If you want a really chocolatey dessert (or snack) that makes you feel really healthy, this no-cook plant-based cocoa mousse is my favorite pick right now. It’s based on chickpeas which provide so much nutritional goodness along with velvety creaminess. And the sweetness in this mousse is from dates—making it a no-sugar-added treat. The result is 100% yum.
What’s in it?
Pulses–chickpeas, to be precise—are the star of this mousse. You won’t just use chickpeas, you’ll also use all of the aquafaba (liquid) that’s in the can of chickpeas. That helps to give this sweet treat a fluffier texture when blended. The rest of the ingredients include dates, unsweetened cocoa powder, pure vanilla extract, and sea salt, along with a tiny bit of extra liquid (like unsweetened plant-based milk or peppermint tea) as needed for desired pudding-like texture.
How do you make it?
You simply add all ingredients to a blender and puree. I suggest doing so until the mousse is as creamy as possible—so aim for 4 minutes (or more). If your mousse is warm after you’re done blending, then you’d done it right.
Do you need to chill it?
Yes, you’ll want to enjoy this cool. So, plan ahead for that. Once you’re done blending the mousse, pipe (using a pastry bag) or spoon it into dessert dishes, little bowls, or small jars. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.
What should I top it with?
Top your no-cook plant-based cocoa mousse with whatever you want—or nothing at all. Here are some topping ideas for inspiration:
Coconut whipped cream + dusting of cocoa powder + fresh raspberries or cherries
Coconut whipped cream + shaved dark chocolate + fresh mint leaves
Fresh strawberries or orange segments
Peanut butter + peanuts
Granola or crushed graham crackers
Banana slices + toasted coconut flakes
Dollop of plant-based vanilla yogurt + dusting of cocoa, cinnamon & cayenne pepper
If you want a really chocolatey dessert (or snack) that makes you feel really healthy, this no-cook plant-based cocoa mousse is my favorite pick right now. It’s based on chickpeas which provide so much nutritional goodness along with velvety creaminess. And the sweetness in this mousse is from dates—making it a no-sugar-added treat. The result is 100% yum.
Ingredients
UnitsScale
1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added chickpeas (do not drain)
4ounces pitted dates
1 1/4ouncesunsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup packed)
1 1/4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt*
2 tablespoons unsweetened plant-based milk, peppermint or green tea, or water, or as needed
Add the chickpeas with all the chickpea liquid (aquafaba), dates, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt to a blender and purée on high speed until velvety smooth and warm, about 4 minutes, adding plant-based milk or other liquid by the teaspoon, as needed, for proper blending or desired consistency.
Pipe (using a pastry bag) or spoon the mousse into dessert dishes, little bowls, or small jars. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.
If desired, add toppings (see notes), and serve. Hint: Enjoy as a dessert or snack.
Coconut whipped cream + dusting of cocoa powder + fresh raspberries or cherries
Coconut whipped cream + shaved dark chocolate + fresh mint leaves
Fresh strawberries or orange segments
Peanut butter + peanuts
Granola or crushed graham crackers
Banana slices + toasted coconut flakes
Dollop of plant-based vanilla yogurt + dusting of cocoa, cinnamon & cayenne pepper
Shaved dark chocolate + flaked sea salt
*If using low-sodium instead of no-salt-added canned chickpeas, use less sea salt in this recipe.
Prep Time:9 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Category:Desserts, snacks
Cuisine:American, French, Fusion, Mediterranean
Nutrition
Serving Size:1/2 rounded cup
Calories:200
Sugar:20g includes 0g added sugars
Sodium:160mg
Fat:3g
Saturated Fat:0.5g
Trans Fat:0g
Carbohydrates:43g
Fiber:10g
Protein:7g
Cholesterol:0mg
Looking for other chocolatey snacks or treats? Try my favorite plant-based chocolate chip cookies (HERE), double chocolate banana dessert bread (HERE), cocoa peppermint power patties (HERE), strawberry-walnut lollipops (HERE), and dark chocolate dessert hummus (HERE).
Good sounding recipe, but please don’t provide misleading calorie information. The average medjool date is 66 calories. Multiplied by 20 is 1320. Divided by 4 servings is 330. And that’s before you add all the other ingredients. So I’m not sure where you get 200 from…?
Hi! Please know I am careful to always provide accurate nutrition information. I based this recipe on exactly 4 oz dates, which is definitely more accurate than calculating by the number of dates. And 4 oz dates is 312 calories. I will remove the “20 dates” info so as to avoid confusion. I had originally put that info in the recipe for bonus guidance, but it’s based on typical dates you find packaged in the US, not large Medjool dates. Hope that helps to clarify! Thanks for message! Jackie
Good sounding recipe, but please don’t provide misleading calorie information. The average medjool date is 66 calories. Multiplied by 20 is 1320. Divided by 4 servings is 330. And that’s before you add all the other ingredients. So I’m not sure where you get 200 from…?
Hi! Please know I am careful to always provide accurate nutrition information. I based this recipe on exactly 4 oz dates, which is definitely more accurate than calculating by the number of dates. And 4 oz dates is 312 calories. I will remove the “20 dates” info so as to avoid confusion. I had originally put that info in the recipe for bonus guidance, but it’s based on typical dates you find packaged in the US, not large Medjool dates. Hope that helps to clarify! Thanks for message! Jackie