Coffee Mousse is one of those elegant yet approachable Summer Desserts that instantly transports you to a cozy Parisian café or a high-end restaurant. With its rich, velvety texture and bold coffee flavor, this no-bake treat is designed to impress but is deceptively simple to prepare. Using just five pantry staples, it comes together in minutes, delivering gourmet flair without the fuss. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a solo indulgence, this Summer Dessert is pure magic.
Why You’ll Love This Coffee Mousse
This Coffee Mousse shines as a Summer Dessert:
- Effortless Elegance: Five ingredients, no baking, ready in minutes.
- Bold Yet Light: Robust espresso flavor with a cloud-like texture.
- Make-Ahead: Chill ahead for stress-free entertaining.
- Customizable: Dress up with chocolate, nuts, or fruit.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally suits gluten-sensitive diets.
- I served this at a summer gathering, and its airy texture made it a refreshing Summer Dessert hit.
Ingredients for Coffee Mousse
Here’s what you’ll need for Coffee Mousse (serves 4):
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream, cold
- 1 tbsp instant coffee or espresso powder
- 1 tbsp hot water
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Ingredient Tips:
- Heavy Cream: Chill for faster whipping and firm peaks.
- Instant Coffee: Use high-quality for bold flavor; espresso powder intensifies taste.
- Powdered Sugar: Sift to avoid lumps for a smooth mousse.
- Vanilla: Pure extract enhances coffee’s depth.
- Hot Water: Just enough to dissolve coffee without diluting the mousse.
Directions for Coffee Mousse
Let’s whip up this dreamy Coffee Mousse!
Prep Coffee Mixture
I dissolve 1 tbsp instant coffee in 1 tbsp hot water, stirring until smooth, then let it cool slightly to avoid deflating the cream.
Whip Cream Base
In a chilled bowl, I beat 1 ½ cups cold heavy cream with a hand mixer until it starts to thicken, about 1 minute.
Add Flavorings
I add the cooled coffee mixture, ⅓ cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract, then continue beating until stiff peaks form and the mousse is fluffy.
Chill and Serve
I spoon the Coffee Mousse into 4 serving glasses, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~210 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 15g carbs, 2g protein, 17g fat, 0g fiber
Variations for Coffee Mousse
Try these twists on Coffee Mousse:
- Mocha: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder for a chocolatey kick.
- Nutty: Fold in 2 tbsp hazelnut or almond extract.
- Boozy: Stir in 1 tsp coffee liqueur or Irish cream.
- Sugar-Free: Swap powdered sugar for stevia or erythritol.
- Dairy-Free: Use chilled coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Storage
I store Coffee Mousse covered in the fridge for up to 2 days, ensuring it’s tightly wrapped to avoid absorbing odors. I don’t freeze it, as the whipped cream may lose its airy texture. For make-ahead, I prepare and chill up to a day in advance, adding garnishes just before serving.
Serving Ideas
Elevate your Coffee Mousse as a Summer Dessert:
- Garnish: Top with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or espresso beans.
- Layered: Alternate with crushed biscotti or ladyfingers for a parfait.
- Fruit Pairing: Serve with fresh raspberries or a mango coulis.
- Crunch: Sprinkle with toasted almonds or praline.
- Glassware: Use martini glasses or mason jars for a chic Summer Dessert vibe.
- Pairings: Enjoy with espresso, dessert wine, or a spiked coffee cocktail.
Entertaining Tip: I scale up for parties by doubling ingredients, serving in small cups for easy portioning, and garnishing with whipped cream swirls for a wow factor.
More Summer Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
- Strawberry Sorbet Recipe
- Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Recipe
- Strawberry Fudge Recipe
- Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
- Pear Dump Cake: A Sweet Summer Treat
Conclusion
Coffee Mousse is a triumph of simplicity and flavor. With only five ingredients and zero baking required, it’s an accessible Summer Dessert for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs. Its creamy, airy texture combined with bold coffee notes makes it a satisfying end to any meal, while its elegant presentation ensures it’s suitable for special occasions too. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight treat, an impressive dinner party finale, or a refreshing indulgence to savor with your afternoon espresso, this Coffee Mousse is sure to become a favorite. It’s proof that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious—sometimes, the best things really are the simplest.
Coffee Mousse
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream cold
- 1 tbsp instant coffee or espresso powder
- 1 tbsp hot water
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Prep Coffee Mixture
- I dissolve 1 tbsp instant coffee in 1 tbsp hot water, stirring until smooth, then let it cool slightly to avoid deflating the cream.
Whip Cream Base
- In a chilled bowl, I beat 1 ½ cups cold heavy cream with a hand mixer until it starts to thicken, about 1 minute.
Add Flavorings
- I add the cooled coffee mixture, ⅓ cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract, then continue beating until stiff peaks form and the mousse is fluffy.
Chill and Serve
- I spoon the Coffee Mousse into 4 serving glasses, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set for the best texture.
Notes
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