You know that moment when chocolate cravings hit, but dairy’s not your friend? That doesn’t mean you have to miss out. After countless experiments in my kitchen, I’m excited to share this dreamy dairy-free chocolate mousse that’s so silky-smooth, you won’t believe it’s made with coconut milk. Whether you’re dairy-free by choice or necessity, this recipe delivers all the rich, airy decadence you’re craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just any chocolate mousse – it’s a game-changer for dietary restrictions. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, this recipe proves you don’t need heavy cream to create that classic mousse texture we all love. The best part? It comes together in minutes (though your patience will be tested during the setting time!).
What’s in This Easy Chocolate Mousse?
The secret to this mousse’s texture lies in full-fat coconut milk, but you won’t taste the coconut! The coconut milk provides the perfect fat content to create that signature silky texture, while the chocolate flavor takes center stage.
You will need to plan ahead, though. You have to separate the cream in the coconut milk, so you’ll want to put the can in the refrigerator overnight before you make the mousse. That way, the cream firms up on the surface so you can easily scoop it out of the can. Don’t have time for the overnight chill? No worries – a couple of hours in the freezer will usually work, too.
For the chocolate, opt for high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa content works beautifully). Not only does this ensure a rich flavor, but many dark chocolates are naturally dairy-free. Just double-check the ingredients list to be sure.
Is This Mousse Gluten Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! There’s no flour or wheat products in sight. However, always check your chocolate brand’s label for any potential cross-contamination if you’re highly sensitive to gluten.
The key ingredients – coconut milk, chocolate, and vanilla extract – are naturally gluten-free. Just be careful with any toppings or mix-ins you might add.
How Long Does It Take to Set?
Patience is key here! Your mousse needs at least 4 hours to set properly, but overnight is ideal. This resting time allows the coconut milk and chocolate to achieve that perfect mousse consistency we’re after.
If your mousse isn’t setting properly, check these common culprits:
- Coconut milk is too thin (always use full-fat!)
- Chocolate ratio is too low
- Not enough chilling time
How Long Does Chocolate Mousse Last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your mousse will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Look for these signs of freshness:
- No liquid separation
- Consistent color
- No change in texture
For best results, keep your mousse in the back of the refrigerator where the temperature is coldest and most stable. Avoid storing your mousse near strong-smelling foods – chocolate loves to absorb other flavors!
Can You Freeze Chocolate Mousse?
Yes, you absolutely can! In fact, this dairy-free version freezes beautifully. Transfer it to airtight containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Store it in the freezer for up to a couple of months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. You may need to mix it a bit after thawing.
Remember that while freezing works, the texture might be slightly different after thawing. I find it’s still delicious, just a touch denser.
Serving Tips
You can garnish this mousse in a variety of ways. While we used powdered sugar and chocolate shavings, you can also use fresh berries, dairy-free whipped cream, mint leaves, or even chopped nuts for some added texture.
Silky Smooth Dairy Free Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients
- 14 ounce can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark dairy-free chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Chill the coconut milk for an hour or two in the freezer or overnight in the fridge.
- Scoop the separated coconut cream off the top of the can and put it into a mixer.
- Whip the coconut cream until it is smooth, creamy and fluffy, about five minutes.
- While the coconut cream is whipping, put the chocolate in a microwave-safe glass bowl.
- Melt the chocolate by heating it in 30-second increments, stirring between. Once it is smooth, let it sit and cool while you finish prepping the base.
- Add the vanilla to the cream and let it mix for another 2 minutes.
- Gradually add 3/4-cup of the coconut water from the can, drizzling it in slowly as the mixer runs on medium speed.
- Add the chocolate in a slow drizzle, turning the mixer speed up to high.
- Once all the chocolate is incorporated, let the mixer run for another two or three minutes.
- Divide the mixture into small dishes and cover with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for three to four hours to allow it to set up.
Whether you’re dairy-free, gluten-free, or just curious about trying something new, this coconut milk chocolate mousse proves that dietary restrictions don’t mean missing out on luxurious desserts. The hardest part? Waiting for it to set! And if you’re looking for a heavy cream-based, more traditional recipe, check out our pumpkin mousse, too!
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