National Chocolate Mousse Day

National Chocolate Mousse Day is celebrated in North America on April 3rd. Chocolate mousse is a French dessert that contains dark chocolate, eggs, and sugar, made with whipped cream. It retains its shape thanks to gelatin and refrigeration. Authentic chocolate mousse should have a light texture and be softer than custard.

History

Tracing the exact history of chocolate mousse is challenging, but some details have been documented. French chefs have been making chocolate cream since the beginning of the 17th century, when chocolate was brought to France from Spain. Mousse was invented in France in 1894. Initially, it was a savory dish, often served with fish or vegetables. However, the idea of making chocolate mousse quickly followed. The French artist Toulouse-Lautrec is credited as the first person to mix chocolate and mousse at the beginning of the 20th century. He originally called it ‘mayonnaise de chocolat’ (chocolate mayonnaise), but the name was later changed.

One of the first written references to mousse in the United States dates back to 1897, found in an issue of the Boston Globe daily newspaper. The recipe for this pudding-like dessert was published in the Housewives Column. Today, chocolate mousse is served on its own, as well as with chopped chocolate or fruit.

Fun Facts

• Nicole Cody, pastry chef at Finale in Boston, says custard and pudding are heavier than mousse. “Mousse contains whipped cream or egg whites, which give it a delicate texture. As a result, it feels like you’re eating something very light. It can be served on its own or with fruit or cake.”
• There are hundreds of variations of the original recipe, including versions with alcohol, peppermint, orange, and even marshmallow.
• The word ‘mousse’ means foam in French, so Mousse au Chocolat literally means chocolate foam.

When is National Chocolate Mousse Day in 2025?

National Chocolate Mousse Day is observed on April 3 each year.

Observations