Ready in: 4 hours 30 minutes · Serves: 9 · Technique: No-Bake · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 5 days.Quick Answer
Create decadent Chocolate Cherry Mousse Bars with a rich chocolate crust and a luscious cherry topping that’s perfect for your holiday gatherings.As the vibrant hues of autumn paint the streets of New York City, I find myself craving rich, indulgent desserts that celebrate the seasonal bounty. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, I wanted to create something special for those festive gatherings. Enter my Chocolate Cherry Mousse Bars-an elegant dessert that's sure to impress your family and friends, with a delightful balance of chocolate richness and tart cherry flavor.
A Festive Indulgence
These mousse bars are not only visually stunning but also encapsulate the flavors of the holidays. Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying with loved ones, they bring a touch of indulgence to any festive table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Decadent chocolate and tart cherry flavors combine for a truly indulgent dessert experience.
- Easy to prepare, with simple ingredients that come together quickly for stress-free holiday baking.
- Perfect for entertaining-these mousse bars are sure to impress your guests at any gathering.
- Make ahead of time and chill, allowing the flavors to meld for an even richer taste.
- Versatile recipe that can be customized with various toppings for a personal touch.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create delicious Chocolate Cherry Mousse Bars:
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups of chocolate graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup of granulated sugar
For the mousse:
- 1 ½ cups of heavy cream
- 8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of cherry liqueur (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup of powdered sugar
- A pinch of salt
For the cherry topping:
- 1 can (15 ounces) of cherry pie filling
- Fresh cherries for garnish (if available)
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Mousse Bars (Step-by-Step)
Follow these easy steps to prepare your delightful Chocolate Cherry Mousse Bars.
Step 1: Make the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are thoroughly moistened. The texture should resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 9x9 inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until set, then allow it to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Mousse
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the chopped semi-sweet chocolate, stirring continuously until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. This should take about 3-4 minutes. I always love the sound of the mixer whipping the cream into soft peaks, knowing I'm one step closer to dessert perfection.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Gently fold a small amount of whipped cream into the cooled chocolate to lighten it. Then, carefully fold in the rest, maintaining that airy texture. Add the cherry liqueur, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt, folding until just combined. The mousse should be luscious and light, with a beautiful deep cocoa color.
Step 5: Assemble
Pour the mousse over the cooled crust in your baking dish, spreading it evenly using a spatula.
Step 6: Chill
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait! The anticipation builds with every hour as the flavors meld and the mousse sets.
Step 7: Serve
Once chilled and set, top the mousse with the cherry pie filling, spreading it across the top. For a fresh twist, add some whole cherries for a pop of color and flavor. Cut into squares and enjoy the delightful layers of texture and taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overwhipping the cream can turn it grainy and separate.
- Ensure the melted chocolate is cool before folding in the whipped cream to prevent deflation.
- Allow the mousse enough time to chill; cutting it too early can lead to messy bars.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a more intense cherry flavor, add a teaspoon of cherry extract to the mousse.
- Experiment with different toppings; dark chocolate shavings or crushed pistachios can add a nice crunch.
- Serve these mousse bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Variations
- Use almond or hazelnut liqueur instead of cherry liqueur for a different flavor profile.
- Substitute chocolate graham cracker crumbs with Oreo or regular graham cracker crumbs.
- Add a layer of crushed cookies on top of the mousse before adding cherry filling for extra texture.
How to Serve
- Cut into squares and serve on a decorative platter.
- Garnish with fresh cherries for added color and freshness.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the mousse and crust a day in advance for optimal flavor.
- Storage: Keep the mousse bars covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Not applicable; these mousse bars are served chilled.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as it may alter the texture of the mousse.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through testing this recipe, I discovered that resting the mousse overnight enhances the flavors and gives the dessert an unforgettable richness. Plus, the contrast between the smooth chocolate mousse and the tart cherry topping creates a well-balanced, festive treat. Enjoy every delicious bite during your holiday celebrations!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 9 bars · Serving Size: 1 bar
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 3g protein · 28g carbs · 16g fat
Recipe by:
Chocolate Cherry Mousse Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chocolate graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press into the bottom of a lined 9x9 inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until set, then let cool.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the chopped semi-sweet chocolate, stirring continuously until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
- Gently fold a small amount of whipped cream into the cooled chocolate, then fold in the rest along with cherry liqueur, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and salt until just combined.
- Pour the mousse over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Once chilled, top with cherry pie filling and garnish with fresh cherries. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I substitute chocolate graham crackers?
Yes, you can use regular graham crackers or any chocolate-flavored cookie for the crust if chocolate graham crackers are unavailable.
2. Is the cherry liqueur necessary for the mousse?
No, the cherry liqueur is optional. You can omit it if you prefer a non-alcoholic dessert or substitute it with cherry extract for flavor.
3. How can I make the mousse bars gluten-free?
To make these mousse bars gluten-free, use gluten-free chocolate cookies or gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
4. How long should I chill the mousse?
It is recommended to chill the mousse for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for the best flavor and texture.
5. Can I freeze the Chocolate Cherry Mousse Bars?
Yes, you can freeze the mousse bars. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
