This chocolate mousse is rich, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to make. Using high-quality dark chocolate, heavy cream, and plain quark cheese, it delivers deep chocolate flavor with a smooth, creamy texture. Ready in minutes, it’s perfect for chocolate lovers who want an elegant dessert without complicated techniques.
Thanks to Wünder Creamery for sponsoring this post.
About This Easy Mousse Recipe
Salted Dark Chocolate Quark Mousse is an approachable, no-fuss dessert that combines intense chocolate with the creamy, slightly tangy texture of quark. There are no eggs, no gelatin, and no butter — the only heat needed is to melt the chocolate. Adjust the salt to taste or omit it if you prefer a milder finish.
If you have a stand mixer, hand mixer, or even a whisk and some patience, you can make this mousse in about 10 minutes. It whips up light and airy, yet maintains a satisfying richness thanks to the dark chocolate and quark.
Is This Recipe More Like French Chocolate Mousse or Whipping Cream Mousse?
It sits between the two styles. Traditional French mousse uses whipped egg whites folded into chocolate for a light, airy texture but involves raw eggs. Whipping cream mousse skips eggs and relies on whipped cream, which yields lightness but can lack deep chocolate intensity if made with only cocoa powder.
This quark mousse avoids raw eggs while delivering strong chocolate flavor, making it a great compromise for anyone seeking richness without using eggs.
Why Quark Cheese in Chocolate Mousse?
Quark is a fresh, creamy, un-aged cheese popular across Europe. It resembles yogurt in appearance but is actually higher in protein and lower in lactose and sugar. Unlike tangy yogurt, quark is mild and smooth, making it an excellent addition to desserts where you want creaminess without overpowering flavor.
In this mousse, quark adds body and a silky consistency while contributing extra protein. It helps the mousse set nicely without needing gelatin and keeps the texture balanced between light and substantial.
Where Can I Buy Quark?
UPDATE: Wünder is no longer selling Quark, so store links have been removed.
Quark has become easier to find in many grocery stores and specialty markets, but availability varies. You can also make quark at home with a simple process if store-bought options aren’t available. Homemade quark needs a little planning ahead but yields an authentic result suitable for this mousse.
If you can’t find quark locally, consider making it yourself a few days before preparing the mousse. The homemade version will keep for several days in the refrigerator and works well in any recipe calling for quark.
Quark keeps well refrigerated, so when you find a reliable source, you can stock up and use it in both sweet and savory dishes.
Can I Make Quark at Home?
Yes. Homemade quark is straightforward but requires planning because it needs time to set and drain. If you want to make your own, allow a few days before preparing the mousse. Homemade quark produces an authentic flavor and texture ideal for this dessert.
What You Need to Make this Easy Chocolate Mousse Recipe
Ingredients:
- Dark chocolate (use the best quality you can find)
- Heavy cream
- Plain quark cheese
- Salt (fine sea salt or kosher salt)
- Coffee extract or vanilla extract
- Honey or golden syrup
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, fleur de sel
Tools:
- Small bowl for melting chocolate
- Spatula
- Stand mixer or hand mixer with a whisk attachment (or a whisk and elbow grease)
- Serving jars, glasses, or bowls
How to Make Quark Chocolate Mousse
1. Chop the dark chocolate and melt it gently in the microwave or over a bain-marie. Set the melted chocolate aside to cool slightly.
2. Whip the heavy cream with a mixer until soft peaks form.
3. Add the quark to the whipped cream and beat briefly (about 30 seconds) to combine into a smooth mixture.
4. Add the cooled melted chocolate, salt, extract, and honey or golden syrup to the quark and cream mixture. Whip until everything is well combined and the mousse is light and airy. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and ensure even mixing.
5. Spoon the mousse into 8 small jars or serving dishes. You can serve it right away for a softer texture, or chill it for about 30 minutes to firm it up. If chilled, allow the mousse to come briefly to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and mouthfeel.
6. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate sprinkles, and a pinch of fleur de sel for contrast.
Salted Dark Chocolate Quark Mousse
10 minutes
30 minutes
40 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 oz (228 g) dark chocolate
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup plain quark
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt or kosher salt
- 1 tsp coffee extract or vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp honey or golden syrup
- Optional: whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, fleur de sel for serving
Instructions
- Chop and melt the chocolate in the microwave or over simmering water. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks.
- Add the quark and whip about 30 seconds to combine.
- Add the melted chocolate, salt, extract, and honey or golden syrup. Whip until fully combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Serve immediately for a softer texture or chill about 30 minutes to firm. Allow to warm briefly if chilled before serving.
- Top with whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, and a pinch of fleur de sel if desired.