Valentines Snacks Mini Dessert Cups

Name: Valentines Snacks Mini Dessert Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 mini cups
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate, chopped; 3 large eggs, separated; 3 tablespoons sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 200g fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Whipped cream; Edible glitter

Highlighted under: Cozy Inspiration

I absolutely adore creating sweet treats for special occasions, and these Mini Dessert Cups are the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day. Each cup is a delightful combination of rich flavors and elegant presentation, making them a joy to both create and enjoy. I love how versatile they are; you can customize the fillings to suit your taste. Whether you prefer chocolate mousse, fruit compote, or creamy cheesecake, these mini cups are sure to impress your loved ones and add a touch of romance to your day.

Created by

Esmeray Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:13:37.091Z

When I first experimented with these Mini Dessert Cups, I was taken aback by how easy and fun they were to make. Layering different textures and flavors in a small cup not only makes for an eye-catching presentation but also allows for unique combinations in every bite. I opted for a chocolate mousse paired with fresh berries, and the contrast was electric!

I discovered that using clear disposable cups truly highlights the beautiful layers and colors of the dessert. Plus, this makes cleanup a breeze. For an extra special touch, I love garnishing the top with a sprinkle of edible glitter or a dollop of whipped cream for that glamorous finish.

        Why You'll Love These Mini Dessert Cups
        Elegant presentation that impresses
Customizable fillings for every taste
Perfectly portioned for guilt-free indulgence

      

Perfecting the Chocolate Mousse

The key to a successful chocolate mousse lies in the timing and technique of incorporating the ingredients. Start by melting the dark chocolate gently over simmering water; this avoids burning the chocolate, which can result in a bitter flavor. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and glossy. Let it cool for a few minutes before adding it to the egg yolks. This ensures that the mixture doesn't curdle when the warm chocolate meets the cold eggs.

When whisking the egg whites, it’s important to use a clean, dry bowl. Any grease or moisture can prevent the whites from whipping properly. Whisk until soft peaks form, and then gradually add sugar. This gradual incorporation helps achieve stable, glossy peaks. If your mousse isn’t fluffy enough, it might mean that the egg whites weren’t whipped to stiff peaks, or the chocolate was too warm when mixed in; both can hinder the final airy texture.

Crafting the Strawberry Compote

Creating the strawberry compote is relatively quick but requires careful attention to cooking times. Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor, and combine them with sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan. As the strawberries soften and break down, stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes over medium heat. The mixture should become syrupy but still maintain some strawberry chunks for texture. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water to adjust the consistency.

Make the strawberry compote ahead of time to let the flavors meld. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days before assembling your dessert cups. To serve, consider warming it slightly in the microwave or over the stove if you prefer a more liquid sauce. This adds a lovely contrast when layered with the cool chocolate mousse.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Mousse

200g dark chocolate, chopped
3 large eggs, separated
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup heavy cream

For the Strawberry Compote

200g fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Garnishing

Whipped cream
Edible glitter

Prepare the mousse and compote in advance for better layering.

Instructions

Make the Chocolate Mousse

In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over simmering water. Let it cool slightly. In another bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and continue whisking until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the melted chocolate into the egg yolks, then fold in the whipped cream and finally the egg whites until fully combined.

Prepare the Strawberry Compote

In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. Let it cool.

Assemble the Dessert Cups

In mini cups, start with a layer of chocolate mousse, followed by a layer of strawberry compote. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled, finishing with a layer of mousse on top.

Garnish and Serve

Top each cup with whipped cream and a sprinkle of edible glitter for a festive touch. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Enjoy your delicious mini dessert cups!

Pro Tips

For a more decadent flavor, try adding a hint of espresso to the chocolate mousse. You can also mix and match fillings like caramel or vanilla custard to create your unique flavor combinations.

Serving Suggestions

These mini dessert cups are incredibly versatile for different occasions. For a romantic touch, serve them on a bed of rose petals or accompany them with sparkling wine. If you're hosting a party, consider creating a dessert bar, allowing guests to mix and match the layers with alternative fillings like raspberry puree or lemon curd instead of strawberry compote.

If you’d like to expand your flavor repertoire, consider infusing the chocolate mousse with a splash of espresso or coffee liqueur for a mocha version. This can elevate the chocolate flavor and add depth. Alternatively, try adding a layer of crushed cookies between the chocolate mousse and the strawberry compote for added crunch.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best aspects of these mini dessert cups is how well they can be prepared in advance. Both the chocolate mousse and strawberry compote can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to develop. Simply store each component in airtight containers in the refrigerator, assembling the cups right before serving to ensure the presentation remains flawless.

As a freezer-friendly option, the chocolate mousse can be frozen for up to a month. Just make sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Note that while the mousse will retain its flavor, the texture may change slightly upon freezing; smoothness can be restored with a gentle re-whip before serving if needed.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these dessert cups in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the mousse and compote a day ahead. Just assemble them the same day you plan to serve.

→ How do I store the leftover dessert cups?

Store the assembled cups in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover them to prevent them from drying out.

→ Can I use store-bought mousse?

Absolutely! For a quicker option, you can use pre-made mousse, but homemade offers a richer flavor.

→ What are some alternative toppings?

You can use fresh raspberries, chocolate shavings, or crushed cookies for variety!