Indulge in the ultimate Low Carb Chocolate Mousse that will satisfy your sweet cravings without the guilt! This decadent, velvety smooth dessert is rich in chocolate flavor while being surprisingly keto-friendly. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, this mousse creates the perfect balance of luxurious texture and deep chocolate richness that melts in your mouth with every spoonful. Whether you’re following a low carb lifestyle, or simply looking for a healthier dessert option, this chocolate mousse delivers all the decadence you crave without compromising your dietary goals. The best part? It’s ready in minutes with minimal effort, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion!
About The Recipe
When I first started my low carb journey, the hardest thing to give up was definitely chocolate desserts. I found myself constantly craving that rich, satisfying chocolate flavor that nothing else could replace. After numerous attempts at creating low carb versions of my favorite treats, I finally perfected this chocolate mousse recipe that’s become my absolute go-to dessert.
This isn’t just any chocolate mousse, though. This recipe transformed my perspective on what low carb desserts could be. I was honestly shocked at how incredibly delicious it turned out while using so few ingredients and keeping the carbs to a minimum.
What makes this mousse special is the combination of rich coconut cream with high-quality sugar-free chocolate chips. The result is a dessert that’s incredibly smooth, intensely chocolatey, and has that perfect mousse texture that’s both light and decadent at the same time.
The best part? I never feel like I’m missing out or compromising when I make this. It’s genuinely as good as (if not better than!) traditional high-sugar chocolate mousse recipes I used to make. My friends and family can’t even tell it’s low carb when I serve it at gatherings!
Reasons You Will Love This Low Carb Chocolate Mousse
- Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal active preparation time
- Only requires 2 main ingredients plus optional sweetener
- Perfectly keto-friendly with only 5 net carbs per serving
- Rich, indulgent chocolate flavor that satisfies intense cravings
- Versatile texture that can be adjusted from light and airy to rich and fudgy
- Ideal make-ahead dessert that actually improves with time in the refrigerator
- Elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough for everyday treats
- No baking required – perfect for hot summer days
- Customizable with various toppings and add-ins
- Naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free
Equipment Needed
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Stand mixer or hand mixer with whisk attachment
- Rubber spatula
- Glass bowl for melting chocolate
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small saucepan (if using double boiler method)
- Serving glasses or ramekins
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
For The Mousse:
- 6.5 ounces full-fat canned coconut milk (cream only)
- 3.5 ounces sugar-free chocolate chips
- Liquid chocolate monk fruit sweetener or sweetener of choice (optional)
Description:
- Full-Fat Canned Coconut Milk – The star of this recipe! Make sure you’re using full-fat canned coconut milk (not the drinking kind in a carton). We’ll only be using the thick cream that separates and rises to the top when refrigerated overnight. This creates the perfect rich base for our mousse without adding any dairy.
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips – I recommend using high-quality sugar-free chocolate chips for the best flavor. Look for ones sweetened with erythritol, stevia, or allulose rather than maltitol for better digestive comfort and lower net carbs. Lily’s, ChocZero, or Lakanto brands work wonderfully.
- Liquid Chocolate Monk Fruit Sweetener – This is completely optional but can add an extra touch of sweetness if needed. I find that good quality sugar-free chocolate chips often provide enough sweetness on their own, but it’s nice to have this option for adjusting to your preference. Other liquid sweeteners like stevia drops or allulose syrup work well too!
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped coconut cream
- Fresh berries (raspberries or strawberries work beautifully)
- Chopped nuts (macadamias or pecans are great low-carb options)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- Sugar-free chocolate shavings
- Mint leaves for garnish
Description:
- Whipped Coconut Cream – For an extra luxurious presentation, save a bit of the coconut cream to whip separately and dollop on top.
- Fresh Berries – A few berries add a pop of color and flavor while keeping the carb count reasonable. Raspberries and strawberries are lowest in carbs.
- Chopped Nuts – For a delightful textural contrast, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top. They add a wonderful crunch against the silky mousse.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – A light dusting adds an elegant touch and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Shavings – For the ultimate chocolate lover’s dessert, add some chocolate shavings on top for an extra flavor dimension and visual appeal.
- Mint Leaves – A fresh mint leaf not only adds a beautiful visual element but also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
How To Make Perfect Low Carb Chocolate Mousse
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the coconut cream Without shaking the can of coconut milk, place it in the refrigerator overnight. This crucial step allows the cream to separate and rise to the top of the can. When you’re ready to make the mousse, remove the can from the refrigerator and flip it upside down. This clever trick makes it much easier to remove the watery part first. Open the can from the bottom (now on top) and pour out the clear coconut water – you can save this for smoothies or discard it. Then, scoop out the thick, rich coconut cream into your mixing bowl. You should get about 6.5 ounces of cream from a standard 13.5-ounce can.
Step 2: Melt the chocolate Place your sugar-free chocolate chips in a glass bowl. You can melt them one of two ways: either set up a double boiler by placing the bowl over a pan of simmering water (making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water), or microwave the chips for about 1 minute. If using the microwave method, stop halfway through to stir, then continue heating in 15-second intervals, stirring between each until completely smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate as it can seize and become grainy.
Step 3: Combine and whip Add the melted chocolate to your bowl of coconut cream. Using the whisk attachment on your stand mixer or hand mixer, blend the ingredients together on medium speed. Start slowly to prevent splattering, then increase the speed gradually. Continue mixing until the mixture is completely smooth and well incorporated, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The mousse will begin to thicken slightly as the chocolate cools.
Step 4: Taste and adjust sweetness Pause to taste your mousse. This is where you’ll decide if additional sweetener is needed. If you’d like it sweeter, add your liquid monk fruit sweetener or preferred sweetener a few drops at a time, mixing and tasting between additions until you reach your desired sweetness level. Remember that the flavors will develop further as the mousse chills, so it’s okay to leave it slightly less sweet than you might ultimately want.
Step 5: Serve or chill You have two delicious options at this point. For a softer, more pudding-like dessert, you can enjoy the mousse immediately. It will have a silky, smooth texture that’s absolutely divine. Alternatively, for a thicker, more traditional mousse texture, transfer the mixture to individual serving glasses or ramekins, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or overnight. The mousse will set and thicken considerably as it chills, creating that classic mousse consistency.
Pro Tips For Success
Before I share my troubleshooting section, let me give you some expert tips I’ve learned from making this recipe dozens of times:
- Temperature matters: Make sure your coconut cream is cold and your chocolate is warm but not hot. This temperature difference helps create the perfect emulsion.
- Quality ingredients: Since this recipe has so few ingredients, quality really matters. Use the best sugar-free chocolate chips you can find – it makes a world of difference in the final flavor.
- Patience with whipping: Don’t rush the whipping process. Taking time to properly incorporate air will give you a lighter, fluffier mousse.
- Consistency control: For a lighter mousse, add 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved coconut water back into the mixture while whipping. For an ultra-thick, fudgy texture, use only the cream and chill longer.
- Make ahead: This mousse actually improves with time in the refrigerator, making it perfect for preparing a day in advance for gatherings.
- Watch for water: Be very careful not to get any water in your chocolate while melting, as this will cause it to seize and become grainy.
- Creative serving: Try layering the mousse with sugar-free whipped cream in clear glasses for an impressive visual presentation.
FAQ’s and Troubleshooting
My mousse separated or looks grainy. What happened? This usually happens when the chocolate was too hot when added to the coconut cream or if water got into the mixture. To fix this, try gently warming the entire mixture over a double boiler while whisking continuously until it comes back together. For future batches, make sure to let your melted chocolate cool slightly before adding it to the cold coconut cream, and be careful to keep all utensils completely dry.
Can I use coconut cream instead of refrigerating coconut milk? Absolutely! If you can find canned coconut cream at your store, it’s a great time-saver. You’ll need about 6.5 ounces, and it’s still a good idea to chill it first for the best whipping results.
My mousse isn’t sweet enough. How can I fix it? If your mousse isn’t sweet enough after chilling, you can gently fold in additional liquid sweetener to taste. Another option is to add sweet toppings like a few berries or a sprinkle of keto-friendly confectioner’s sweetener on top.
Can I make this with dark chocolate instead of sugar-free chocolate chips? Yes, but this will significantly increase the carb count. If you’re not strictly following a low-carb diet, you can use 85-90% dark chocolate for a lower-sugar option that still keeps carbs relatively low.
Can I make this dairy-free? Good news – this recipe is already dairy-free! Just double-check that your sugar-free chocolate chips don’t contain milk products (some do). Brands like ChocZero offer dairy-free options.
How long will this mousse keep in the refrigerator? The mousse will keep beautifully for up to 4 days in the refrigerator if stored in airtight containers. The texture might become slightly firmer over time.
Can I freeze this mousse? Yes! This mousse freezes surprisingly well. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. The texture may change slightly but will still be delicious – almost like a frozen chocolate treat!
Why is my mousse too thick? If your mousse is too thick or fudge-like after refrigeration, you can gently fold in 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved coconut water or a splash of heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency.
Can I use a blender instead of a mixer? While a mixer is ideal for incorporating air into the mousse, you can use a blender if that’s all you have. Use pulse mode rather than continuous blending to avoid overprocessing, which can make the mousse too dense.
Creative Variations
I love experimenting with this base recipe to create different flavors and presentations. Here are some of my favorite variations that still keep the carb count low:
Mint Chocolate
Add ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the mixture while whipping for a refreshing mint chocolate variation. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf.
Mocha Delight
Dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder in 1 tablespoon of hot water, allow to cool slightly, then add to the mixture for a coffee-infused chocolate mousse.
Orange Chocolate
Add 2-3 drops of orange extract or the zest of one orange (careful, zest adds some carbs) for a chocolate-orange combination that’s absolutely divine.
Spiced Chocolate
Add a pinch of cinnamon, a tiny pinch of cayenne, and a drop of vanilla extract for a Mexican chocolate inspired treat that warms the palate.
Layered Parfait
Create beautiful parfaits by layering the chocolate mousse with sugar-free whipped cream and a few berries for an impressive dessert that’s still low carb.
Frozen Mousse Cups
Fill silicone cupcake liners with mousse and freeze for chocolate mousse “cups” that are like individual ice cream treats – perfect for summer!
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Creating a memorable dessert experience is all about the presentation and complementary flavors. Here are my favorite ways to serve this low carb chocolate mousse:
Elegant Dinner Party Presentation
For special occasions, I serve this mousse in my best crystal glasses or wine glasses with a fresh raspberry on top, a light dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder, and a tiny sprig of mint. The contrast of the deep chocolate color against the vibrant red berry creates a stunning visual that always impresses guests.
Everyday Indulgence
For a simple weeknight treat, I scoop the mousse into small ramekins and top with a dollop of whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of sugar-free chocolate shavings. It’s casual yet satisfying.
Coffee Pairing
This rich chocolate mousse pairs beautifully with a shot of espresso or a cup of dark roast coffee. The bitterness of the coffee contrasts wonderfully with the sweet chocolate notes in the mousse.
Tea Companion
Don’t overlook how wonderfully this mousse pairs with tea! A cup of Earl Grey or mint tea creates a sophisticated flavor combination that’s perfect for afternoon gatherings.
Cheese Plate Addition
For an unexpected twist on a low carb cheese board, include small portions of this chocolate mousse alongside aged cheeses, nuts, and a few berries. The combination of savory and sweet creates a multi-dimensional tasting experience that’s sophisticated and memorable.
How To Store
Proper storage is key to maintaining the perfect texture and flavor of your low carb chocolate mousse. Here are my recommendations:
Refrigerator Storage
Store any leftover mousse in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in airtight containers. The mousse will keep beautifully for up to 4 days. In fact, I often find that the flavor develops and improves after the first 24 hours!
Freezer Storage
This mousse freezes exceptionally well, which makes it perfect for meal prep or preparing dessert well in advance of a special occasion. To freeze, portion the mousse into individual servings in airtight containers or silicone molds. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To thaw, simply transfer from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow to thaw overnight. The texture may change slightly but will still be deliciously creamy.
Make-Ahead Tips
For the smoothest entertaining experience, I recommend making this mousse the day before you plan to serve it. This not only allows the flavors to develop but also frees up your time on the day of serving.
If adding toppings like whipped cream or berries, add these fresh just before serving for the best presentation and texture.
Final Thoughts
When I first began my low carb journey, I never imagined I’d be able to enjoy a dessert as decadent and satisfying as this chocolate mousse. This recipe has truly been a game-changer for me, proving that eating low carb doesn’t mean giving up life’s little pleasures.
What I love most about this mousse is its versatility. It can be a simple weeknight treat in a coffee mug or an elegant finale to a sophisticated dinner party. The basic recipe offers endless opportunities for customization while keeping the carb count impressively low.
Remember that the quality of your ingredients matters tremendously in a recipe with so few components. Invest in good sugar-free chocolate, and don’t rush the process of whipping and chilling. The extra attention to detail will reward you with a truly exceptional dessert experience.
Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, managing diabetes, or simply looking to reduce sugar in your diet, this low carb chocolate mousse proves that healthy eating can be both nutritious and deliciously indulgent. At just 5 net carbs per serving, it’s a dessert you can enjoy without guilt or compromise.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!
