Rich Chocolate Mousse Brownies (Print-Friendly Version)

Fudgy brownie base topped with a light, airy chocolate mousse for a decadent dessert.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Brownie Base

01 - 227 grams unsalted butter
02 - 225 grams dark chocolate (70% cocoa, chopped)
03 - 200 grams granulated sugar
04 - 3 large eggs
05 - 60 grams all-purpose flour
06 - 25 grams cacao powder
07 - 2.5 milliliters salt

→ Chocolate Mousse

08 - 170 grams dark chocolate (finely chopped)
09 - 3 large egg yolks
10 - 30 grams powdered sugar
11 - 240 milliliters heavy cream
12 - 3 large egg whites
13 - 5 milliliters vanilla extract
14 - pinch of salt

# Detailed Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 175°C and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
02 - Melt unsalted butter with dark chocolate until smooth. Whisk in granulated sugar followed by eggs. Gently fold in flour, cacao powder, and salt until combined.
03 - Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 28 minutes. Test with a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely before proceeding.
04 - Melt dark chocolate over a double boiler. Stir in egg yolks, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
05 - Whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Separately, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
06 - Fold whipped cream gently into the chocolate mixture, then carefully fold in the beaten egg whites to preserve airiness.
07 - Spread the mousse evenly over the cooled brownie base using an offset spatula. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight to set.
08 - Cut into 12 squares and serve chilled.

# Helpful Advice:

01 - For a deeper chocolate intensity, substitute 70% dark chocolate with 85% cocoa. Ensure the base is fully cooled before mousse application to prevent melting. Refrigerate overnight for best mousse stability and clean slicing.