Here’s a delicious and creamy low-carb chocolate mousse recipe that you can whip up in just a few minutes. This dessert is perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet, as it’s rich in flavor but low in carbohydrates.
Ingredients:
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Cocoa Powder: 2 tablespoons (unsweetened)
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (softened)
- Powdered Erythritol: 1/4 cup (or any low-carb sweetener of your choice)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Dark Chocolate: 2 ounces (70% cocoa or higher, optional for garnish)
- Pinch of Salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until itβs smooth and fluffy. This step is important to ensure there are no lumps in the mousse. The cream cheese provides a rich, creamy texture to the mousse and also helps it hold its shape.
- Add Cocoa Powder and Sweetener:
- Add the cocoa powder and powdered erythritol to the cream cheese. Beat again until well combined. You can adjust the sweetness according to your preference. Remember, using a powdered sweetener will blend more smoothly into the mixture, avoiding any gritty texture.
- Whip the Heavy Cream:
- In a separate large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to whip the cream until it forms soft peaks. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overwhip, or youβll end up with butter!
- Combine the Mixtures:
- Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the whipped cream. Make sure to do this slowly and carefully to keep the mousse light and airy. Folding rather than stirring helps maintain the fluffy texture. Add a pinch of salt and vanilla extract to enhance the flavors.
- Chill the Mousse:
- Spoon the mousse into serving dishes or bowls. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the mousse to firm up and the flavors to meld together. You can make this dessert ahead of time, and it will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Just before serving, grate some dark chocolate over the top of the mousse for an extra layer of chocolate flavor and a decorative touch. You can also top with a few fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added flair.
Tips and Variations:
- Sweetness Level: You can adjust the amount of sweetener based on your taste preferences. If you prefer a less sweet mousse, reduce the erythritol to 2 tablespoons.
- Texture Variations: For a silkier mousse, you can add 1 tablespoon of melted dark chocolate to the cream cheese mixture. This will enhance the chocolate flavor and provide a richer texture.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you are looking for a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with flavors by adding a dash of espresso powder for a mocha mousse or a few drops of peppermint extract for a mint-chocolate variation.
- Nutritional Information: This low-carb chocolate mousse is perfect for those on a ketogenic diet as it has a high fat content from the cream and cream cheese while being low in carbohydrates. The exact nutritional information will depend on the specific brands and quantities you use, but generally, it should be around 3-4 grams of net carbs per serving.