Mocha Chocolate Strawberry Delight

Name: Mocha Chocolate Strawberry Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate, chopped; 3 large eggs, separated; 50g sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp espresso powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 500g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Whipped cream; Chocolate shavings; Fresh mint leaves

Highlighted under: Cozy Dessert Classics

I can't resist the decadent combination of coffee and chocolate, and that's why I love making my Mocha Chocolate Strawberry Delight. This dessert hits all the right notes with its layers of rich mocha flavor, luscious chocolate, and fresh strawberries. It’s a great way to impress friends during a gathering while also enjoying a treat that's easy to whip up. Let me take you through this delightful journey of flavors that is perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-25T19:10:28.373Z

My journey to perfecting the Mocha Chocolate Strawberry Delight began when I was looking for a dessert that blended my love for coffee and chocolate. After many attempts, I finally settled on a combination of espresso-infused chocolate mousse layered with fresh strawberries. The result? A treat that balances the bitterness of coffee with the sweetness of strawberries in a way that leaves your taste buds dancing.

The key to this recipe is allowing each layer to set perfectly, which gives the dessert its stunning presentation and texture. I also discovered that using high-quality chocolate and fresh strawberries elevates the flavors significantly. Trust me; your guests will be asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich mocha flavor combined with fresh strawberries
Luxurious chocolate mousse that melts in your mouth
Impressive yet simple enough for any home cook

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of the Mocha Chocolate Strawberry Delight lies in its meticulously chosen ingredients. Dark chocolate is essential not only for its rich flavor but also for its ability to create a velvety texture in the mousse. Always opt for a high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a more robust mocha experience. Additionally, espresso powder plays a crucial role in intensifying the chocolate flavor; if you don’t have it on hand, finely ground coffee can serve as a substitute, though the taste may differ slightly.

Fresh strawberries are the star of the show in the fruit layer. Look for ripe, vibrant strawberries that are firm to the touch and have a fragrant aroma. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries; just make sure to thaw and drain them well before use. The addition of sugar and lemon juice helps to draw out the juices, enhancing the berries' natural sweetness and acidity, making each layer burst with flavor.

Perfecting the Chocolate Mousse

To achieve the perfect chocolate mousse, careful attention must be paid when melting the chocolate. Using a double boiler prevents the chocolate from scorching, which can lead to a grainy texture. Stir frequently over low heat until the chocolate is completely melted and glossy. Once combined with the egg yolks, make sure the mixture cools enough to avoid cooking the eggs. It’s ideal to let the chocolate sit for about five minutes after melting before mixing in the yolks.

When whipping the cream, ensure your bowl and beaters are clean and chilled for the best results. Soft peaks are ideal for this recipe, giving the mousse a light and airy structure while allowing it to maintain its rich flavor. Be gentle when folding the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture—overmixing can deflate the air you’ve just incorporated, leading to a denser mousse.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Mousse

200g dark chocolate, chopped
3 large eggs, separated
50g sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp espresso powder
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer

500g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Garnish

Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings
Fresh mint leaves

Instructions

Directions

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Toss gently and let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their juices.

Make the Chocolate Mousse

Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale. Gradually add the melted chocolate, espresso powder, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until well incorporated.

Combine and Layer

In serving glasses, layer the chocolate mousse and sliced strawberries, starting with the mousse at the bottom. Continue alternating layers until the glasses are filled. Finish with a layer of mousse on top.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the assembled desserts for at least 1 hour to set. Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and mint leaves.

Enjoy your delightful treat!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of coffee liqueur to the chocolate mousse. It enhances the mocha flavor beautifully.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

For an elegant presentation, serve your Mocha Chocolate Strawberry Delight in clear glasses or small jars, showcasing the beautiful layers of mousse and strawberries. Top each serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, and a few fresh mint leaves to add a pop of color and freshness. This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or espresso, amplifying both the mocha notes and the chocolate richness.

Consider adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel on top for extra indulgence. For a seasonal twist, you might also experiment with other berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, to keep the dessert exciting while maintaining the core concept.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

One of the best features of the Mocha Chocolate Strawberry Delight is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare the chocolate mousse a day in advance, allowing it to set nicely in the refrigerator, which helps develop the flavors even further. Just be sure to cover the mousse tightly to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, be mindful that the strawberries may start to weep and affect the mousse's texture after a day. To avoid this, add the strawberry layer only when you're ready to serve. Freezing this dessert is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the mousse and strawberries significantly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the chocolate mousse ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mousse a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble with the strawberries.

→ What type of chocolate should I use?

I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for the richest flavor.

→ Can I substitute the strawberries with other fruits?

Absolutely! Raspberries or blueberries work wonderfully as alternatives, enhancing the dessert's flavor profile.

→ Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it does not contain meat or fish.