Description
Delight in these decadent Black Forest Dessert Cups featuring layers of rich avocado chocolate mousse, dairy-free whipped cream, and both macerated and fresh sweet cherries. This vegan, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free treat is quicker and easier to prepare than the traditional Black Forest cake, with no baking required.
Ingredients
Scale
Cherry Mixture
- 2 cups (280 g) fresh sweet cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 tablespoon (20 g) maple syrup
Avocado Chocolate Mousse
- 1 large avocado (200 g, without skin and seed), room temperature
- 1/4 cup (85 g) maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (45 g) melted dairy-free chocolate (or 1/3 cup (35 g) cocoa powder)
- 3 tablespoons (45 g) dairy-free milk, room temperature
- 2 1/2 tablespoons (15 g) dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Assembly and Garnish
- ~2 cups dairy-free whipped cream, chilled
- 1/4 cup (35 g) fresh sweet cherries
- Chocolate shavings or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cherries: In a bowl, combine 2 cups of pitted and halved cherries with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Stir gently and set aside to macerate while you prepare the mousse, allowing the cherries to release their juices.
- Make the avocado chocolate mousse: In a blender or food processor, add the avocado flesh, 1/4 cup maple syrup, melted dairy-free chocolate (or cocoa powder), dairy-free milk, dutch-process cocoa powder, vanilla extract, espresso powder, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure an even consistency.
- Chill the mousse: Transfer the mousse to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to thicken slightly and enhance the flavors.
- Prepare whipped cream: Whip the dairy-free cream until soft peaks form if not already whipped. Keep chilled until assembly.
- Assemble the dessert cups: In serving glasses or cups, start by spooning a layer of the avocado chocolate mousse. Add a layer of macerated cherries including some of the syrup. Follow with a generous layer of dairy-free whipped cream. Repeat layers if desired, finishing with fresh cherries and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or chips on top.
- Serve: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the whipped cream to set.
Notes
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use melted dairy-free chocolate instead of cocoa powder.
- If you prefer a sweeter dessert, adjust maple syrup quantities to taste.
- Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Use full-fat coconut cream for best results in the dairy-free whipped cream.
- This dessert is best served the same day but can be refrigerated for short periods.
- Ensure the avocado is ripe and soft for a creamy mousse texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
