Indulge in a decadent little dessert that’s completely egg-free, dairy-free, and gelatin-free.
Whoever said “vegan desserts aren’t as good” clearly hasn’t tried this vegan chocolate mousse. It’s got only five ingredients: cocoa powder, sugar, salt, vanilla, and the cream separated out from a can of coconut milk. All of these are whipped together to create a rich, fluffy mousse that makes me drool just thinking about it!
Believe it or not, vegan chocolate mousse can be a luxurious dessert or afternoon pick-me-up. If you enjoy it as a snack, I recommend adding nuts or seeds for a little boost of protein.
Not only is this dish totally tasty, it’s also incredibly easy to make. Simply whip the coconut cream, mix in the rest of the ingredients, and then let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour. This is a straightforward, simple kind of recipe that you and your loved ones can make to conquer those chocolate cravings together! Whether it’s for a special occasion or not, this velvety sweet treat is sure to satisfy.
Is Vegan Chocolate Mousse Healthy?
At first glance, the term “vegan” might have us thinking that it’s healthy, but that’s not always the case. (After all, even Oreos are vegan!) This is a sugary treat, meant to be enjoyed once in a while, without much nutritional value. That’s why I mentioned adding some nuts or seeds for some extra protein, but you could also add a cup of plant-based yogurt for gut-friendly probiotics. This turns it into more of a breakfast or brunch than just an “empty calorie” dessert.
The Marvelous History of Mousse
In 18th-century France, mousse (meaning “foam” in French) was born. Contrary to popular belief, mousse can be either sweet or savory, with a consistently fluffy and foam-like texture (hence the name). Chocolate mousse in particular is usually made from whipped cream, whipped egg whites, or both, with added sugar and bittersweet chocolate. In this vegan version, coconut cream is whipped to perfection to mimic the frothy quality of classic mousse, and by my estimation it exceeds expectations!
How to make ahead and store
Store vegan chocolate mousse in airtight jars in the fridge for 5-6 days, or store in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you freeze it, make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. Give it a good stir and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Treat yourself to a bowl of vegan chocolate mousse topped with chocolate shavings, cacao nibs, coconut flakes, or sprinkles. I like to top mine with Chocolate-Covered Raspberries, Chocolate-Covered Strawberries, or Strawberry Whipped Cream for some pink pizzazz. (Note that these recipes need a few alternative ingredients to make them vegan.) To get real indulgent, you could also swirl in a few tablespoons of Walnut Butter.
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can full-fat coconut milk chilled overnight
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- After chilling the coconut milk overnight, separate the cream from the liquid. Open the can, drain the liquid and scoop out the solidified coconut cream into a mixing bowl. Reserve the liquid for another use.
- Using an electric mixer, whip the coconut cream until it’s light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract to the whipped cream, continuing to whip until well combined.
- Transfer the mousse to a container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment