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no-cook plant-based cocoa mousse

by Jackie Newgent  |  March 28, 2023  |  3 Comments

four dessert dishes with no-cook plant-based cocoa mousse topped with coconut whipped cream and dusted with cocoaIf 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 in no-cook plant-based cocoa mousse

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.

four glass bowls of no-cook plant-based cocoa mousse

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.

closeup of no-cook plant-based cocoa mousse

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.

close-up of no-cook plant-based cocoa mousse held in hand along with a spoon

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
  • Shaved dark chocolate + flaked sea salt
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four dessert dishes with no-cook plant-based cocoa mousse topped with coconut whipped cream and dusted with cocoa

no-cook plant-based cocoa mousse


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5 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Jackie Newgent
  • Total Time: 9 minutes (+ chilling time)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

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

Units Scale
  • 1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added chickpeas (do not drain)
  • 4 ounces pitted dates (about 20 dates)
  • 1 1/4 ounces unsweetened 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


Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. If desired, add toppings (see notes), and serve. Hint: Enjoy as a dessert or snack.

Notes

TOPPING IDEAS:

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, Mediterranean, Fusion

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).

four dessert dishes with no-cook plant-based cocoa mousse toped with coconut whipped cream, cocoa, and raspberries

 

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