These No-Bake Cherry Choc Mousse Cups are a rich and indulgent treat made with creamy cashew-based chocolate mousse, tangy cherry jam, and a decadent chocolate coating. They’re perfect for a healthy dessert, special occasion, or guilt-free indulgence. Plus, they’re dairy-free, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Chocolate Mousse:

1 cup cashews, soaked for 4 hours
¼ cup almond milk
3 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp cacao powder
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ cup (35g) cacao butter buttons

Cherry Jam:

1 heaping cup cherries, stems and pits removed
1 tbsp water
1 tsp chia seeds

Chocolate Coating:

120g Loco Love Nirvana chocolate block (or dark chocolate of choice)

Directions

Make the Cherry Jam:
- Add cherries and water to a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes until cherries soften and release their juices.
- Stir in chia seeds and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat and let cool.
Prepare the Chocolate Mousse:
- Melt cacao butter using the Bain-Marie method* (see below). Let cool slightly.
- Blend soaked cashews, almond milk, maple syrup, cacao powder, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- While blending, slowly stream in the melted cacao butter and blend until fully incorporated.
Assemble the Mousse Cups:
- Pour the mousse mixture into 12 mini muffin trays (preferably silicone).
- Top each with a spoonful of cherry jam.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours.
Coat with Chocolate:
- Melt chocolate using the Bain-Marie method.
- Remove mousse cups from freezer and dip each in the melted chocolate using two forks, letting excess chocolate drip off.
- Place on a baking paper-lined tray and refrigerate for 1 hour to set.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freezer for up to a month.

Bain-Marie Method (Melting Chocolate & Cacao Butter)

Bring 2-3 cm of water to a gentle boil in a saucepan.
Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water.
Keep heat on low, stirring until melted.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 2g

Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Cherry Choc Mousse Cups

If you love chocolate and cherries, this recipe is going to be your new favorite. Here’s why these mousse cups are a must-try:

No-Bake & Easy to Make: Requires no oven or complicated steps, making it a quick and effortless dessert.
Naturally Sweetened: Maple syrup provides a natural sweetness, eliminating the need for refined sugar.
Creamy & Decadent Texture: The cashew-based chocolate mousse is ultra-smooth and rich, melting in your mouth with every bite.
Perfect Flavor Combination: The bitterness of dark chocolate, the tanginess of cherry jam, and the creaminess of the mousse create a perfectly balanced treat.
Allergy-Friendly & Diet-Inclusive: These mousse cups are gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, making them ideal for various dietary needs.
Great for Meal Prep: Store them in the fridge or freezer for a ready-to-eat dessert whenever cravings strike!

The Key Ingredients That Make These Mousse Cups So Delicious

1. Cashews: The Secret to a Creamy Mousse

Cashews are the perfect dairy-free substitute for creating a rich, velvety mousse. When soaked and blended, they form a smooth and creamy base that mimics the texture of traditional mousse without the need for heavy cream.

If you have nut allergies, you can substitute cashews with:

Coconut cream for a tropical twist.
Silken tofu for a protein-packed, plant-based alternative.
Sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.

2. Cacao Powder for a Rich Chocolate Flavor

Cacao powder gives the mousse its deep chocolate flavor, without the added sugars or artificial ingredients found in regular cocoa powder. Cacao is also packed with antioxidants and minerals, making these mousse cups a healthier way to satisfy your chocolate cravings.

3. Cacao Butter for Silkiness

Melted cacao butter adds a luxurious texture and richness to the mousse, helping it firm up while staying silky smooth. It also enhances the chocolate flavor naturally.

If you don’t have cacao butter, you can substitute it with:

Coconut oil for a slightly lighter texture.
Dark chocolate (melted) for a more intense chocolate taste.

4. Maple Syrup for Natural Sweetness

Instead of using refined sugar, this recipe uses maple syrup to provide a natural, subtle sweetness. Maple syrup also complements the cherries beautifully, enhancing their natural tartness.

Other natural sweeteners you can use:

Agave syrup for a milder sweetness.
Date syrup for a caramel-like depth.
Raw honey (if not strictly vegan).

5. Cherry Jam: A Sweet and Tangy Surprise

The homemade cherry jam adds a burst of tangy fruitiness, balancing the richness of the chocolate mousse. Unlike store-bought jams, this version uses fresh cherries, a touch of water, and chia seeds to naturally thicken it—no refined sugars or artificial preservatives needed.

If cherries are out of season, you can substitute with:

Raspberries for a slightly tart flavor.
Strawberries for a sweeter, classic pairing with chocolate.
Blueberries for a unique twist.

6. Dark Chocolate Coating for a Decadent Finish

A thin layer of melted dark chocolate coats these mousse cups, adding a delightful crunch to contrast the creamy filling. Dark chocolate not only enhances the bitterness and depth of flavor but also provides antioxidants and heart-healthy benefits.

For variations, try:

Milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.
White chocolate for a fun twist.
A mix of dark and milk chocolate for a balanced flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect No-Bake Mousse Cups

1. Soak Cashews for a Smooth Texture

To achieve a silky, lump-free mousse, soak cashews for at least 4 hours (or overnight). This softens them and makes blending easier. For a quicker option, soak them in hot water for 30 minutes.

2. Use a High-Powered Blender

For an ultra-smooth consistency, use a high-speed blender or food processor. This helps break down the cashews completely, ensuring the mousse is creamy and lump-free.

3. Chill Before Coating in Chocolate

Freezing the mousse cups for at least 4 hours allows them to firm up, making it easier to dip them into melted chocolate without falling apart.

4. Use the Bain-Marie Method to Melt Chocolate

To prevent burning, melt the chocolate and cacao butter slowly over low heat using a Bain-Marie (double boiler method). This ensures a smooth, glossy chocolate coating.

5. Store Properly for Maximum Freshness

Keep the mousse cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to a month. When freezing, let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating for the best texture.

Creative Ways to Customize These Mousse Cups

1. Add a Nutty Crunch

Sprinkle chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts) on top for an added crunch.

2. Infuse with Different Flavors

Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the chocolate’s richness.
Mix in a splash of espresso for a mocha-flavored mousse.
Stir in a dash of cinnamon or chili powder for a subtle spice kick.

3. Make It a Layered Dessert

Instead of making individual mousse cups, layer the mousse, cherry jam, and chocolate coating in a glass jar for an elegant, deconstructed version.

What to Serve with No-Bake Cherry Choc Mousse Cups

These mousse cups are perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with:

Fresh berries for a burst of natural sweetness.
A drizzle of coconut cream or almond butter for extra richness.
A cup of espresso or herbal tea to balance the sweetness.

Conclusion: A Perfectly Indulgent Yet Healthy Dessert

These No-Bake Cherry Choc Mousse Cups are the ultimate guilt-free treat, combining creamy chocolate mousse, tangy cherry jam, and a crisp dark chocolate shell. They’re easy to make, naturally sweetened, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making them perfect for any occasion—from a fancy dessert to an everyday snack.

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