Description
These Black Forest Dessert Cups are a delightful vegan and dairy-free treat featuring layers of creamy avocado chocolate mousse, fluffy whipped cream, and fresh sweet cherries. Easy to prepare without any baking, they provide a rich and decadent dessert experience that captures the essence of the classic Black Forest cake in a quicker, healthier form.
Ingredients
Scale
Cherries
- 2 cups (280g) fresh sweet cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 tablespoon (20g) maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (35g) fresh sweet cherries for garnish
Avocado Chocolate Mousse
- 1 (200g) large avocado, peeled and pitted, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (85g) maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (45g) melted dairy-free chocolate or 1/3 cup (35g) cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons (45g) dairy-free milk, room temperature
- 2 1/2 tablespoons (15g) dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Whipped Cream
- ~2 cups dairy-free whipped cream, chilled
Garnish
- Chocolate shavings or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Macerate the Cherries: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of pitted and halved fresh sweet cherries with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Stir gently to coat and let the cherries macerate for about 10-15 minutes to release their juices and sweeten.
- Prepare the Avocado Chocolate Mousse: In a blender or food processor, combine the large peeled and pitted avocado, 1/4 cup maple syrup, melted dairy-free chocolate (or cocoa powder), dairy-free milk, dutch-process cocoa powder, espresso powder (if using), vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Assemble the Dessert Cups: In serving glasses or cups, start with a layer of the avocado chocolate mousse, followed by a layer of the macerated cherries and their juices. Add a generous layer of chilled dairy-free whipped cream on top. Repeat the layering if desired, finishing with whipped cream on top.
- Garnish and Chill: Garnish each cup with 1/4 cup fresh sweet cherries and chocolate shavings or chips if desired. Chill the dessert cups in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving to set slightly and enhance flavors.
- Serve: Serve the dessert cups chilled as a refreshing, decadent treat that combines creamy, fruity, and chocolatey textures.
Notes
- Use ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- The avocado mousse can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day in an airtight container.
- If melted dairy-free chocolate is unavailable, substitute with extra cocoa powder, adjusting maple syrup to taste for sweetness.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, try adding an extra teaspoon of espresso powder.
- Dairy-free whipped cream can be store-bought or homemade from coconut cream or other plant-based alternatives.
- The dessert cups can be made in advance, but avoid assembling too early to keep the whipped cream fresh and fluffy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg