Dark chocolate mousse cups
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For most of the year, I have a variety of nut and seed butters taking up precious space in my fridge. They’re typically either homemade or poured from the local health food store bulk bins and stored in short, wide-mouthed mason jars. They sit quietly, waiting to be called upon for cookies, tarts, rice bars, or quite often just a quick spoonful to the mouth. In other words, nut butters are in my line of sight every time I open the fridge, so I’m always looking for ways to use them.
My creamy chocolate torte recipe came to mind last week when I was dreaming about desserts (which I’m embarrassed to admit happens all too often). I imagined the mousse filling would make a lovely after-dinner dessert served in individual glasses and topped with coconut whipped cream and chopped chocolate and nuts.
The next day, I made that dream come true.
Let me tell you straight up: this mousse is no pudding in a cup. It’s thick and rich and melt-in-your-mouth smooth—everything you’d want in a sophisticated yet simple dessert.
The secret is in the coconut milk. Make sure to purchase a brand with a high fat content (check the nutritional label to make sure it’s at least 20%) and place it in the fridge overnight so that the cream separates from the liquid. (While you’re at it, refrigerate a second can for the coconut whipped cream topping.) Oh, and good quality dark chocolate is also key to making this mousse truly orgasmic (I use Camino dark chocolate bars with 65% cacao).
One thing I love about this recipe is its versatility. Since there are a myriad of flavour pairings that work well with chocolate, you can put your own spin on it by swapping out the 2 tablespoons of nut butter for your preferred flavour.
For the mousse pictured here, I used macadamia nut butter, but I’ve also experimented with peanut butter (Reese’s Pieces, oh how I’ve missed you!), almond butter (a pairing that will never go out of style), and even pureed raspberries (strained) in place of the nut butter for a more sophisticated version.
Hubby and I will be enjoying this dessert for our third anniversary this weekend. I can’t wait.
As always, I had my kitty cat on hand to help with photo styling…or by sitting in the way of my window light. Please meet Eli, my new photo assistant and the pesky little brother of Leola. He’s quite the character, and he’s also got the loudest motor I’ve ever heard. He was even purring when this photo was snapped!
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SaveDark chocolate mousse cups
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup nondairy milk
- 1 tbsp agar flakes
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight
- 3 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup agave nectar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder, sifted
- 2 tbsp natural peanut butter (or other nut butter)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Coconut whipped cream:
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight
- 1/4 cup vegan powdered sugar, or more to taste
- 1/4 tsp vanilla bean powder (or pure vanilla extract)
- 3 tbsp Ener-G egg replacer (optional)
Directions:
- Pour the nondairy milk in a medium saucepan, sprinkle the agar flakes on top and swirl the pan lightly. Let sit for at least 20 minutes to allow the agar flakes to soften.
- Scoop out the coconut cream from the top of the can of coconut milk (reserve the remaining liquid for other uses) and add it and the chocolate to the pan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cream and chocolate are melted.
- Pour the mixture into a blender and add the remaining ingredients. Blend for 2 or 3 minutes until smooth and bubbly.
- Divide the mixture between four serving glasses and lightly tap on your counter to loosen any air bubbles. Place the glasses in the fridge to set, about 2 hours. Garnish with coconut whipped cream and chopped chocolate and nuts, if desired.
Coconut whipped cream:
- For best results, place your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
- Scoop the coconut cream from the top of the can of coconut milk (reserve the remaining liquid for other uses) and place it in the cold mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla bean powder and egg replacer (this is entirely optional, but it helps create a lighter, fluffier texture) and whisk until soft peaks form.
Will have to try the agar! Lovely kitty!
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Nicole replied: — January 15th, 2012 @ 10:25 am
Thanks! Agar is a fantastic ingredient. Please try it out! :)
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This dessert looks incredible. I love anything with dark chocolate in it, but mousse is always a very special treat!
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Nicole replied: — January 15th, 2012 @ 10:26 am
Thanks, Laura! I hope you enjoy it.
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I love the 1st photo on the right!
Anything in chocolate is a definite win, and mousse with that probably makes it even better!!
http://daily-iphoneography.posterous.com
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Nicole replied: — January 16th, 2012 @ 7:17 pm
Thanks, Kathy! I hope you’re able to give it a try!
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I love that you want me to get the coco milk with the high fat content…Most recipe instructions would ask me to get the one with the lowest fat content. I will really have to try this. So rich, just by looking at the picture…Happy Anniversary! Thanks for sharing!
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Nicole replied: — January 15th, 2012 @ 10:29 am
The full fat coconut milk is what gives this mousse the thickness and richness. Definitely an indulgence, but so worth it! :)
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Wow, that texture looks incredible- both light and fluffy, and incredible rich at the same time, just as a good mousse should be! I really want to try your version, as it sounds so much better than the standard tofu sort.
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Nicole replied: — January 15th, 2012 @ 5:01 pm
Thanks, Hannah! That’s another reason I decided to make this version — to get away from the standard tofu variety. I hope you’re able to give it a try! :)
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this looks incredible nicole! i hope the two of you enjoyed it together this weekend & enjoyed a happy anniversary!
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Nicole replied: — January 16th, 2012 @ 10:36 am
Thanks, Jess! We did enjoy them :)
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ps ~ just noticed your sprouted banana loaf listed in the blogher recommended reads on my sidebar ad today!
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Nicole replied: — January 16th, 2012 @ 10:37 am
Oh! Thanks for letting me know.
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these look amazing…now I know what I want to make for a special family night! :)
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Nicole replied: — January 16th, 2012 @ 7:18 pm
Thanks, Charis! I hope you and your family enjoy it :)
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Looks good. I also love that spoon, what is the brand and pattern name?
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Nicole replied: — January 19th, 2012 @ 1:55 pm
I actually bought that spoon from a kitchen supply store in Chinatown (Toronto). They were selling them individually for $1, so I don’t think it’s a brand that would be easy to find elsewhere.
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The dessert looks great! Where did u get the cute cups to put it in?
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Nicole replied: — January 30th, 2012 @ 11:11 am
Thanks, Kimberly! I bought the glasses from Kitchen Stuff Plus: http://goo.gl/3n0El
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How perfectly rich! I am pretty darn tired of wimpy cornstarch-based puddings, and this sounds like the antidote.
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Wow, just found this and it will be my dinner tonight- YUM!
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Nicole replied: — February 24th, 2012 @ 12:58 pm
Dinner? I like your style :)
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