Indulge in the luxurious combination of rich chocolate and tangy lemon with these elegant Chocolate Lemon Mousse Domes. Featuring a moist chocolate cake base, fluffy lemon mousse filling, and glossy chocolate glaze, this stunning dessert is as delicious as it is impressive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The richness of chocolate and the tartness of lemon create a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Stunning Presentation: These dome-shaped treats are a showstopper for any occasion.
- Gourmet Feel: Impress your guests with this elegant dessert that looks straight out of a patisserie.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance for stress-free entertaining.
- Customizable: Adapt the flavors and garnishes to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chocolate Cake Base:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Mousse:
- ½ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (whipped to stiff peaks)
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For Garnish:
- Lemon twists
- Sea salt flakes
Directions
Prepare the Chocolate Cake Base:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin or dome-shaped molds.
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk sugar, melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared molds, filling halfway.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before removing from the molds.
Prepare the Lemon Mousse:
- Heat lemon juice and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Bloom gelatin by sprinkling it over water in a small bowl and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm lemon mixture until fully dissolved. Cool slightly.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the lemon-gelatin mixture. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Assemble the Chocolate Lemon Mousse Domes:
- Once the cake bases are cool, hollow out the centers to create wells for the mousse.
- Fill each well with lemon mousse, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.
Prepare the Chocolate Glaze:
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth.
- Mix in butter for added shine.
Finish the Domes:
- Pour the chocolate glaze over the chilled domes, letting it drip down the sides.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the glaze.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with lemon twists and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Serve chilled and enjoy this indulgent treat.
Variations
- Citrus Options: Substitute lemon with lime or orange for a different citrus flavor.
- Milk Chocolate Glaze: Use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter glaze.
- Alcohol Infusion: Add a splash of limoncello or Grand Marnier to the mousse for a boozy twist.
- Crunchy Base: Swap the cake base with a cookie or biscuit layer for a crunchy texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze domes without glaze for up to 1 month. Add the glaze after thawing.
- Reheating: Not applicable—serve chilled.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought lemon curd for the mousse?
Yes, replace the lemon juice and sugar with store-bought lemon curd and proceed with the gelatin and cream steps.
2. What type of mold is best for this recipe?
Dome silicone molds are ideal for creating the shape, but a muffin tin works too.
3. Can I skip the gelatin?
Gelatin is essential for setting the mousse. Agar-agar can be used as a vegetarian alternative.
4. How do I make the glaze smoother?
Ensure the chocolate is finely chopped and stir thoroughly after adding it to the cream.
5. Can I make mini versions?
Yes, use smaller molds and adjust assembly time accordingly.
6. How do I keep the glaze from hardening too quickly?
Pour the glaze over the domes while it’s still warm and fluid.
7. Can I use white chocolate for the glaze?
Yes, white chocolate makes a sweeter glaze that pairs well with lemon.
8. What if I don’t have a piping bag for the mousse?
Use a spoon or a plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
9. Can I add fresh fruit to the mousse?
Fold in small pieces of fresh fruit like berries for added texture and flavor.
10. How do I prevent the glaze from sticking to the plate?
Place the domes on a wire rack with parchment paper underneath before glazing.
Conclusion
Chocolate Lemon Mousse Domes are a sophisticated and delicious dessert that strikes the perfect balance between rich chocolate and zesty lemon. Whether for a special occasion or simply indulging at home, these domes are sure to impress with their flavors and presentation. Enjoy every decadent bite!
PrintChocolate Lemon Mousse Dome
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- chill time: ~3 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking & Chilling
- Cuisine: Modern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elevate your dessert game with these exquisite Chocolate Lemon Mousse Domes! A rich chocolate cake base, light and tangy lemon mousse, and a glossy chocolate glaze come together to create a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or impressing your guests.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Base:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder, rich and dark
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Mousse:
- 1/2 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For Garnish:
- Lemon twists
- Sea salt flakes
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chocolate Cake Base:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a muffin tin or dome molds with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk sugar, melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until combined.
- Fill the molds halfway and bake for 12–15 minutes. Cool completely before removing.
2️⃣ Prepare the Lemon Mousse:
- Heat lemon juice and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Bloom gelatin in water for 5 minutes, then stir it into the lemon mixture until dissolved.
- Let the mixture cool slightly, then fold it gently into whipped cream.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm slightly.
3️⃣ Assemble the Domes:
- Cut wells into the center of the cooled cakes.
- Spoon lemon mousse into the wells, filling slightly above the rims. Smooth the tops.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours to set.
4️⃣ Prepare the Chocolate Glaze:
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it simmers.
- Remove from heat, add chopped chocolate, and stir until smooth.
- Add butter for extra gloss and smoothness.
5️⃣ Finish the Domes:
- Pour chocolate glaze over the domes, letting it drip down the sides.
- Chill for 30 minutes to set the glaze.
6️⃣ Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with lemon twists and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Lemon Mousse: Ensure the lemon-gelatin mixture cools before folding into whipped cream to avoid deflating the mousse.
- Chocolate Glaze: For a thinner glaze, add an extra tablespoon of heavy cream.
- Make Ahead: These domes can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
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