No-Bake Chocolate Espresso Mousse Parfaits
Rich, velvety chocolate mousse layered with a hint of espresso and topped with whipped cream for a smooth, elegant dessert. This French-inspired recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, layers semisweet chocolate chips, instant espresso powder, heavy cream into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp instant espresso powder
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whipped cream (for topping)
- 2 tbsp dark chocolate shavings (optional)
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 6 oz semisweet chocolate chips and 1 tsp instant espresso powder. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted, about 1-2 minutes total.
- Step 2: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 3 tbsp granulated sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the whipped cream using a spatula until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Step 4: In another bowl, whip the remaining 1/2 cup heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Step 5: Spoon the mousse mixture into 6 serving glasses, layering with dollops of whipped cream. Top each parfait with a final spoonful of whipped cream and sprinkle 2 tbsp dark chocolate shavings if using.
- Step 6: Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and mousse to set.







