Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
Chocolate Mousse
- 1 1/2 cups (350ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 8 oz (225g) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp (45ml) milk
- 2 tbsp (25g) powdered sugar
Ganache Topping
- 4 oz (115g) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
Instructions
- Make the Brownie Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder into the wet mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet to combine, taking care not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Bake Brownie Base: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownie cool completely in the pan to set.
- Prepare Chocolate Mousse: Heat the milk in a small saucepan until just steaming. Pour the hot milk over the finely chopped semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir until completely melted and smooth, then allow it to cool to room temperature but remain fluid.
- Whip Cream for Mousse: In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form, indicating the cream is light yet stable enough to fold.
- Combine Chocolate and Cream: Gently fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the whipped cream until fully incorporated, taking care to avoid deflating the mousse to maintain its airy texture.
- Assemble Mousse Layer: Spread the mousse evenly over the cooled brownie base. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to set firmly.
- Prepare Ganache: Place the chopped semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir gently until the ganache is smooth, glossy, and fully combined.
- Top with Ganache: Pour the ganache over the set mousse layer, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula to create a smooth, shiny top layer.
- Final Chill: Refrigerate the assembled brownie mousse for an additional hour to allow the ganache to firm up before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality semisweet chocolate for both the mousse and ganache layers.
- Ensure the brownie layer is fully cooled before adding mousse to prevent melting.
- Do not overmix the brownie batter to keep a tender, fudgy texture.
- The mousse should be gently folded to maintain its airy and light consistency.
- Chill times are important to set each layer properly for clean slicing and presentation.
- The recipe yields 12 servings, perfect for gatherings or parties.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American