Baileys Chocolate Mousse

The star here is the Baileys Irish Cream, whose blend of cream, cocoa, and Irish whiskey does half the flavor work for you. It infuses the entire mousse with a complex, velvety character that plain cream simply can’t match. I remember the first time I tasted something like this, not in a fancy restaurant, but at a friend’s cozy dinner party. It was served in simple glasses, yet it felt like a special occasion in every spoonful. That’s the magic I wanted to bring home—a dessert that feels indulgent and restaurant-worthy, but is made with a relaxed confidence in your own kitchen.

This Baileys Chocolate Mousse recipe is exactly that. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly luxurious. We’re talking about deep, dark chocolate, softly whipped cream, and that iconic Irish cream liqueur, all folded into a cloud-like dessert that’s rich but not heavy, sophisticated but not fussy. It’s the kind of treat you can whip up for a date night at home, a festive gathering, or just because you deserve a little moment of creamy, chocolatey joy. Regular kitchen, regular time, great results.

Print

Ingredients List

This Baileys Chocolate Mousse recipe comes together with just a handful of quality ingredients. The key is letting each one shine, especially the star of the show.

• Semi-Sweet or Bittersweet Chocolate (6 ounces): Chopped fine or high-quality chocolate chips. This forms the rich, deep base of our mousse.
• Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): For a silky, smooth texture that helps the chocolate set beautifully.
• Baileys Original Irish Cream (⅓ cup): The heart of the flavor. Its notes of cream, cocoa, and whiskey are irreplaceable here.
• Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup): Divided. You’ll use a bit with the chocolate and whip the rest into soft, billowy peaks.
• Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons): Just a touch to sweeten the whipped cream perfectly.
• Pinch of Salt: To balance and deepen all the chocolate and cream flavors.

Smart Swaps & Notes:

• For a Non-Alcoholic Version: You can substitute the Baileys with an equal amount of strong cold brew coffee or a store-bought Irish cream-flavored coffee creamer. The flavor profile will be different, but still deliciously chocolatey.
• Chocolate Choices: A good quality chocolate bar chopped up will give you the best melt and flavor, but high-quality chocolate chips work perfectly in a pinch.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use full-fat coconut cream (chilled) in place of the heavy whipping cream and a dairy-free chocolate. The flavor will be coconut-forward, but still wonderfully creamy.

Timing

One of the best things about this Baileys Chocolate Mousse is how the active time is so short, leaving you free to tidy up or simply relax while it sets.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours (minimum)
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

While a classic chocolate mousse can be more involved, this method is about 30% simpler, skipping finicky steps like tempering eggs. The patience is in the chilling, which is hands-off and absolutely essential for that perfect, spoonable texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the Chocolate Base

Place the chopped chocolate, butter, and 2 tablespoons of the heavy cream in a heatproof bowl. Set it over a saucepan of gently simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir gently until everything is melted, smooth, and glossy. Remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the Baileys Irish cream until fully incorporated. This mixture should be smooth and pourable.

2. Whip the Cream

While the chocolate cools slightly, take the remaining heavy cream, sugar, and pinch of salt. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip on medium-high speed until you achieve soft peaks. This means the cream will hold its shape when you lift the beaters, but the tips will curl over gently. Be careful not to overwhip into stiff peaks, as we need the cream to be flexible for folding.

3. Fold Everything Together

This is the most important step for a light, airy mousse. Add about one-third of the whipped cream to the slightly cooled chocolate-Baileys mixture. Fold it in vigorously with a spatula—this helps lighten the thick chocolate base. Once combined, gently fold in the remaining whipped cream in two additions. Use a broad, sweeping motion, turning the bowl as you go, until no white streaks remain. Be patient and gentle to keep all that air you whipped in.

4. Chill and Set

Divide the mousse between 4-6 serving glasses or ramekins. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This chill time is non-negotiable; it allows the mousse to firm up and the flavors to meld perfectly.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this Baileys Chocolate Mousse is a rich, indulgent treat. Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: ~320
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 2g

The primary ingredients—dark chocolate and heavy cream—provide a source of antioxidants and fats that help create a feeling of satisfaction. Remember, this is a dessert meant for savoring in moderation, a special little cloud of comfort food.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy gear to make this Baileys Chocolate Mousse recipe a success.

• Medium heatproof bowl (for the double boiler)
• Small saucepan
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 4-6 serving glasses or ramekins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortlessly Elegant: It looks and tastes like it came from a patisserie, but the process is straightforward and forgiving.
• Make-Ahead Magic: It needs to chill for hours, making it the perfect do-ahead dessert for parties or a stress-free weeknight treat.
• Rich Flavor, Light Texture: The combination of dark chocolate and Baileys delivers deep, adult flavor, while the whipped cream keeps it incredibly light on the spoon.
• Endlessly Customizable: Serve it plain, or top with fresh berries, shaved chocolate, or a dollop of extra whipped cream. It’s a perfect canvas.
• Comfort Food, Made Easy: It’s a dessert that feels like a hug—decadent, familiar, and deeply satisfying without any complicated techniques.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking for a lighter take on this classic Baileys Chocolate Mousse, here are a few simple swaps:

• Lower Sugar: Use a sugar-free dark chocolate and omit the added sugar in the whipped cream. The Baileys will provide some sweetness.
• Lighter Cream: For a slightly less rich version, you can try whipping well-chilled whole milk Greek yogurt until light and folding it in with half the whipped cream. The texture will be tangier and denser, but still delicious.
• Boost Protein: Fold in a tablespoon of unflavored collagen peptides into the melted chocolate mixture before adding the cream. It dissolves easily and adds a protein boost without affecting flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This mousse is a star on its own, but a few simple additions make it a showstopper.

• Classic & Simple: A dollop of freshly whipped cream and a delicate sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
• Festive Touch: For a St. Patrick’s Day treat, top with a mint chocolate chip or a drizzle of salted caramel. It makes for an easy, elegant alternative to other St. Patrick's Day treats for kids like green-frosted cupcakes or rice krispie treats st patricks day kids love. For another festive dessert idea, check out these Green Velvet Cupcakes.
• Berry Bliss: Fresh raspberries or strawberries add a beautiful, tart contrast to the rich chocolate.
• For a Crowd: Set up a mousse bar! Serve the Baileys Chocolate Mousse in a large trifle bowl and let guests top their own with crushed cookies, toasted nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt.
• Coffee Pairing: Serve with a strong cup of coffee or espresso. The flavors complement each other perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overwhipping the Cream: Soft peaks are the goal. Stiff, grainy cream is difficult to fold in smoothly and can make the final mousse dense.
• Adding Hot Chocolate to Cold Cream: If your chocolate mixture is too hot when you fold, it will melt the whipped cream and deflate your mousse. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes first.
• Stirring, Not Folding: Use a gentle folding motion with a spatula to incorporate the whipped cream. Stirring or beating will knock out the air and leave you with a chocolate pudding (still tasty, but not a mousse).
• Skipping the Chill Time: The mousse needs those hours in the fridge to set properly. Serving it too soon will result in a soft, loose texture.
• Using Low-Fat Cream: The high fat content in heavy whipping cream is what allows it to whip up and hold its structure. Lower-fat alternatives will not work.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Refrigerator: This Baileys Chocolate Mousse keeps beautifully in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 4 days. The flavor actually deepens after a day.
• Freezing: You can freeze individual portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The texture may be slightly denser but still very enjoyable.
• Make-Ahead: This is the ultimate make-ahead dessert. Prepare it fully up to 2 days before you plan to serve it.

Conclusion

This Baileys Chocolate Mousse recipe is proof that you don’t need a professional kitchen to create a dessert that feels special, luxurious, and deeply satisfying. It’s a process that’s as enjoyable as the result—melting chocolate, whipping cream, and creating something beautiful from a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, this mousse delivers comfort and joy in every spoonful. Food that feels like home, even when it tastes like a night out.

I’d love to hear how your Baileys Chocolate Mousse turns out! Did you add any fun toppings? Share your experience in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more chocolatey inspiration, check out our recipes for fudgy Mint Chocolate Brownies or these irresistible Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. For more simple, chocolate-dipped ideas perfect for any occasion, our Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods are always a hit. If you're exploring more healthy chocolate desserts, our roundup of Healthy Valentine Treat Recipes has some great ideas too.

FAQs about Baileys Chocolate Mousse

💬 Let’s Stay Connected!
For daily recipes, kitchen tips, and exclusive content, follow me on:
👉 Facebook for behind-the-scenes & community fun
👉 Pinterest for visual inspiration & meal ideas
👉 X (Twitter) for quick tips & trending recipes

📲 Join the flavor journey, your next favorite recipe is just a follow away!