There’s something truly magical about the combination of rich, fudgy brownies and silky, airy chocolate mousse. These Chocolate Mousse Brownies are the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers—decadent, indulgent, and utterly irresistible.
Imagine biting into a dense, chewy brownie base with a deep chocolate flavor, only to be met with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth mousse layer that feels like a chocolate cloud. It’s the perfect balance of textures: the brownies provide a sturdy, rich foundation, while the mousse adds an elegant, creamy contrast.
Whether you’re making these for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving chocolate (we’ve all been there), this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they look absolutely stunning when served, making them a show-stopping dessert without requiring professional baking skills.
So grab your mixing bowls, and let’s dive into making these heavenly Chocolate Mousse Brownies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent & Indulgent – This dessert combines two incredible chocolate treats into one.
- Perfect Texture Combination – The contrast between the fudgy brownie base and the airy mousse makes every bite pure bliss.
- Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a dinner party, a birthday, or a quiet night in, these brownies elevate any moment.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare them in advance, making them perfect for entertaining.
- Easy to Customize – Add toppings like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries to make them even more special.

Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Chocolate Mousse:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Chocolate Mousse Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. This step helps create that signature fudgy texture.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture becomes slightly thick and glossy. This is a sign that the eggs are well incorporated, which is essential for a rich brownie texture.
Next, sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—stir just until the flour disappears to keep the brownies soft and chewy.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely before adding the mousse layer.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Mousse
While the brownies are cooling, it’s time to prepare the silky mousse layer.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t seize when mixed with the whipped cream.
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer.
Gently fold the cooled melted chocolate into the whipped cream mixture. Use a soft, folding motion to keep the mousse light and fluffy—avoid stirring too vigorously.
Once combined, spread the mousse evenly over the cooled brownie layer, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
Place the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to set properly. If you have the patience, chilling them overnight will give you the best texture and flavor.
When ready to serve, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper overhang and place them on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut them into neat squares. Wiping the knife with a damp cloth between cuts helps achieve clean slices.
For an extra touch, garnish with chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or fresh berries.

Helpful Tips
- Use High-Quality Chocolate – Since this dessert is all about chocolate, using good-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips makes a big difference.
- Don’t Overbake the Brownies – They should still be slightly gooey in the center when you take them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Let the Brownies Cool Completely – If they’re still warm, the mousse layer won’t set properly.
- Chill for the Best Texture – Refrigerating for at least 2 hours (or overnight) ensures the mousse firms up beautifully.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian

Notes
- You can add a layer of whipped cream on top of the mousse for an extra creamy finish.
- If you want a firmer mousse, add ½ teaspoon of gelatin dissolved in warm water before mixing it into the whipped cream.
- These brownies are rich, so smaller pieces might be best for serving—though no one will judge if you go back for seconds!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 28g
(Nutritional values are approximate and depend on portion size.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a boxed brownie mix?
Yes! If you’re short on time, a high-quality brownie mix can be used instead of making the brownies from scratch. Just prepare according to package instructions, then proceed with the mousse layer.
How long do these brownies last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these brownies will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I make them dairy-free?
You can substitute vegan butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and coconut cream for the heavy cream to make a dairy-free version. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!

Related Recipes
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Conclusion
These Chocolate Mousse Brownies are the definition of indulgence—fudgy, creamy, and packed with deep chocolate flavor. Whether you’re serving them for a party or just treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to impress.
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Chocolate Mousse Brownies
Description
There’s something truly magical about the combination of rich, fudgy brownies and silky, airy chocolate mousse. These Chocolate Mousse Brownies are the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers—decadent, indulgent, and utterly irresistible.
Imagine biting into a dense, chewy brownie base with a deep chocolate flavor, only to be met with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth mousse layer that feels like a chocolate cloud. It’s the perfect balance of textures: the brownies provide a sturdy, rich foundation, while the mousse adds an elegant, creamy contrast.
Whether you’re making these for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving chocolate (we’ve all been there), this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they look absolutely stunning when served, making them a show-stopping dessert without requiring professional baking skills.
So grab your mixing bowls, and let’s dive into making these heavenly Chocolate Mousse Brownies!
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Chocolate Mousse:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. This step helps create that signature fudgy texture.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture becomes slightly thick and glossy. This is a sign that the eggs are well incorporated, which is essential for a rich brownie texture.
Next, sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—stir just until the flour disappears to keep the brownies soft and chewy.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely before adding the mousse layer.
While the brownies are cooling, it’s time to prepare the silky mousse layer.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t seize when mixed with the whipped cream.
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer.
Gently fold the cooled melted chocolate into the whipped cream mixture. Use a soft, folding motion to keep the mousse light and fluffy—avoid stirring too vigorously.
Once combined, spread the mousse evenly over the cooled brownie layer, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Place the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to set properly. If you have the patience, chilling them overnight will give you the best texture and flavor.
When ready to serve, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper overhang and place them on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut them into neat squares. Wiping the knife with a damp cloth between cuts helps achieve clean slices.
For an extra touch, garnish with chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or fresh berries.
Notes
- You can add a layer of whipped cream on top of the mousse for an extra creamy finish.
- If you want a firmer mousse, add ½ teaspoon of gelatin dissolved in warm water before mixing it into the whipped cream.
- These brownies are rich, so smaller pieces might be best for serving—though no one will judge if you go back for seconds!