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Vegan Chocolate Mousse

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Itโ€™s divine, simple, and velvety smoothโ€ฆ It's Vegan Chocolate Mousse! This luxurious and rich dessert comes together in no time using some seriously chocolatey ingredients and is served with homemade raspberry compote on top.
Prep 15 minutes
Cook 10 minutes
Total 25 minutes
5 from 73 votes

Get your decadence on with this impossibly rich and silky smooth Vegan Chocolate Mousse! Its creamy yet light-as-air texture is going to make your friends and family wonder how you did it. Spoiler alert: itโ€™s an easy recipe made with a short list of simple ingredients.

The only way to make this low-stress dessert even better is with a dollop of raspberry compote on top. This citrusy and tart companion is the perfect complement to the rich sweetness of chocolate and dates in the mousse.

If youโ€™ve tried my luxe Vegan Hot Chocolate, then youโ€™re sure to fall for this sultry chocolate mousse. Itโ€™s perfect for holidays, special celebrations, or whenever the chocolate cravings hit.

Table of Contents:
1. Why this recipe works
2. Ingredient notes
3. Step-by-step instructions
4. Tips for making this recipe
5. Frequently Asked Questions
6. Recipe card

Chocolate mousse with raspberry compote and raspberries in glass ramekin on white plate.

Why this recipe works

It melts in your mouth.
There are three key ingredients that give this vegan mousse a rich, melt-in-your-mouth feel: (1) silken tofu; (2) melted dark chocolate; (3) Medjool dates

Hereโ€™s how they work: (1) The tofu is soft, yet dense, which helps the mousse taste light and sturdy without needing gelatin or agar agar; (2) melted dark chocolate tastes incredible and adds rich body; and (3) blended Medjool dates lends a velvety luxuriousness. 

PS: I know tofu in desserts may sound odd, but you absolutely donโ€™t taste it (the flavor is so neutral). Instead, just think of this recipe as a vegan dessert with a few tricks up its sleeve.

Perfect for chocolate lovers.
Youโ€™ll taste nothing but the best chocolate flavors here thanks to a mix of Dutch process cocoa powder + melted dark chocolate.

I specifically recommend using Dutch process cocoa powder because the acidic flavor from the cocoa beans is washed away. Unlike natural cocoa powder, you have an ingredient with a pure chocolate flavor with a rich brown color. You can read more about the wonder that is Dutch process cocoa powder over at Sallyโ€™s Baking Addiction.

Simple as can be!
I just love how simple this dessert is. A couple natural sweeteners and everyday ingredients is all you need to make this over-the-top vegan mousse recipe. Plus, a blender does most of the work!

Unlike many vegan chocolate mousse recipes made with avocado, my version will stay fresh in your fridge for almost a week. Itโ€™s a quick treat you can tuck away in the fridge and forget about while you focus on dinner and appetizers for your guests. 

Close up photo of one ramekin of mousse with no compote.

Ingredient notes

Vegan Chocolate mousse ingredients in various small bowls on a wooden cutting board.

Dark chocolate. The better the quality of dark chocolate, the more luxurious your mousse will taste.

Tip: I like to use a 70% to 75% dark chocolate bar. Anything lower (e.g., 65% cacao) will make this mousse too sweet IMO. If all you have is <70% chocolate, start with less maple syrup (more deets in the Tips section).

Dutch process cocoa powder. Another secret behind the rich, chocolatey flavor. Dutch process cocoa has been alkalized, leaving no trace of acidity like the kind found in natural cocoa powder. The end result is cocoa powder that tastes smooth, mild, and pure in chocolate flavor. 

Shopping Tip: Read with this article from Serious Eats. They tested the best Dutch process cocoa brands to help you find one with the right flavor, color, and richness.

Substitute: You can use raw cacao powder or natural cocoa powder (e.g., Hersheyโ€™s cocoa powder). Itโ€™ll be delicious but the flavor wonโ€™t be as chocolatey.

Medjool dates. Softened dates are blended in with the chocolate mousse filling to give it a rich body and a naturally sweet taste. Theyโ€™re the exact reason why my Salted Chocolate Cream Tart achieves its fudge-like texture. 

Silken tofu. Blended silken tofu becomes surprisingly creamy! No one will even know you made a dessert with tofu. 

Shopping Tip: Silken tofu is sold in two sections of the grocery store: (1) in packaged blocks in the refrigerated section with the other blocks of tofu and (2) in shelf-stable aseptic packages (affiliate links). If using the latter, choose boxes that say silken โ€œsoftโ€ for the best results.  

Espresso powder. A little espresso powder goes a long way in chocolate desserts! Itโ€™s how I get my Best Vegan Brownies to taste mega chocolatey and it makes every sip of Vegan Hot Chocolate extra heavenly.

Substitute: You can skip the espresso powder if you donโ€™t have any, or use instant coffee powder instead. Feel free to use decaf if you arenโ€™t into caffeine, or skip entirely. 

Raspberries. Both fresh and frozen raspberries can be used to make homemade raspberry compote. Technically, itโ€™s optional, but it takes the mousse over the top! 

Tip: If you end up with leftover compote, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Itโ€™s a lovely topping on more than chocolate mousse, such as chocolate cake, vegan pancakes, or paired with vegan yogurt for breakfast.

Substitute: Raspberries and chocolate are the perfect pairing, but you can make the compote with strawberries or blackberries instead.

Overhead photo of one ramekin of mousse with no compote.

Step-by-step instructions

Melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler on the stove or in the microwave. Whisk in the espresso powder once smooth, then set it aside to cool.

Meanwhile, soak the dates in boiling water to help them soften. 

Add the rest of the mousse ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until the dates are pulverized and the cocoa is incorporated.

Next, pour in the melted, cooled chocolate. Blend again until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as you go. 

Once the mousse is creamy and totally smooth, divide it between your small ramekins. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

Work on the raspberry compote while you wait or make ahead of time. Combine the raspberries and the rest of the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring while it bubbles. 

Reduce to a simmer and cook until the consistency is thick and jammy

Set the compote aside to cool at room temp or in the fridge. Top chilled mousse with raspberry compote and enjoy.

Tips for making this recipe

The right chocolate makes all the difference. I recommend using a dark chocolate bar thatโ€™s 70% or higher in cacao content. Any lower and the mousse may taste too sweet. 

Do you only have 65% or lower dark chocolate at home? Start with 1 to 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. After you add in the melted chocolate, taste and add more sweetener as needed.

If you prefer less sweet desserts, use chocolate in the 80% to 85% range. 

Use silken tofu. You can buy silken tofu in a package in the refrigerated tofu section or in shelf-stable boxes (the most common brand is Mori-Nu). 

Do not use refrigerated blocks of tofu labeled โ€œsoft tofuโ€ like this. They have less moisture than silken tofu, and in our tests, it ended up thickening the mousse into a hard consistency. 

Blend, blend, blend! Blend the mousse mixture really well, especially if using a food processor instead of a high-powered blender. And scrape down the sides as you go. 

The texture should be silky smooth by time youโ€™re done, without any clumps or tiny bits of unblended dates or cocoa. When blended properly, youโ€™ll achieve that light and super creamy texture rather than dense or thick.

Sifting the cocoa powder into the food processor will help you avoid lumps if using a food processor. 

The raspberry compote takes this over the top. Itโ€™s optional, but I highly recommend serving the mousse with it. A dollop on top really takes this mousse to the next level, adding a complex acidic and tart flavor profile that so beautifully accents the rich chocolate mousse. Guaranteed it will make your taste buds sing. 

Plus, the compote requires just 4 ingredients, is easy to make, and stays fresh in the fridge for 2 weeks. Try the leftovers on waffles, pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt, ice cream, and more!

Three ramekins of chocolate mousse with raspberry compote and raspberries on a white plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use chocolate chips or chunks?

Yes, chocolate chips can be used in place of dark chocolate bars or bittersweet baking chocolate bars. Just know that (1) chocolate chips are typically made with lower-quality chocolate and have a somewhat tacky consistency when melted and (2) it can be pretty hard to find dark chocolate chips.

Is there a substitute for tofu?

Iโ€™m afraid not. Tofu in vegan mousse is key for its silky smooth, creamy, and light texture. While avocado could be a good substitute, we havenโ€™t tested it and it would significantly shorten the shelf life.

Can I make this mousse ahead of time?

Yes! It stays good for 5 to 6 days, so feel free to store it covered in the fridge until youโ€™re ready to serve.

How many does this serve?

It really depends on how much dessert you want! This mousse is surprisingly rich, so a little goes a long way. You could stretch this out to 8 servings if you want or divide it between 4 dessert cups for a more substantial treat.

Two ramekins of chocolate mousse on white plates with no compote.

If you love this Vegan Chocolate Mousse as much as we do, please rate and review the recipe with your feedback below! Itโ€™s always very much appreciated :)

Big Vegan Flavor

Techniques and 150 recipes to master vegan cooking.

Vegan Chocolate Mousse

5 from 73 votes
Itโ€™s divine, simple, and velvety smoothโ€ฆ It's Vegan Chocolate Mousse! This luxurious and rich dessert comes together in no time using some seriously chocolatey ingredients and is served with homemade raspberry compote on top.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French-Inspired
Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Serving size: 8

Ingredients

Chocolate Mousse

  • 5 ounces (140g) good-quality dairy-free dark chocolate (70 to 80%), chopped*
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (omit if caffeine-free)
  • 12 ounces (340g, about 1 ยฝ cups) silken soft tofu**
  • 2 soft Medjool dates
  • ยผ cup (80g) pure maple syrup
  • ยผ cup (24g) Dutch process cocoa powder***
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ยผ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • ยฝ to ยพ teaspoon fine sea salt

Raspberry Compote (optional but recommended)

  • 2 cups raspberries, fresh (248g) or frozen (210g)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • ยฝ tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Fine sea salt

Instructions

  • Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave. To assemble a double boiler, grab a heatproof bowl that can be nestled into a saucepanโ€”it should hover above the bottom of the pan. Fill the pan up with a few inches of water. Keep the water at a rapid simmer. Place the chocolate in the bowl and whisk frequently until melted, making sure no water comes near the chocolate. Whisk in the espresso powder once smooth, then set it aside to cool.
    To melt in the microwave: Chop chocolate into small pieces and heat in the microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each round.
  • Meanwhile, cover the dates with freshly boiled water. Soak for 15 minutes, then drain and remove the pits.
  • If using refrigerated tofu, scoop it out of its package and measure out 12 ounces. Do not pat dry or try to remove excess water.
  • In a food processor or high-powered blender, add the tofu with about 3 tablespoons of water that has accumulated; if not enough water has accumulated, add 3 tablespoons of filtered water.
    Add the dates, maple syrup, cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon (if using), and ยฝ teaspoon sea salt. Blend really well until the dates are fully pulverized and the cocoa has been mixed in, scraping down the sides as you go.
  • Now add the melted, cooled chocolate and blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as you go. Taste, adding more salt to taste (I like adding an extra ยผ tsp salt for that sweet-and-salty flavor). Divide amongst 6 to 8 ramekins or small dessert glasses and chill for at least 1 hour to thicken (donโ€™t store all of it in one big container, as it seems to thicken it more).
  • Meanwhile, make the raspberry compote: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the raspberries, maple syrup, orange zest and juice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. When the mixture starts to bubble quickly, stir almost continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the berries break down and start to thicken. Simmer for 10 minutes, until thickened and jammy. Let come to room temp or chill in the fridge.
  • To serve, rest the mousse at room temp for a few minutes. To serve, add a few spoons of compote on top of each mousse.

Notes

General Notes
  • The portions may seem small, but this mousse is very rich. The nutrition facts include the raspberry compote.
Ingredient Notesย 
* I donโ€™t recommend using lower than 70% cacao dark chocolate; otherwise, the mousse can be too sweet. If you donโ€™t have anything lower than 70%, start slowly with the maple syrup, just 1 to 2 tablespoons; add the melted chocolate, blend, then taste, and add more sweetener as needed.
** Silken tofu comes in two forms: (1) in the refrigerated section next to the other blocks of tofu; (2) in shelf-stable section aseptic packages (the most common brand is Mori-Nu).
Do not use refrigerated blocks of tofu labeled โ€œsoft tofuโ€ like this. They have less moisture than silken tofu, and in our tests, it ended up thickening the mousse into a hard consistency.
*** You can use natural cocoa powder or raw cacao powder, though the mousse might have a slightly less chocolatey flavor.

Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 150mg | Potassium: 389mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 2mg

Recipe: Nisha Vora / Rainbow Plant Life | Photography: Megan Morello

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4.96 from 73 votes (31 ratings without comment)

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106 comments on Vegan Chocolate Mousse

  1. Martin

    5 stars
    Amazing yet simple desert! No one could believe I just served them sweet tofu for desert.
    After a couple of batches I find that the firmness of the mousse depends on the temperature of the melted chocolate – if i mix everything with chocolate that only just melted then I get a few clumps of chocolate (not an issue since it blends into the texture with the raspberry seeds), if i mix everything except the chocolate first, then add quite hot melted chocoloate (but not so hot it separates), it is firm instantly after blending (probably part of the tofu proteins are cooked) and it can be moleded into spheres instantly (e.g. with 2 spooons) for a nice presentation on plates.

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      We appreciate your feedback and support, Martin. Thank you for leaving a review!

  2. Bex

    5 stars
    OMG! This is absolutely amazing!!! Everything you have described, a show stopper for entertaining. Thank you for yet another fabulous recipe! I’m going to use it with a chocolate cake base.

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Bex, Thank you so much for such a fantastic review! Appreciate you taking the time!

  3. Jade

    5 stars
    Tastes amazing but mine had a slightly grainy texture, maybe I did not blend it enough? I canโ€™t believe itโ€™s made with Tofu. I made a trial batch for a upcoming event.

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Jade, we are happy you found the flavor delicious! What kind of tofu did you use and what type of blender do you have? Both can make a difference in the texture of the mousse. Let me know!

  4. Becky

    5 stars
    I donโ€™t know how this is so delicious but it is. I just used what I had so I made some substitutions – vegan chocolate chips, agave, and a mandarin. Donโ€™t skip the raspberry compote! It adds such a lovely touch. Really amazing recipe!!

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Yummy! Thanks for the delightful review, Becky!

  5. Allison Smith

    5 stars
    Another dream come true. Thanks

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Thank you for the sweet review, Allison! :)

  6. Shoshanna Husak

    5 stars
    When I say decadanceโ€ฆI mean smooth perfection, utterly rich perfection โค๏ธ my 11yo twins were astounded that I actually made it!!! Yummmmmmmy! Thank you for the easy recipe!!

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hey Shoshanna! Wow, I can feel your enthusiasm about this recipe through the screen! Love it!

  7. Dana

    I so wanted to make this but after searching all around town for silken soft tofu had to abort my mission of deliciousness in a cup. So sad.

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Dana, so sorry to hear that, and we are honestly surprised you weren’t able to find it!

      Have you checked both sections of the grocery store it’s sold in?: (1) in packaged blocks in the refrigerated section with the other blocks of tofu and (2) in shelf-stable aseptic packages. If using the latter, choose boxes that say silken โ€œsoftโ€ for the best results.

      Otherwise you can order it online!

      1. Dana

        Yep, I looked in the refridgerated section as well as the asian section. In six stores! So sad for me.
        Thanks for the tips though. I tried.

        1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

          Ugh, annoying! Sorry to hear it, Dana.

  8. Katrina

    5 stars
    I forgot to star rate this beautiful recipe. My apologies
    I didnโ€™t change a thing and it was perfect

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Thank you, Katrina! :)

  9. Katrina Kind

    So decadent, rich and smooth
    Loved the flavour combination of the coffee and cinnamon
    The raspberry sauce cut through the richness to add another layer of deliciousness
    Beautiful balance

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Katrina, weโ€™re thrilled to hear you enjoyed this recipe! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating alongside your review? Star ratings are big help to readers who are thinking of making the recipe. Thanks!

  10. Lyndsay

    5 stars
    Mine was more like chocolate pudding than mousse but it was delicious anyway. Even without the dates and with normal cocoa powder. Would make again.

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Lyndsay, we’re happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe and appreciate the feedback.

  11. Daniela

    5 stars
    This mousse is absolutely amazing. I tried it without anything and substituting the dates with cane sugar, without vanilla nor cinnamon and it was the perfect balance of sweet and bitter. I was shocked that it was made with tofu, can’t wait to let others try it, hopefully they will start liking tofu after this

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Weโ€™re so happy that the mousse turned out well for you, Daniela. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and for trying out the recipe!

  12. anna

    5 stars
    I have lemons and meyer lemons and limes…but no oranges. Can I substitute something else for the orange in the compote?
    Thanks for your help! :)

    1. Kaitlin @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Anna, we aren’t big fans of lemon with chocolate (or lime with chocolate), so weโ€™d omit and just go without the orange (the raspberry and chocolate combo will still be deciduous). That said, if you know you love chocolate and meyer lemon together, then you can try that out!

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