No Bake Chocolate Marquise
For the ultimate sweet treat this Valentine’s Day, it has to be this – CHOCOLATE MARQUISE! This rich and decadent French chocolate dessert is similar to a mousse but with a denser, truffle-like texture. Made with dark chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs, and cream, it’s a dream for chocolate lovers and can be served slightly soft or half-frozen. Easy, yummy, NO BAKE, and perfect for the chocolate lover in you!
If there is one chocolate dessert that my husband truly loves, it is Chocolate Marquise – a classic French chocolate dessert that’s a cross between a mousse and a truffle and requires no baking! It is the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream!
I honestly cannot think of any more chocolatey dessert than this – dark chocolate, egg yolks, butter, whipped cream, and sugar are combined and lightened with some egg whites. If you do fancy other chocolate desserts, we have this delicious Easy Chocolate Raspberry Tart, Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies, NO BAKE White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake, or check out our complete collection of chocolate desserts here.

This is seriously only for the ultimate chocolate lovers, and admittedly, my hubby and I are huge chocolate fans, especially of the dark and bittersweet variety, so this is right up our alley.
Though chocolate marquise is fairly simple in its ingredients, it can be turned into a very elegant dessert as it can be molded into various shapes (depending on what pan you use) and served with fresh fruits. For me, the best pairing would be some sugar-dusted sweet-tart raspberries!
This recipe came from my mother-in-law, and she often makes this when we visit England because fares for a family of 4 are always sky-high; we don’t get to see them that often. I think my hubby misses this great dessert so much that he requested that I make it for him on Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients for Chocolate Marquise Recipe
- Dark Chocolate: Provides the rich, intense chocolate flavor and structure to the marquise.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds creaminess and richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Icing Sugar: Sweetens the marquise and contributes to its smooth texture.
- Eggs: The yolks add richness and emulsification, while the whites provide lightness and volume.
- Coffee Granules: Enhances the chocolate flavor, adding depth and complexity. This is optional.
- Double Cream: Creates a velvety texture and adds luxurious richness to the dessert.
- Caster Sugar: Used in the chocolate sauce to add sweetness and create a smooth syrup.
- Cocoa Powder: Gives the chocolate sauce its intense chocolate flavor and color.
Make sure you use the best chocolate you can buy – a serious chocolate dessert like this demands seriously excellent chocolate, too!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make This NO BAKE Chocolate Marquise Recipe
Line an 8x4x2 loaf tin with clear film (saran wrap), allowing it to overlap the sides and ends. Break the chocolate into a small heat-proof bowl and place over a saucepan of simmering water (not boiling) until melted. Make sure the bowl does not touch the water. Stir until smooth. Remove the bowl from the pan and allow to cool slightly.



In a mixing bowl, cream the butter until smooth. Slowly add the confectioner’s sugar and beat until combined. Separate the eggs, beating the yolks into the creamed butter one at a time.



Add the vanilla extract and melted chocolate and mix well. Beat the egg whites until stiff.



Fold one-third of the beaten whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it, then gently fold in the remainder. Spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and spread evenly. Chill until firm for at least 4 hours or until set.



For the Chocolate Sauce
Meanwhile, measure 1/4 pint of water (about half a cup) and the caster sugar for the chocolate sauce. Stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup is boiling. Add the cocoa powder and whisk until smooth. Cool and refrigerate.
When ready to serve, lift the Chocolate Marquise and invert it onto a serving plate. For easier cutting, use a non-serrated knife that’s been dipped in warm water. Drizzle with the chocolate sauce and top with some sugar-dusted raspberries. Glazed apricots and fresh strawberries can also be served with this sweet and chocolatey dessert for the sharpness of flavor and color contrast.

Tips and Tricks
- Quality matters: Use the best quality dark chocolate you can find for a superior taste.
- Temperature control: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Gentle folding: When incorporating the egg whites and cream, fold gently to maintain the airy texture.
- Chilling time: Don’t rush the chilling process. The longer it sits, the better the texture.
- Serving options: Experiment with different garnishes like crushed nuts or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Chocolate Marquise can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated.
Is it safe to eat raw eggs in this recipe?
If you’re concerned about raw eggs, use pasteurized eggs or egg substitutes.
Can I freeze the Chocolate Marquise?
A: Yes, you can freeze it for up to a month. Defrost in the fridge for an hour before serving.
What can I use instead of coffee in the recipe?
If you’re not a coffee fan, you can omit or replace it with a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Can I make individual servings instead of one large marquise?
Certainly! Use individual molds or ramekins for elegant single servings. You may also serve this dessert in small individual squares, as shown in the image below. Enjoy!
This No-Bake Chocolate Marquise is the perfect dessert for chocolate enthusiasts and novice bakers alike. Its rich, velvety texture and intense chocolate flavor make it an irresistible treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, hosting a dinner party, or simply indulging in a luxurious dessert, this Chocolate Marquise is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more. So, why wait? Whip up this delectable dessert and treat yourself to a slice of chocolate heaven today!
Note: This recipe uses raw eggs, so beware that raw eggs may not be safe for the very young, pregnant women, the elderly, the ill, and those with immune-system disorders. For more details on egg safety, check out this link.
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No Bake Chocolate Marquise
Equipment
- 1 loaf pan
- Electric Mixer
Ingredients
- 8 oz Dark Chocolate
- 4 oz Regular (Salted) Butter, (softened or room temp)
- 6 oz (3/4 cup) Icing or confectioner's Sugar
- 3 large Eggs, separate the yolks from the whites
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
For the Chocolate sauce
- 4 oz (1/2 cup) caster or super-fine baking sugar
- 2 oz (1/4 cup) Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Line an 8x4x2 loaf tin with clear film (saran wrap), allowing it to overlap the sides and ends. Break the chocolate into a small heat-proof bowl and place over a saucepan of simmering water (not boiling) until melted. Make sure the bowl does not touch the water. Stir until smooth. Remove the bowl from the pan and allow to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter until smooth. Slowly add the confectioner’s sugar and beat until combined. Separate the eggs, beating the yolks into the creamed butter one at a time.
- Add the vanilla extract and melted chocolate and mix well. Beat the egg whites until stiff. Fold one-third of the beaten whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it, then gently fold in the remainder.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and spread evenly. Chill until firm for at least 4 hours or until set.
For the Chocolate Sauce
- Meanwhile, measure 1/4 pint of water (about half a cup) and the caster sugar for the chocolate sauce. Stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup is boiling. Add the cocoa powder and whisk until smooth. Cool.
- When ready to serve, lift the Chocolate Marquise and invert it onto a serving plate. For easier cutting, use a non-serrated knife that’s been dipped in warm water. Drizzle with the chocolate sauce and top with some sugar-dusted raspberries. Glazed apricots and fresh strawberries can also be served with this sweet and chocolatey dessert for sharpness of flavour and colour contrast.
Nutrition
Last updated on February 10th, 2025 at 10:32 pm
This looks phenomenal Abby!! I bet it's silky, smooth and oh so chocolaty.
Thanks, Cindy! Yes…that's right. We do love this and it gets better each day…if we don't end up eating all of it the first day!
I made this for my friends birthday treat, as we'd been to a REALLY expensive restaurant the week before, she'd had it there and loved it, and she said it was just as good! I made a raspberry coolé to go with it, delicious!
Thank you so much for your feedback and am so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Chocolate! Thanks for dropping these by the Favorite Things Party!
You're welcome, Melissa! This is a family favorite!
Oh this is absolutely decadent….. 9am in the morning and I want dessert…
haha! thanks for the great recipe!
Jen! I know what you mean, I can wake up early in the morning and when I see this I'll probably want it for breakfast! Thanks for stopping by.
That's beautiful! Very silky and rich looking.
Thanks, Greg! It's truly a great recipe.
This looks amazing Abby! I'm going to have to try it!
Thanks, Cynthia! We love this!!! I have to exercise portion control 'cause it's too more-ish! Thanks for stopping by!
I'm thinking of making this for a rather large group.DO you think that I could pipe it into small mounds on a cookie sheet and freeze it that way? I thought it might look lovely and be easier to portion that way… Your thoughts?
I think that's a great idea. Often I have to slice it into smaller pieces anyway so pre-slicing them would be easier after all it's no bake. Thanks for asking Audrey.
This Chocolate Marquise looks freaking amazing!
This looks so good!