Indulge in these decadent Valentine's Chocolate Mousse Brownies, featuring a rich brownie base, a light and airy chocolate mousse layer, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping. A perfect homemade treat for your sweet heart!
Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang to make lifting your brownies out super easy!
Brownie Batter Wet Mix: In a big bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until everything is smooth and well combined.
Brownie Batter Dry Mix: Gently fold in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix just until no dry spots are left – be careful not to overmix to keep your brownies perfectly fudgy!
Bake Brownie Base: Pour this lovely batter into your lined pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. You'll know it's ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the brownie base cool completely in the pan.
Prepare Mousse Chocolate: For the mousse, gently warm the milk in a small saucepan until it's just steaming. Pour this hot milk over your finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for 2 minutes, then stir until it's beautifully smooth and melted. Allow this chocolate mixture to cool down completely to room temperature.
Whip the Cream: In a separate, clean bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream and powdered sugar until lovely soft peaks form.
Combine Mousse: To lighten your cooled chocolate mixture, stir in a spoonful of the whipped cream first. Then, gently fold in the remaining whipped cream until it's fully blended and airy, being careful not to deflate the mousse.
Assemble Mousse Layer: Carefully spread the chocolate mousse evenly over your cooled brownie base using a spatula. Pop the pan into the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until the mousse is nicely set.
Make Ganache: Time for the glossy ganache! Place your finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir until it's wonderfully smooth and shiny.
Add Ganache Topping: Pour this gorgeous ganache over the chilled mousse layer and spread it evenly with an offset spatula. Return the pan to the refrigerator for another hour, or until the ganache is firm.
Slice and Serve: When completely set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire dessert out of the pan. For perfect, neat slices, use a clean, sharp knife, wiping it clean between each cut. Enjoy your beautiful, homemade treat!
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving): Calories: 726, Total Carbs: 71g, Net Carbs: 67g, Fats: 44g, Protein: 9g.