Looking for a rich, creamy dessert that’s both indulgent and nourishing? This Raw Chocolate Mousse delivers just that—a luscious, dairy-free, and sugar-free treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising on health. Sweetened naturally with plump Medjool dates, this mousse boasts a creamy texture thanks to the addition of cashew butter and almond milk. Infused with raw cacao powder and a hint of vanilla, it offers a deep, chocolatey flavor without any refined sugars. Whether you’re following a vegan, Paleo, or gluten-free lifestyle, this dessert fits seamlessly into your dietary preferences. Perfect for a quick treat or a special occasion, this mousse proves that healthy desserts can be both decadent and guilt-free.
How to make Chocolate Mousse
Recipe Details
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Active Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Recipe Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted Medjool dates
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 8 tablespoons cacao powder
- 1/4 cup cashew butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Maldon sea salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Recipe Instructions
- Soak the dates and almond milk together in a bowl for 3 hours. Transfer to a high-speed blender and blend on high until creamy.
- Add in the chia seeds, cocoa powder, cashew butter, salt, and vanilla and blend until well incorporated.
- Pour into ramekins and top with nuts and berries, or other fruit as desired.
Chocolate Mousse Nutrition Facts
*Estimated per serving (yield 4 to 6 servings).
| Serving Size | 1 mousse serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280-320 |
| Protein | ~4-5 g |
| Carbs | ~35-40 g |
| Sugar | ~25-30 g (from dates) |
| Fiber | ~4 g |
| Fat | ~12-14 g (from cashew butter and almond milk) |
Chocolate Mousse Recipe Variations & Tips
- Adjust sweetness: Use fewer dates or swap in a lower-glycemic sweetener (like monk fruit) to reduce sugar while preserving texture.
- Boost protein: Add a scoop of unflavored or chocolate vegan protein powder to the blender mixture before blending.
- Fruit flavor twist: Fold in blended berry purée (strawberry, raspberry) after the main blend for fruit chocolate mousse.
- Nut butter swap: Use almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or another mild nut/seed butter in place of cashew butter if you prefer variation.
- Chill longer: While the recipe soaks ingredients for 3 hours, chilling extra (overnight) enhances texture and firmness.
- Top for texture: Garnish with crushed nuts, cacao nibs, fresh berries, or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for contrast.
Things to Enjoy with Chocolate Mousse
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) — bright, tart contrast to rich chocolate flavor.
- Espresso or strong black coffee — bitterness cuts sweetness and deepens the experience.
- Mint leaves or mint tea — refreshing after a rich dessert.
- Toasted coconut flakes or toasted nuts — adds crunch and a nutty counterpoint.
- Nut milk (almond, cashew, hazelnut) — smooth sip to accompany the mousse.
When to Have Chocolate Mousse
- Dinner parties & entertaining — elegant, make-ahead dessert that looks luxurious.
- Vegan or raw dessert nights — fits those menus beautifully.
- Holiday meals or romantic dinners — a chocolate treat that feels indulgent but clean.
- Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries — impressive and thoughtful dessert.
- Brunch or afternoon sweets buffet — a light yet rich option for dessert spreads.
Photo credit: Paul Delmont
