Name: Chocolate Satin
Yield: 8–12 servings
Ingredients: 10 ounces (300 g) 70% bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (see Notes); 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 cups (500 ml) heavy cream; 3 large egg whites, free-range and organic, at room temperature (see Notes); 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted; A sifter; a heavy-duty mixer fitted with a whisk; a 6-quart (6 l) metal bowl; a 1-1/2-quart (1.5 l) saucepan; an attractive 2-quart (2 l) serving bowl.

Chocolate mousse in a glass with a spoon in it.

Photo by David Japy

I have to confess that I have been known to obsess over a recipe, and this one became a big-time obsession. I tinkered with it over an entire summer, working to find just the right proportion of whipped egg white and cream and the best kind of chocolate to use, to create a dessert that is at once creamy, fragrant, full-flavored, and, well, unforgettable. And of course it can also be made in the spring, fall, and winter! This dessert differs from a classic chocolate mousse, which would contain egg yolks as well as whites. The proof is in the pudding, as they say, and I have seen guests literally scraping the serving bowl clean. I consider this a success!

Cooks' Note

In our tests, we found best results with Lindt Excellence 70% chocolate, which is readily available at supermarkets. Be cautious about using just any chocolate; in chocolate with less than 70% cacao, the final result will not always be firm enough.
Raw eggs are used in this preparation. Consuming raw eggs may increase the risk of foodborne illness. Raw eggs should be avoided by the very young and the very old, pregnant women, and anyone with a compromised immune system.

Recipe information

Yield
8–12 servings

Ingredients

10 ounces (300 g) 70% bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (see Notes)

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups (500 ml) heavy cream

3 large egg whites, free-range and organic, at room temperature (see Notes)

1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted

Special Equipment

A sifter; a heavy-duty mixer fitted with a whisk; a 6-quart (6 l) metal bowl; a 1-1/2-quart (1.5 l) saucepan; an attractive 2-quart (2 l) serving bowl.

Preparation

Step 1
Place the chocolate in the metal bowl. Sprinkle with the salt and vanilla extract.
Step 2
In the saucepan, bring the cream just to a simmer over medium heat. Pour the hot cream into the bowl with the chocolate and, working rapidly, mix with a wooden spoon to melt the chocolate until you have a smooth and glossy texture, about 2 minutes. Let cool.
Step 3
In the bowl of the mixer, whisk the egg whites at the highest speed until frothy, about 10 seconds. Continue whisking until soft peaks form, about 1 minute more. Add the sugar 1 tablespoon at a time and whisk at the highest speed until satiny and stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes more. The mixture should be airy, glossy, and stiff like a meringue.
Step 4
Add about one-quarter of the egg white mixture to the cooled chocolate mixture to lighten it. Whisk gently until no streaks of white remain. Spoon the rest of the whipped egg white on top of the mixture in the bowl. Fold in the whipped egg white by hand: Using the edge of the spatula or a large metal spoon, cut through the two mixtures until you reach the bottom, then draw the spoon along the bottom of the bowl. Turn your wrist to bring the spoon up the side of the bowl, lightly bringing the chocolate mixture from the bottom to the top. As you do so, turn the bowl about 45 degrees, lightly overturning the spoon to fold the chocolate on top of the egg whites. Turning the bowl as you fold will incorporate the mixtures more efficiently. Continue cutting into the mixture and folding until just incorporated.
Step 5
Pour the mixture into the serving bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, at least 6 hours or up to 1 week. The dessert will be firmer than a mousse but not as firm as a cake or brownie. Scoop into ice cream bowls with an ice cream scoop or large, rounded spoon. Serve chilled.
Variation:
Step 6
Mix about 1/2 cup (60 g) cocoa nibs into the chocolate mixture before folding, and/or sprinkle the top of the satin with cocoa nibs at serving time.
Do Ahead: This dessert can be prepared up to 1 week in advance, covered with plastic wrap, and refrigerated.

Read more: Head this way for more of our favorite recipes for using leftover egg whites →