Yield: 6–8 servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1 (3.9 oz/110 g) package instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 cup (240 ml) cold milk
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (optional, for richer chocolate flavor)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold milk and instant pudding mix.
2. Beat for 2 minutes until it begins to thicken.
3. Add vanilla and cocoa powder, if using.
4. Pour in the cold heavy cream.
5. Beat on medium-high speed for 3–5 minutes until thick, fluffy, and holds stiff peaks.
6. Spoon into dessert cups.
7. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Optional Mix-Ins

• Mini chocolate chips
• Crushed Oreo cookies
• Chocolate shavings
• Toffee bits
• Chopped pecans
• Chopped walnuts
• Crushed peppermint candies

Toppings

• Whipped cream
• Chocolate syrup
• Cocoa powder
• Chocolate curls
• Fresh strawberries
• Maraschino cherries

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Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

Makes 8 servings.

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Sodium: 340 mg
• Sugar: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g

Nutrition will vary depending on the brands used and any optional ingredients.

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Storage

• Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes. Whip the heavy cream separately until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the prepared pudding mixture.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. It’s actually best after chilling for several hours or overnight.

Q: Can I use different pudding flavors?
Absolutely. Vanilla, cheesecake, white chocolate, butterscotch, and cookies & cream all work well.

Q: Can I use Cool Whip instead of heavy cream?
Yes. Replace the whipped cream with one 8-ounce container of thawed whipped topping and fold it in after the pudding has thickened.

Q: Why didn’t my mousse get fluffy?

• The cream wasn’t cold enough.
• The bowl or beaters were warm.
• The cream was under-whipped.
• Low-fat cream was used instead of heavy whipping cream.

Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes. It freezes into a soft, ice-cream-like dessert.

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Nut Information

This recipe does not contain nuts as written.

However:

• Always check ingredient labels on pudding mix, cocoa powder, and chocolate products for possible cross-contact warnings if serving someone with a nut allergy.
• If adding toppings such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts, the dessert will no longer be nut-free.

Common allergens present:

• Milk (heavy cream, milk)
• May contain soy depending on the pudding mix brand