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Black Forest Dessert Cups with Macerated Cherries and Vegan Chocolate Mousse Recipe

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4 from 21 reviews

A delightful and dairy-free take on the classic Black Forest dessert, featuring layers of macerated cherries, creamy whipped coconut cream, and smooth avocado chocolate mousse. This recipe is perfect for making ahead and offers a rich, yet refreshing dessert option with natural sweetness from maple syrup and the indulgence of avocado chocolate mousse with optional espresso notes.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings

Ingredients

Macerated Cherries and Cream

  • 2 cups (280g) fresh sweet cherries, pitted and halved
  • 1 tablespoon (20g) maple syrup, or to taste
  • ~2 cups dairy-free whipped cream, chilled

Avocado Chocolate Mousse

  • 1 (200g) large avocado, (weighed without the skin and seed), room temperature
  • ¼ cup (85g) maple syrup, or to taste
  • ¼ cup (45g) melted dairy-free chocolate, or an extra 1/3 cup (35g) of cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons (45g) dairy-free milk, room temperature
  • 2 ½ tablespoons (15g) dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
  • Pinch of salt (optional)

To Assemble

  • ¼ cup (35g) fresh sweet cherries
  • Chocolate shavings or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cherries and cream: In a small bowl, stir the fresh sweet cherries with the maple syrup. Adjust maple syrup to your desired sweetness. Refrigerate the mixture until needed to allow the cherries to macerate and release their juice.
  2. Whip the cream: Pour the dairy-free cream into a large bowl or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Whip according to package instructions until light and fluffy. Chill in the refrigerator until assembly.
  3. Prepare the avocado chocolate mousse: Combine avocado, maple syrup, melted dairy-free chocolate (or extra cocoa powder), dairy-free milk, dutch-process cocoa powder, and optional vanilla extract, espresso powder, and salt in a food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or flavorings as desired.
  4. Assemble the dessert cups: In at least three serving glasses, layer whipped cream, avocado chocolate mousse, and macerated cherries along with the cherry syrup. Repeat layers as preferred. Finish by topping with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings or chips for garnish.
  5. Serve or store: Serve immediately for best texture, or cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Note that cream stability might affect texture if stored longer.

Notes

  • The macerated cherries and avocado mousse can be prepared 1-2 days in advance and stored in airtight containers in the fridge.
  • Dairy-free whipped cream generally keeps well in the fridge and can be made ahead for layering up to a day before serving.
  • If the cream deflates quickly, assemble the dessert cups a few hours before serving to maintain freshness.
  • Canned, jarred, or frozen cherries can substitute fresh cherries; drain most liquid but reserve a few tablespoons to enhance the mousse if desired.
  • For sour cherries, increase maple syrup to at least 2 tablespoons for adequate sweetness.
  • Fresh cherries are recommended for garnish and presentation, but other cherry types also work well.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Western
  • Diet: Vegan