Chocolate Mousse with Ricotta

This Chocolate Mousse with Ricotta is a luxurious and creamy dessert that combines the lightness of whipped cream with the richness of milk chocolate and the subtle tang of ricotta cheese. Enhanced with condensed milk and a touch of cocoa, this mousse is set with agar agar, making it perfectly firm yet smooth and airy. This elegant dessert is easy to make and perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. Let’s get started on this decadent treat!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Mousse with Ricotta

This mousse is not your average chocolate mousse—it incorporates ricotta cheese, which adds a delightful creamy texture and a slight tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the chocolate and condensed milk. The use of agar agar makes it suitable for those avoiding gelatin, and the mousse sets beautifully without being overly heavy. It’s an easy, no-bake dessert that can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for entertaining.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

• 100 g (3.5 oz) condensed milk
• 30 g (1 oz) cocoa powder
• 300 ml (10 fl oz) milk
• 5 g (0.2 oz) agar agar
• 150 g (5.3 oz) ricotta cheese
• 10 g (0.3 oz) powdered sugar
• 80 g (2.8 oz) milk chocolate
• 150 ml (5.3 fl oz) whipping cream
• Cocoa powder, for decoration

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Sugars: 17 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Sodium: 60 mg

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Agar Agar Mixture

1. In a saucepan, combine the milk and agar agar. Stir well to ensure the agar agar is fully dissolved in the milk before heating.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it comes to a gentle boil. Continue to simmer for about 1-2 minutes to activate the agar agar and ensure it is fully dissolved. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

1. In a separate bowl, melt the milk chocolate in the microwave. Use 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler.
2. Set the melted chocolate aside to cool slightly, ensuring it’s not too hot when added to the ricotta mixture to prevent curdling.

Step 3: Blend the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, condensed milk, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar.
2. Mix until smooth and well combined using a hand mixer or whisk. This step ensures that the ricotta is fully blended with the other ingredients, creating a uniform base for the mousse.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

1. Add the melted chocolate to the ricotta mixture and stir well until fully incorporated.
2. Gradually pour in the slightly cooled agar agar mixture, stirring continuously to combine. This helps the mousse set evenly and ensures that the agar agar is distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Whip the Cream

1. In a separate bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, as you want the cream to be light and airy to help the mousse maintain its delicate texture.
2. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate-ricotta mixture, using a spatula to fold until fully incorporated and smooth. Folding helps to retain the air in the whipped cream, giving the mousse a light and fluffy texture.

Step 6: Set the Mousse

1. Pour the mousse mixture into a serving dish or individual cups, smoothing the tops with a spatula if needed.
2. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until the mousse is fully set. This chilling time allows the mousse to firm up and develop its flavors.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve

1. Before serving, dust the mousse with cocoa powder for decoration. This adds a touch of elegance and a slight bitterness that complements the sweetness of the mousse.
2. Serve chilled and enjoy this creamy, chocolatey treat! The mousse can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Mousse with Ricotta

• Ensure Smooth Ricotta: For an extra smooth mousse, you can blend the ricotta mixture with a food processor or blender to eliminate any graininess before combining it with the other ingredients.
• Avoid Overheating Agar Agar: Once the agar agar mixture is ready, let it cool slightly before adding it to the mousse to prevent it from setting too quickly and creating lumps.
• Garnish Creatively: Aside from cocoa powder, you can garnish the mousse with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.

This Chocolate Mousse with Ricotta is a decadent yet light dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate with creamy ricotta and fluffy whipped cream. It’s a fantastic, elegant treat for any chocolate lover, sure to impress with its smooth, airy texture and delightful flavor. Enjoy every spoonful of this luxurious mousse!