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This vanilla mousse with a silky chocolate topping is an European dessert that’s known as ptichye moloko and it’s such a treat! It has a mousse-like creamy base with a velvety smooth chocolate jello layer. It’s an elegant and impressive dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for baby showers, dinner parties or a romantic Valentine’s Day dessert.
Watch How to Make Vanilla Mousse:
We served the original vanilla mousse jello recipe in a rectangular glass pyrex dish and so many of YOU absolutely loved it! So this is the fancied up version that uses real whipped cream instead of cool whip (thanks to those of you who let me know that substitution works!!).
The chocolate makes this somewhat of an adult dessert so if you want to make it kid friendly: use a 3 oz package of flavored jello and spoon it over the top once jello reaches room temperature.
Print-Friendly Recipe for Vanilla Mousse:
Vanilla Mousse with Chocolate - VIDEO Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients for Chocolate Jello:
- 5 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 5 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 packet, 1/4 oz unflavored gelatin
- 5 Tbsp milk, 2% or whole milk
- 1 cup cold water
Ingredients for Vanilla Mousse:
- 1 cup milk, 2% or whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 packets, 1/2 oz total unflavored gelatin
- 1 cup + 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 16 oz sour cream
- 8 oz 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
Start with Chocolate Jello (so it can cool):
- In a small saucepan, whisk: 5 Tbsp sugar, 5 Tbsp cocoa powder, and 1 packet gelatin. Whisk in 1 cup cold water and 5 Tbsp milk. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil while mixing constantly so the chocolate doesn't lump up. Remove form heat and let cool to room temp (about 1 1/2 hrs).
How to Make Vanilla Mousse:
- In a small sauce pan, combine 1 cup milk, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 packets gelatin and whisk together. Place over medium heat and continue whisking until steamy (DO NOT BOIL) then remove from heat and cool until just warm. Tip: Transfer to a different dish to cool faster
- Once milk is no longer hot, In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat 1 cup heavy cream until fluffy and spreadable (1 1/2 to 2 min on high speed). In a second mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup + 2 Tbsp sugar and 16 oz sour cream until well blended. Fold in whipped cream then while using the mixer on low speed, slowly add warm milk mixture, scraping down the bowl as needed and mix another 30 seconds to ensure it's well blended.
- The mousse sets quickly, so immediately divide between 6 serving cups and refrigerate until mostly set (at least 30 min). Slowly pour 3 to 4 Tbsp chocolate sauce over each chilled mousse. Place 5 raspberries in a ring over the chocolate and refrigerate until fully set (about 4 to 5 hrs).
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
Kitchen Equipment Used in Video:
John Boos Dark Cutting Board
Small Saucepan
Glass Mixing Bowls
KitchenAid Hand Mixer
If you’re wondering if these can be served in smaller dishes, the answer is yes!! You just have to work quickly to transfer the mousse into your cups. I went to a baby shower where these were served about 1/3 the size. Enjoy!!
Hi Natasha , thank you for sharing all the delicious recipes. Christmas in my house I make all from appetizers sides , Turkey to deserts from your videos. They are very quick and easy . Thank you dear , God bless you and your family
Hi there! You are so very welcome. Thank you for trusting my recipes. I’m so glad you’re enjoying them.
This was very good, but I found the chocolate part to be too strong. I would add less cocoa powder in the future. I added more sugar as well to both parts which helped the flavour. I used greek yogurt instead of sour cream and it came out good and works as a substitution.
Can you substitute more whipped heavy cream for the sour cream in the vanilla mousse recipe?
Hi Tanya! I haven’t tested that to know how it will affect the end result or how to modify.
Hi, this recipe is very good, I have done it multiple times and it always turned out great. But this time I poured the dark part over the vanilla mousse and it’s been few hours and it’s still not set. Do you know why that can happen? I poured it in a shallow glass dish around 9-10 inches
Hi Nellie, it’s hard to say without being there. I recommend reviewing the video and the instructions again to ensure there wasn’t a step or ingredient missed. I wish I could be more helpful.
Followed this recipe exactly. Not a lot of flavor and was very disappointed when serving it to guests. Natasha you’re amazing but this recipe missed the mark. Won’t make again.
This recipe is amazing. I am 12 years old and i have been baking for 3-4 years and i have enjoyed it every day. Thank you for all your recipes!
I’m so glad you love my recipes! Thank you for sharing that with me.
One of the easiest desserts to make! I double the chocolate portion when making it in one dish.
So glad you enjoy this recipe, Lily! 🙂