The only way to make this low-stress dessert even better is with a dollop of raspberry compote on top. This citrusy and tart companion is the perfect complement to the rich sweetness of chocolate and dates in the mousse. If you’ve tried my luxe Vegan Hot Chocolate, then you’re sure to fall for this sultry chocolate mousse. It’s perfect for holidays, special celebrations, or whenever the chocolate cravings hit.
Why this recipe works
It melts in your mouth.There are three key ingredients that give this vegan mousse a rich, melt-in-your-mouth feel: (1) silken tofu; (2) melted dark chocolate; (3) Medjool dates Here’s how they work: (1) The tofu is soft, yet dense, which helps the mousse taste light and sturdy without needing gelatin or agar agar; (2) melted dark chocolate tastes incredible and adds rich body; and (3) blended Medjool dates lends a velvety luxuriousness. PS: I know tofu in desserts may sound odd, but you absolutely don’t taste it (the flavor is so neutral). Instead, just think of this recipe as a vegan dessert with a few tricks up its sleeve. Perfect for chocolate lovers.You’ll taste nothing but the best chocolate flavors here thanks to a mix of Dutch process cocoa powder + melted dark chocolate. I specifically recommend using Dutch process cocoa powder because the acidic flavor from the cocoa beans is washed away. Unlike natural cocoa powder, you have an ingredient with a pure chocolate flavor with a rich brown color. You can read more about the wonder that is Dutch process cocoa powder over at Sally’s Baking Addiction. Simple as can be!I just love how simple this dessert is. A couple natural sweeteners and everyday ingredients is all you need to make this over-the-top vegan mousse recipe. Plus, a blender does most of the work! Unlike many vegan chocolate mousse recipes made with avocado, my version will stay fresh in your fridge for almost a week. It’s a quick treat you can tuck away in the fridge and forget about while you focus on dinner and appetizers for your guests.
Ingredient notes
Dark chocolate. The better the quality of dark chocolate, the more luxurious your mousse will taste. Tip: I like to use a 70% to 75% dark chocolate bar. Anything lower (e.g., 65% cacao) will make this mousse too sweet IMO. If all you have is <70% chocolate, start with less maple syrup (more deets in the Tips section). Dutch process cocoa powder. Another secret behind the rich, chocolatey flavor. Dutch process cocoa has been alkalized, leaving no trace of acidity like the kind found in natural cocoa powder. The end result is cocoa powder that tastes smooth, mild, and pure in chocolate flavor. Shopping Tip: Read with this article from Serious Eats. They tested the best Dutch process cocoa brands to help you find one with the right flavor, color, and richness. Substitute: You can use raw cacao powder or natural cocoa powder (e.g., Hershey’s cocoa powder). It’ll be delicious but the flavor won’t be as chocolatey. Medjool dates. Softened dates are blended in with the chocolate mousse filling to give it a rich body and a naturally sweet taste. They’re the exact reason why my Salted Chocolate Cream Tart achieves its fudge-like texture. Silken tofu. Blended silken tofu becomes surprisingly creamy! No one will even know you made a dessert with tofu. Shopping Tip: Silken tofu is sold in two sections of the grocery store: (1) in packaged blocks in the refrigerated section with the other blocks of tofu and (2) in shelf-stable aseptic packages (affiliate links). If using the latter, choose boxes that say silken “soft” for the best results. Espresso powder. A little espresso powder goes a long way in chocolate desserts! It’s how I get my Best Vegan Brownies to taste mega chocolatey and it makes every sip of Vegan Hot Chocolate extra heavenly. Substitute: You can skip the espresso powder if you don’t have any, or use instant coffee powder instead. Feel free to use decaf if you aren’t into caffeine, or skip entirely. Raspberries. Both fresh and frozen raspberries can be used to make homemade raspberry compote. Technically, it’s optional, but it takes the mousse over the top! Tip: If you end up with leftover compote, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. It’s a lovely topping on more than chocolate mousse, such as chocolate cake, vegan pancakes, or paired with vegan yogurt for breakfast. Substitute: Raspberries and chocolate are the perfect pairing, but you can make the compote with strawberries or blackberries instead.
Step-by-step instructions
Melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler on the stove or in the microwave. Whisk in the espresso powder once smooth, then set it aside to cool. Meanwhile, soak the dates in boiling water to help them soften. Add the rest of the mousse ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until the dates are pulverized and the cocoa is incorporated. Next, pour in the melted, cooled chocolate. Blend again until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as you go. Once the mousse is creamy and totally smooth, divide it between your small ramekins. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Work on the raspberry compote while you wait or make ahead of time. Combine the raspberries and the rest of the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring while it bubbles. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the consistency is thick and jammy. Set the compote aside to cool at room temp or in the fridge. Top chilled mousse with raspberry compote and enjoy.
Tips for making this recipe
The right chocolate makes all the difference. I recommend using a dark chocolate bar that’s 70% or higher in cacao content. Any lower and the mousse may taste too sweet. Do you only have 65% or lower dark chocolate at home? Start with 1 to 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. After you add in the melted chocolate, taste and add more sweetener as needed. If you prefer less sweet desserts, use chocolate in the 80% to 85% range. Use silken tofu. You can buy silken tofu in a package in the refrigerated tofu section or in shelf-stable boxes (the most common brand is Mori-Nu). Do not use refrigerated blocks of tofu labeled “soft tofu” like this. They have less moisture than silken tofu, and in our tests, it ended up thickening the mousse into a hard consistency. Blend, blend, blend! Blend the mousse mixture really well, especially if using a food processor instead of a high-powered blender. And scrape down the sides as you go. The texture should be silky smooth by time you’re done, without any clumps or tiny bits of unblended dates or cocoa. When blended properly, you’ll achieve that light and super creamy texture rather than dense or thick. Sifting the cocoa powder into the food processor will help you avoid lumps if using a food processor. The raspberry compote takes this over the top. It’s optional, but I highly recommend serving the mousse with it. A dollop on top really takes this mousse to the next level, adding a complex acidic and tart flavor profile that so beautifully accents the rich chocolate mousse. Guaranteed it will make your taste buds sing. Plus, the compote requires just 4 ingredients, is easy to make, and stays fresh in the fridge for 2 weeks. Try the leftovers on waffles, pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt, ice cream, and more! If you love this Vegan Chocolate Mousse as much as we do, please rate and review the recipe with your feedback below! It’s always very much appreciated :) Recipe: Nisha Vora / Rainbow Plant Life | Photography: Megan Morello
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