use any unsweetened cocoa powder you prefer. For a classic, slightly acidic chocolate flavor, opt for natural cocoa powder. If you prefer a smoother, less bitter chocolate taste, Dutch-process cocoa powder is an excellent choice.
• **Flavor Variations:** Get creative with extracts! Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract for festive holiday cheesecake cups, or try orange extract for a bright, citrusy chocolate twist. A hint of espresso powder can also deepen the chocolate flavor beautifully.
• **Chilling is Crucial:** With any no-bake cheesecake, the chilling process is paramount for achieving the desired consistency. While this mousse won’t set as firm as a baked cheesecake, proper refrigeration will allow it to thicken to a perfectly scoopable and stable mousse. Don’t rush this step for the best results.

**Storage:** This chocolate cheesecake mousse is undeniably best enjoyed fresh, shortly after it has chilled. If you wish to prepare it ahead, the mousse can be made up to 4 hours in advance and kept tightly covered in the refrigerator before assembly and serving. We do not recommend freezing these cheesecake cups, as the texture of the mousse and whipped cream can change unfavorably upon thawing.

Nutrition Facts

No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Mousse Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 636
Calories from Fat 405

% Daily Value*

Fat 45g69%

Saturated Fat 27g169%

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 12g

Cholesterol 125mg42%

Sodium 327mg14%

Potassium 323mg9%

Carbohydrates 54g18%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 39g43%

Protein 8g16%

Vitamin A 1637IU33%

Vitamin C 0.4mg0%

Calcium 120mg12%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author:
Becky Hardin

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Crafting Your Chocolate Cheesecake Mousse: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this no-bake chocolate cheesecake mousse is incredibly straightforward, promising a decadent result with minimal fuss. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect dessert every time:

1. Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by assembling all necessary ingredients. Ensure your heavy whipping cream is thoroughly chilled – this is essential for achieving stiff peaks. Conversely, allow your cream cheese to come to a full room temperature; this will guarantee a silky-smooth, lump-free cheesecake base. For the dry ingredients, sift both the powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder together using a fine-mesh sieve. Sifting removes any lumps and ensures a perfectly smooth mousse. This simple preparatory step makes a significant difference in the final texture of your dessert.

2. Whip the Heavy Cream to Soft Peaks

In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the whisk attachment, pour the cold heavy whipping cream. Beat the cream on medium speed for approximately 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully until soft peaks begin to form – this means the cream will hold a gentle shape but still have a slight curl at the tip when you lift the whisk. Be careful not to overbeat. Once soft peaks are achieved, gently transfer the whipped cream to a separate bowl and set it aside. This delicate, airy component is crucial for the mousse’s light texture.

3. Create the Cream Cheese Base

Without needing to clean the mixer bowl from the whipped cream, add the room-temperature cream cheese and pure vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together on medium speed until they are thoroughly combined and the mixture is completely smooth, with no visible lumps. The cream cheese should be light and fluffy, forming the rich foundation of your chocolate cheesecake mousse.

4. Incorporate the Chocolate Elements

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture. It’s important to add these dry ingredients slowly to prevent them from flying out of the bowl and to ensure even incorporation. Continue mixing until the powders are fully combined and no dry streaks remain. Once incorporated, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat the mixture for an additional 2 minutes. This step is vital for aerating the cheesecake base, making it light and fluffy, ready for the whipped cream.

5. Gently Fold in the Whipped Cream for Mousse Texture

Turn off the mixer. Using a rubber spatula, carefully add about half of your reserved whipped cream to the chocolate cream cheese mixture. Employ a gentle folding technique: scoop from the bottom of the bowl and fold over the top, repeating until the whipped cream is just incorporated. This stage might feel a bit like an arm workout, but the gentle motion is crucial for preserving the airiness of the whipped cream and achieving that signature mousse texture. Once the first half is fully mixed, add the remaining whipped cream and continue folding until the mousse is uniform and fluffy. Avoid overmixing, as this can deflate the mousse.

6. Layer and Serve with Warm Hot Fudge

Before assembly, gently warm the hot fudge sauce according to its package directions. The goal is to make it pourable and slightly warm, not piping hot, as excessive heat will cause your delicate mousse to melt. Once the fudge is ready, spoon a few tablespoons into the bottom of your chosen serving dishes. Small glasses, elegant ramekins, or cute mason jars are perfect for showcasing the layers. Carefully spoon or pipe the chocolate cheesecake mousse over the hot fudge layer. For an extra touch of elegance, swirl a little more hot fudge on top or drizzle it before serving. Finally, garnish with your favorite toppings such as fresh raspberries, chocolate shavings, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a few miniature chocolate chips. Chill the assembled cups in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mousse to set beautifully before delighting your taste buds.

Storage Recommendations for Your No-Bake Indulgence

This exquisite chocolate cheesecake mousse is truly at its peak when enjoyed fresh, ideally within a few hours of preparation and chilling. If you plan to make it ahead, you can prepare the mousse base and keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before assembling the individual cups with the hot fudge and toppings. While the mousse will maintain its delicious flavor, its light and airy texture is best preserved when consumed relatively soon after being made. Freezing these cheesecake cups is generally not recommended. The delicate structure of the whipped cream and mousse can become icy or separate upon thawing, resulting in a less desirable texture. For the best experience, prepare, chill, and serve within the recommended timeframe, ensuring every bite is as luxurious as intended.