⭐ Description

This Mediterranean Whipped Chocolate Cloud Mousse is a luxurious, incredibly fluffy dessert reminiscent of the beautifully whipped chocolate shown in your photos. It combines the richness of chocolate with ingredients cherished across the Mediterranean—olive oil, honey, sea salt, and optional orange zest for a sunny aroma. The result is a smooth, cloud-like mousse with a glossy finish and deep but balanced flavor.

📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup (170 g) good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (optional for deeper flavor)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk or evaporated milk
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (Mediterranean twist)
  • 3 tbsp Mediterranean honey (preferably thyme, wildflower, or orange blossom)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Flavor Enhancers

  • A pinch of fine sea salt
  • Optional: zest of ½ Mediterranean orange
  • Optional: ½ tsp instant espresso powder (enhances chocolate)

🍳 Instructions (Detailed & Long)

1. Prepare the chocolate base

  1. Add the chocolate chips to a heatproof bowl.
  2. Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
  3. Pour the hot milk over the chocolate.
  4. Allow it to sit for 1 minute, then stir slowly until melted and smooth.
  5. Mix in:
    • olive oil
    • honey
    • vanilla
    • sea salt
    • (optional) orange zest and espresso powder

This should form a shiny, silky chocolate mixture. Let it cool to room temperature.

2. Whip the cream

  1. Pour the chilled heavy cream into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Using an electric mixer, whip on medium-high until soft peaks begin to form.
  3. When it looks like thick waves (similar to your photo), stop—don’t overwhip.
    This will give the mousse its cloud-like structure.

3. Combine the mixtures

  1. Add one big spoonful of whipped cream to the cooled chocolate mixture.
  2. Gently fold it in using a spatula—this lightens the base.
  3. Add the remaining whipped cream in 3–4 batches, folding slowly and carefully to keep the air inside.
  4. Continue until smooth, light, and fluffy like the mousse pictured.

4. Chill for the perfect texture

You can enjoy immediately for a soft, airy mousse (like the fresh one in your images), or chill for at least 2 hours for a more set, elegant texture.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions (Mediterranean Style)

  • Drizzle with honey and a drop of olive oil
  • Sprinkle with crushed pistachios or toasted almonds
  • Add a few fresh berries
  • Top with grated dark chocolate
  • Serve with orange slices or a little candied peel

🧿 Chef’s Tips

  • Use high-quality olive oil—fruity, mild varieties work best.
  • If you want the mousse extremely fluffy (like the left image), whip the cream slightly more and fold gently.
  • For a stronger Mediterranean aroma, add rosewater or orange blossom water (½ tsp).