If you love the aroma of coffee and the silky texture of mousse, a coffee mousse is the perfect dessert for you. This light and airy treat combines the richness of whipped cream with the deep, aromatic flavor of espresso or instant coffee. Whether you want a classic French-style coffee mousse recipe, a quick 3-ingredient coffee mousse, or a vegan coffee mousse made without dairy or eggs, this guide covers everything.
Coffee mousse is one of the easiest no-bake coffee desserts to make at home, and it’s versatile enough for dinner parties, café menus, or casual treats. Let’s dive into how to make your own creamy, fluffy coffee mousse that rivals any professional patisserie.
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What Makes Coffee Mousse So Special?
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Airy Texture: Thanks to whipped cream or meringue, coffee mousse is incredibly light and smooth.
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Intense Coffee Flavor: The use of espresso or instant coffee gives it a bold, aromatic kick.
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No Baking Needed: Most versions set in the fridge — no oven required.
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Customizable: You can easily make chocolate coffee mousse, eggless coffee mousse, or even vegan coffee mousse with coconut cream or aquafaba.
Ingredients for the Best Coffee Mousse
Here are the essentials you’ll need for a classic coffee mousse recipe:
Main Ingredients
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2 teaspoons instant coffee or espresso powder
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2 tablespoons hot water
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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2 large egg yolks (optional, for custard-style mousse)
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2 tablespoons sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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A pinch of salt
For a vegan coffee mousse, replace the cream with chilled coconut cream or aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas).
To create a chocolate coffee mousse, add 50g of melted dark chocolate into the coffee mixture before folding.
Step-by-Step Coffee Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Base
Dissolve the instant coffee or espresso powder in hot water. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip; you want it fluffy but smooth.
Step 3: Make the Custard (Optional for Classic Version)
Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a small bowl until pale and thick. Slowly stir in the coffee mixture, then heat gently over a double boiler for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Allow to cool.
Step 4: Combine & Fold
Gently fold the cooled coffee mixture into the whipped cream. Use a spatula and mix slowly to keep the mousse airy.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Spoon or pipe the mousse into glasses. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with whipped cream, cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings.
Easy 3-Ingredient Coffee Mousse Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick coffee dessert, try this viral 3 ingredient coffee mousse made with instant coffee, sugar, and ice-cold water.
Whip 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 3 tablespoons of cold water using an electric mixer until thick and foamy. Serve over whipped cream or use as a topping for desserts. It’s similar to the famous Dalgona coffee but thicker — a perfect instant coffee mousse.
Vegan Coffee Mousse (Dairy-Free & Eggless)
For a vegan coffee mousse recipe, you can use:
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Coconut cream: Chill overnight and whip until fluffy, then fold in cooled espresso and maple syrup.
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Aquafaba: Whip the liquid from canned chickpeas until stiff peaks form, then mix with espresso and sugar.
This eggless coffee mousse is creamy, light, and guilt-free — ideal for lactose-intolerant or plant-based eaters.
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Chocolate Coffee Mousse Variation
Combine 1/2 cup of melted dark chocolate with the coffee base before folding it into whipped cream. This chocolate coffee mousse has a mocha-like flavor and a richer texture — a must-try for chocolate lovers.
Tips for Perfect Coffee Mousse
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Use strong coffee: Instant espresso or brewed coffee concentrate gives better flavor.
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Chill your bowl and whisk: Helps create stable whipped cream.
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Fold gently: Overmixing deflates the mousse.
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Add gelatin: For firmer texture, dissolve 1 teaspoon gelatin in warm water and mix into the coffee base.
How to Serve Coffee Mousse
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Serve in verrine glasses, martini cups, or dessert jars.
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Top with chocolate curls, crushed espresso beans, or caramel drizzle.
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Perfect for cafés, restaurants, or no-bake dessert menus.
Storage & Shelf Life
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Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Avoid freezing; the texture may become icy.
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For catering, prepare 24 hours in advance and chill until serving.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~220 kcal
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Fat: 16g
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Sugar: 8g
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Protein: 3g
(Varies by recipe version)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is coffee mousse made of?
Coffee mousse is made from coffee, cream, sugar, and sometimes eggs. Vegan versions use coconut cream or aquafaba.
2. Can I make coffee mousse without eggs?
Yes! Try an eggless coffee mousse with whipped cream and espresso or a vegan coffee mousse using coconut cream.
3. How long does coffee mousse last?
Up to 3 days refrigerated. Keep it covered to maintain texture.
4. What coffee works best for mousse?
Instant espresso powder gives a strong flavor and dissolves easily.
5. Can I make coffee mousse ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it a day in advance, refrigerate, and garnish before serving.
Conclusion
A coffee mousse is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves creamy, coffee-flavored treats. From the classic French-style mousse to the quick 3-ingredient version, or a vegan no-bake alternative, this dessert offers endless flexibility.
Whether you’re creating a signature coffee mousse for cafés, catering menus, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings at home, this recipe guarantees rich flavor and light texture every time.
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