Name: Coffee Mousse Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder; 2 tablespoons hot water; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; ½ cup sweetened condensed milk

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If you’re on the hunt for a luscious no-bake dessert that combines the bold flavor of espresso with dreamy creaminess, Coffee Mousse is about to become your next obsession. Imagine a silky, cloud-like treat with layers of deep coffee flavor, a subtle hint of vanilla, and just the right touch of sweetness—all coming together in minutes. This recipe captures the soul of a French-inspired mousse but keeps things fuss-free, making it perfect for cozy nights in, dinner parties, or special occasions. Let’s dive right in and learn the secrets to whipping up unforgettable Coffee Mousse at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something truly spectacular. Each item here adds essential flavor, texture, or richness, creating a mousse that’s perfectly balanced and impossible to resist.

Instant espresso powder: Provides the signature deep coffee flavor, dissolves easily, and brings boldness to every spoonful.
Hot water: Activates and dissolves the espresso powder, unlocking its full aroma without gritty texture.
Heavy whipping cream: The cornerstone of that fluffy, airy texture—whips up light as a cloud.
Powdered sugar: A touch of finely milled sweetness that smoothly melts into the cream, avoiding any graininess.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and roundness, complementing the coffee beautifully.
Cream cheese (softened): Gives structure and tang, keeping the mousse velvety and rich without heaviness.
Sweetened condensed milk: Lends creamy sweetness and silkiness—no extra sugar needed!

How to Make Coffee Mousse

Step 1: Dissolve the Espresso

Start by stirring the instant espresso powder into hot water in a small bowl. Give it a good mix until completely dissolved—no granules left behind! Set this aside and let it cool to room temperature. This step creates a concentrated shot of coffee that infuses the entire mousse with robust flavor.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream, then add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer (or a good old-fashioned whisk if you’re feeling strong), beat the cream until stiff peaks form. You want it pillowy but not over-whipped—think of soft clouds that just hold their shape when you lift the beaters.

Step 3: Blend the Coffee Base

In a separate bowl, add your softened cream cheese and beat it until smooth and creamy—no lumps, please. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and the cooled espresso, then beat everything together until you have a glossy, unified base that smells incredible.

Step 4: Fold Everything Together

Now comes the magical part: gently fold the whipped cream into the coffee mixture in batches. Use a spatula and light, sweeping motions—this keeps the mixture airy and prevents the mousse from deflating. Once it’s all incorporated, you’ll have a gorgeous, fluffy mousse that holds soft peaks and shimmers with promise.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Spoon or pipe your Coffee Mousse into serving glasses, ramekins, or whatever vessels spark joy. Let them chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (the wait is tough but so worth it). The texture firms up beautifully and the flavors meld together for that signature mousse experience.

How to Serve Coffee Mousse

Garnishes

A great garnish turns each serving of Coffee Mousse into an eye-catching treat. Try a generous swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder. Even a coffee bean or two on top adds a lovely visual (and some crunch). If you’re feeling creative, add a little drizzle of caramel or espresso syrup for a twist.

Side Dishes

This mousse sings alongside light, crisp cookies—ladyfingers, biscotti, or shortbread biscuits make ideal partners. You could also pair it with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to balance the richness. Hosting a brunch? Add a small portion beside a slice of coffee cake for true java-lover indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Serve Coffee Mousse in espresso cups for a playful nod to its star ingredient, or layer it with crushed cookies and whipped cream in parfait glasses for a show-stopping dessert. Try piping it into mini tart shells for bite-sized treats, or even freeze it in popsicle molds for a summery take.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Coffee Mousse? Lucky you! Simply cover the servings tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay light and fresh for up to three days. The flavors continue to deepen, making it an even more delicious treat the next day.

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead, Coffee Mousse freezes surprisingly well. Spoon individual servings into airtight containers and freeze for up to a month. Before enjoying, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. The texture may be slightly firmer, but the taste remains spectacular. Frozen mousse is also lovely semi-frozen, almost like an ice cream!

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Coffee Mousse—this dessert is all about that cool, creamy texture. If your mousse has been stored in the freezer, simply allow it to thaw gently in the fridge before serving. Avoid using the microwave, as it can change the texture.

FAQs

Can I use freshly brewed coffee instead of instant espresso powder?

For the best depth and concentrated flavor, instant espresso powder is recommended, but you can use a small amount of very strong brewed espresso—just be sure to reduce the total liquid so the mousse keeps its perfect texture.

Is it possible to make Coffee Mousse dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream, use a plant-based cream cheese, and try sweetened condensed coconut milk. The flavor will be slightly different but still absolutely decadent.

Can I make Coffee Mousse in advance for a party?

Yes! Coffee Mousse is ideal for entertaining because it needs to chill. Make it up to 24 hours ahead and garnish right before serving for the best results.

What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?

You can substitute it with a mixture of heavy cream and sugar, though the unique silkiness of sweetened condensed milk is hard to beat. If you opt for the substitution, taste as you go and adjust the sweetness.

How can I make a chocolate mocha variation?

To transform your mousse into a chocolate-coffee dream, add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the coffee base with the condensed milk and espresso. It’s the easiest way to get mocha magic!

Final Thoughts

Give yourself (and your loved ones) the gift of something special by making this Coffee Mousse. It’s effortlessly impressive, surprisingly quick, and every bite delivers a perfect balance of richness and bold coffee flavor. Try it once and you’ll have a new staple in your dessert repertoire!

Coffee Mousse Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the velvety smooth and rich flavors of this delectable Coffee Mousse. A delightful no-bake dessert that combines the boldness of espresso with the creaminess of whipped cream and cream cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

For Espresso Mixture:

1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
2 tablespoons hot water

For Mousse:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup sweetened condensed milk

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Instructions

Prepare Espresso Mixture: In a small bowl, dissolve the espresso powder in hot water and let it cool to room temperature.
Whip Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and the dissolved espresso, mixing until creamy.
Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the coffee mixture in batches until fluffy and well combined.
Chill and Serve: Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving glasses or ramekins. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.