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Coffee Mousse

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

|

Updated:

February 28, 2025

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4.80 from 10 votes

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Coffee mousse pinterest image.
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Coffee Mousse can be made in just 10-minutes with 5 simple ingredients and without gelatin. This no-cook mocha mousse is a creamy, decadent dessert perfect for coffee lovers.

Side view of two mugs of coffee mousse topped with chocolate shavings and mint sprigs.

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It seems that most days we always have a bit of extra coffee in the pot.

Why is it that the second cup never tastes as good as the first?

I have a theory that since it sits on the hot burner, it condenses and the flavor just becomes a bit too bold and bitter for my tastes.

But, that extra bit of coffee is perfect to use in this coffee mousse recipe.

One bowl of coffee mousse on grey marble table.

Why you’ll love it

Coffee lovers and chocolate lovers this is your dessert.

It’s rich and decadent, chocolately, scented with coffee and absolutely amazing. But my favorite part about this dish is that even though it’s rich and decadent, it’s not too rich. You’re not going into a full blown sugar attack after eating this. And that’s because this mousse is more like a tiramisu.

What makes this mocha mousse like a tiramisu? I used ricotta cheese. 

That’s what is giving this mousse it’s decadent body and richness.

But the best part of this mousse is that it takes only 10-minutes to prepare, with just 5-ingredients! Then, just assemble your mousse into your favorite serving vessel and let it chill for about an hour in the fridge.

I served my mocha mousse in coffee mugs, but you could also serve it in wine glasses or ramekins.

Ingredients needed

  • Ricotta Cheese
  • Strong Brewed Coffee
  • Whipping Cream – aka heavy cream
  • Powdered Sugar
  • Cocoa Powder

I like to use coffee that has been brewed at double the strength for this recipe, so that the coffee flavor is quite defined. But you can also use regular strength coffee if you prefer the coffee flavor to be less noticeable. The morning’s leftover coffee works great in this recipe. Also, if you would simply like chocolate mousse, you can leave out the coffee entirely.

Can I thicken mousse without gelatin?

Many mousse recipes call for gelatin to help thicken it. But I didn’t want to fool around with measuring and dissolving the gelatin, so this easy recipe does not use it.

The trick to ensuring that your mousse stays thick, and not watery, is to gently fold in the whipped cream. Work it in in three phases, folding gently after each add-in. I’m also using ricotta cheese in this mocha mousse which gives it substance and body.

You’ll also want to be sure to refrigerate the chocolate coffee mousse for at least an hour before serving to help it firm up a bit.

Side view of two mugs of coffee mousse topped with chocolate shavings and mint sprigs.

How to make it

  • Puree ricotta cheese and coffee in a blender until smooth, set aside.
  • Whisk whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
  • Using a spatula, gently fold the cream into the ricotta mixture in three stages.
  • Spoon into serving bowls and refrigerate at least one hour.

How to make ahead & store

  • You can definitely make this mocha mousse ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
  • This mousse will keep in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to four days.

More ricotta recipes

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  • MORE → 25+ recipes that use ricotta cheese
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Did you try this coffee mousse recipe?

If you loved this coffee mousse, I would appreciate it so much if you would give this recipe a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on  Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook.

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Overhead close up of bowl of coffee mousse topped with flaky salt, mint sprig and chocolate shavings.

Full Recipe

Coffee Mousse

Coffee Mousse is a decadent, airy dessert flavored with coffee & cocoa. Made with whipped cream & ricotta cheese to make it creamy without gelatin.
4.80 from 10 votes
Print Pin
Serves 4 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Resting Time: 1 hour hr
Total Time: 10 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 15-ounce container whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • 4 Tablespoons powdered sugar

Garnish:

  • Chocolate Shavings
  • Mint Sprigs

Instructions

  • Purée ricotta, cocoa powder and coffee in a blender until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl; set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the cream until thick. Add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until the cream holds stiff peaks.
  • Fold in cream into the ricotta mixture in 3 stages. Spoon the mousse into serving bowls and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Garnish with chocolate shavings and mint and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 239kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 78mg | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 875IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

This post was originally published in 2020. It was updated in 2023 to add new information. The ricotta dessert recipe remains the same. Enjoy!

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4.80 from 10 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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15 responses

  1. fred
    January 6, 2020

    when does the cocoa get used?

    Reply
    1. Erin
      January 6, 2020

      Hi Fred – Thanks for catching that! I just revised the instructions. It should be processed with the ricotta and coffee.

      Reply
  2. skip
    January 6, 2020

    Yes, how about the cocoa powder?

    Reply
    1. Erin
      January 6, 2020

      Hi Skip – Thank you for the heads up! I just revised the recipe. It should be processed with the ricotta and coffee.

      Reply
  3. Mary Chevalaz
    February 3, 2020

    I don’t drink coffee, what can I use? Instant coffee?

    Reply
  4. Mary
    February 3, 2020

    I don’t drink coffee. I’d like to know what I can substitute for brewed coffee. Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Erin
      February 3, 2020

      Hi Mary – I would try this recipe instead: https://www.platingsandpairings.com/ricotta-mousse-with-fresh-raspberries/

      Reply
  5. Anne
    May 28, 2020

    Hi there! Would you say this mousse could be used to fill a cake if “dams” were piped between cake layers and then the mousse was added?

    Reply
    1. Erin
      May 29, 2020

      I think that will work Anne!

      Reply
    2. Alicia Cuadrado
      November 13, 2020

      Did it work out in the cake? Is it stiff enough? That is what I am planning to do.

      Reply
  6. Donna
    July 18, 2021

    4 stars
    Hi,Erin..Is the ricotta need to be in room temperature? And is that ok if I substitute ricotta with cream cheese?

    Reply
    1. Erin
      July 23, 2021

      Hi Donna – The ricotta can be cold. And I haven’t tried swapping in cream cheese, but I think that could work!

      Reply
  7. Suzanne
    September 30, 2023

    4 stars
    Lovely! I love coffee flavor so it was not enough for me! I added some instant for a boost! Also around 2 tablespoons more powdered sugar.

    Reply
  8. Mark
    December 21, 2023

    Can I substitute half and half in for the whipping cream?

    Reply
    1. Erin
      December 22, 2023

      Hi Mark – Unfortunately half and half won’t give the mouse its airy texture in this recipe.

      Reply

Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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