3-ingredient chocolate mousse that you'll want to make tonight

Let's be real: some days, you want a decadent dessert without turning your kitchen into a war zone. You want something that tastes fancy but is actually so simple it feels like you're getting away with something. Enter: the easiest, fluffiest, most chocolatey mousse you'll ever make, using just three ingredients.

No gelatin. No eggs. No water bath. Just pure dessert magic.

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The Magic Trio

Here's all you need:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• A pinch of sea salt (yes, that counts as an ingredient—flavor matters!)

Optional but highly encouraged: a splash of vanilla or espresso powder if you're feeling extra.

So... How Does This Sorcery Work?

This mousse is proof that minimal effort can lead to maximum wow. First, melt your chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler. If you're microwaving, do it in 20 or 30-second bursts and stir in between so it doesn't turn into a burnt chocolate disaster. Once it's smooth and dreamy, stir in your pinch of sea salt. That tiny bit of salt? It levels everything up.

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Let the chocolate cool a bit—not cold-cold, just not hot-hot. Think warm hug, not scorching breakup text.

Now whip your heavy cream until you get soft peaks. If you're not sure what that means, stop beating when it looks like cloud fluff that's just starting to hold its shape.

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Here's where the magic happens: gently fold the cooled chocolate into the whipped cream. Don't stir —fold like you're tucking a sleepy baby into bed. You'll end up with a smooth and rich mousse that should come with a warning label.

Chill and Serve Like a Pro

Spoon it into cute little ramekins, mugs, or whatever vessel makes you feel like the domestic goddess you are. Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour (longer if you're being responsible, shorter if you're not). The longer it chills, the thicker and more luscious it gets.

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You can top it with whipped cream, crushed pretzels, berries or nothing at all. This mousse doesn't need accessories to slay. This is the kind of recipe that turns "I don't bake" people into dessert MVPs. It's rich and chocolate-forward and hits that fancy-but-easy sweet spot.

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Quick Tips If You Wanna Flex

• Use dark chocolate chips for a more grown-up vibe.
• Add a dash of cinnamon or chili powder if you're spicy like that.
• Layer it with crushed cookies or cake for an impromptu parfait situation.

Here's the part where you realize you're making this tonight

If you've got chocolate, cream, and five minutes of patience, this is your sign to whip up the best mousse of your life. It's rich without being too sweet, impressive without being a pain, and honestly way too easy for how good it tastes.

Save this one. It's your new secret weapon.