Ultra-Decadent Chocolate Mousse Pie

A crisp Oreo cookie crust. A silky, cloud-like chocolate mousse filling. A billowy whipped cream topping. A deep, rich chocolate flavor that makes everyone go quiet after the first bite. Nothing makes me more poetic than a decadent chocolate dessert!

The best part about this chocolate mousse pie can be made a day ahead.

Looking for a different kind of pie? Banana Pudding Pie is one of my personal favorites. You can also try these equally delicious desserts: S’mores Bites, or 3-Ingredient Oreo Fudge.

Watch The How-To Video

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Mousse Pie

1. It’s intensely chocolatey without being too heavy.
The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and bittersweet chocolate creates a balanced flavor. It’s rich, but not cloyingly sweet.

2. The espresso powder makes a difference.
It does not make the pie taste like coffee. Instead, it deepens the chocolate flavor and gives it that bakery-level richness. If you have espresso powder, do not skip it.

3. The texture is dreamy.
Thanks to whipped cream folded into the cooled chocolate mixture, the filling is light and airy while still being decadent.

4. It’s make-ahead friendly.
This pie needs time to chill and set, which makes it perfect for entertaining. Make it the day before and cross dessert off your list.

5. The Oreo crust is simple and foolproof.
No complicated pastry dough. No blind baking with weights. Just crushed cookies and butter pressed into a pan.

How to Make Chocolate Mousse Pie

Here is a full breakdown of the process so you understand what is happening at each step.

Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Add the Oreo cookies to a food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs. Drizzle in the melted butter and pulse again until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Press the crumbs firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to pack it tightly. This helps prevent a crumbly crust later.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.

Why bake the crust?
Baking helps set the butter and creates a sturdier base that holds up to the mousse filling.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Filling

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine:

• Chocolate chips
• Chopped bittersweet chocolate
• Butter
• Mini marshmallows
• Whole milk
• Espresso powder
• Pinch of salt

Cook gently, stirring constantly, until everything is melted and smooth. The marshmallows take a few minutes to fully melt, so be patient and keep stirring.

Once smooth, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool to room temperature. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Why cool it?
If the chocolate mixture is too warm, it will deflate the whipped cream in the next step.

Step 3: Whip and Fold

In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks.

Fold about one third of the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture. This lightens it and makes it easier to combine.

Then gently fold in the remaining whipped cream until no streaks remain.

Be gentle. Overmixing will deflate the mousse and make it dense instead of airy.

Step 4: Fill and Chill

Spoon the mousse into the cooled crust and smooth the top.

Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight until fully set.

This chilling time is essential. It allows the mousse to firm up and slice cleanly.

Step 5: Make the Topping

Just before serving, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract to medium peaks.

Spread or pipe it over the pie. Add chocolate shavings if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Mousse Pie

Use Good Quality Chocolate

Since chocolate is the star, quality matters. A brand like Ghirardelli works beautifully. Better chocolate equals better flavor.

Do Not Skip the Espresso Powder

It enhances the chocolate without making it taste like coffee. If you have it, use it.

Let the Chocolate Cool Before Folding

Warm chocolate will collapse your whipped cream and ruin the mousse texture.

Chill Long Enough

Three hours is the minimum. Overnight is even better if you have time.

For Clean Slices

Dip a knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. This gives you beautiful, bakery-style slices.

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the biggest advantages of this chocolate mousse pie is that it is perfect for making ahead.

Make Ahead:
You can prepare the pie up to 1 day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator.

Add the whipped cream topping just before serving for the freshest look.

Storage:
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keep in mind that the crust may soften slightly over time, but the flavor remains delicious.

Variations to Try

Once you master the base chocolate mousse pie, you can easily customize it.

Dark Chocolate Mousse Pie

Use all bittersweet chocolate for a deeper, less sweet flavor.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse Pie

Swirl a layer of peanut butter into the crust before adding the mousse.

Mint Chocolate Mousse Pie

Add a small amount of peppermint extract to the filling for a holiday twist.

Raspberry Chocolate Mousse Pie

Add a thin layer of raspberry preserves between the crust and mousse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Chocolate Mousse Pie Without Baking the Crust?

You can skip baking if you prefer, but baking helps the crust hold together better. For best results, bake it.

Can I Freeze Chocolate Mousse Pie?

Yes. Freeze without the whipped topping. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Why Is My Mousse Too Dense?

This usually happens if the whipped cream was overmixed or folded too aggressively. Be gentle when folding.

Can I Use Milk Chocolate?

You can, but the pie will be much sweeter. Semi-sweet and bittersweet provide better balance.

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate mousse pie is rich, so smaller slices are usually perfect.

Serve it with:

• Fresh berries
• A drizzle of chocolate sauce
• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream

It pairs beautifully with coffee, espresso, or even a glass of red wine.

Love this Chocolate Mousse Pie recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down.

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