This coffee mousse is pure comfort. I’ve made it countless times when I just needed a dessert that felt like a warm hug—well, a cold one, technically. It’s that perfect blend of sweet, silky, and slightly bold with a whisper of chocolate. The kind of dessert you’d pull out of the fridge late at night and eat with a spoon, right from the bowl. No judgment. I first whipped this up during a chilly October weekend. I was craving something more exciting than pudding but easier than cake. The result? A mousse so creamy and coffee-packed, it might just beat your favorite café drink. It’s got those vibes of coffee drinks recipes with the richness of chocolate coffee recipes, and it totally fits in your fall coffee recipes lineup. Whether you’re into hot coffee recipes or you lean toward cold coffee recipes, this mousse makes everyone happy. Even the die-hard Starbucks coffee recipes crowd can’t resist it. Simple, no bake, and ridiculously satisfying—what more could you want?

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Coffee Mousse Recipe
3) Ingredients for Coffee Mousse
4) How to Make Coffee Mousse
5) Tips for Making Coffee Mousse
6) Making Coffee Mousse Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Coffee Mousse
8) Try these Dessert Recipes next!
9) Coffee Mousse Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

If you’re in the mood for something rich and simple, this coffee mousse checks the boxes. It blends deep espresso flavor with a creamy texture. You won’t need eggs, fancy equipment, or hours of prep.

The recipe takes just ten minutes of active time and a little chilling. It’s ideal for make-ahead desserts, quick fixes, or those times when chocolate and caffeine need to join forces.

With simple swaps, this mousse adapts to what you have. You can go dairy-free or amp up the chocolate. Keep this in your pocket for when company drops in or you need a quiet treat for yourself.

2) Easy Coffee Mousse Recipe

Let’s talk dessert recipes. When I need something sweet but don’t want to fire up the oven or break a sweat, I make this coffee mousse. The prep is straightforward. No gelatin. No baking. Just stir, whip, fold, chill. Done.

This mousse leans on espresso powder for a bold coffee flavor, balanced with cocoa and cream. It’s smooth and not too sweet. It feels like something you’d order at a small café with a wooden counter and just the right amount of background jazz.

I’ve used this recipe to top chocolate cake, spoon over brownies, or just eat straight out of the jar. It works in small glasses if you’re going for fancy, but I usually just reach for a bowl and a spoon. It’s that good.

3) Ingredients for Coffee Mousse

Instant Espresso Powder gives the mousse a rich, bold coffee flavor. I keep a small jar in the cupboard and use it more often than I care to admit. Dissolve it in a bit of hot water for best results.

Hot Water helps dissolve the espresso powder and brings out its full flavor. A couple of tablespoons is all you need.

Heavy Whipping Cream is what gives the mousse its structure and silkiness. Whip it just enough to get soft peaks before folding everything in.

Powdered Sugar keeps things light and dissolves smoothly into the cream. You can adjust the sweetness, but I find half a cup works well without overpowering the coffee.

Vanilla Extract brings a little warmth and rounds out the bitter edge of the espresso and cocoa.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder adds depth. It’s not a chocolate mousse, but the cocoa plays backup vocals to the espresso’s lead.

Salt sounds small but matters. A pinch makes the rest of the flavors pop.

Dark Chocolate Shavings are optional, but they make the mousse feel a bit more finished. I shave mine with a vegetable peeler right over the top.

4) How to Make Coffee Mousse

Step 1. Stir the espresso powder into hot water until dissolved. Set it aside to cool. This step only takes a minute, but letting it cool helps the cream whip better later.

Step 2. In a separate large bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar. Start on medium speed and work up until soft peaks form. Don’t overbeat. You want a texture that holds but still moves.

Step 3. Sprinkle in the cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla. Beat again briefly until everything blends smoothly and the peaks hold.

Step 4. Pour in the cooled espresso and gently fold it through the whipped mixture. Use a spatula, not a whisk. You want to keep the air you whipped in earlier.

Step 5. Spoon the mousse into serving jars, ramekins, or bowls. Pop them in the fridge for a couple of hours until firm. You can prep these in the morning and have dessert ready by dinner.

Step 6. Right before serving, add a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings or a dust of cocoa powder. It’s optional, but it adds something extra.

5) Tips for Making Coffee Mousse

Whip the cream until soft peaks form. Stop there. If you go too far, it’ll get grainy. You can always fold gently again after mixing in the coffee if you need to firm it back up.

Chill the bowl and beaters before whipping the cream. It makes the process quicker and gives you more control. Room temperature bowls won’t ruin it, but cold ones work better.

Use good cocoa powder and espresso powder. These two ingredients carry the flavor, so make them count. I use a Dutch-processed cocoa when I want a deeper color and taste.

6) Making Coffee Mousse Ahead of Time

You can make this mousse up to two days ahead. The flavor deepens as it sits, and the texture stays smooth. Just keep it chilled and covered.

If you’re making it ahead for a dinner party, portion the mousse into individual jars or glasses. It makes serving easier and looks more polished too.

Wait to garnish until just before serving. Chocolate shavings can get soft or melt if left in the fridge too long.

7) Storing Leftover Coffee Mousse

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for three to four days. Cover them to keep the mousse from drying out or picking up fridge smells.

If the texture loosens, give it a gentle stir with a spoon. It won’t be quite as fluffy, but it’ll still taste great.

Don’t try to freeze this one. The structure doesn’t hold up well after thawing. The cream separates and you lose the smooth texture that makes this recipe worth keeping.

8) Try these Dessert Recipes next!

9) Coffee Mousse Recipe