Description
Decadent Black Forest Dessert Cups featuring layers of creamy avocado chocolate mousse, dairy-free whipped cream, and a vibrant mix of macerated and fresh cherries. This no-bake, vegan-friendly dessert is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a refreshing and healthy twist on the classic German Black Forest cake without any dairy, eggs, or refined sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
Cherry Mixture
- 2 cups (280g) fresh sweet cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 tablespoon (20g) maple syrup, or to taste
Avocado Chocolate Mousse
- 1 (200g) large avocado, peeled and pitted, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (85g) maple syrup, or to taste
- 1/4 cup (45g) melted dairy-free chocolate or an extra 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 vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Assembly and Garnish
- ~2 cups dairy-free whipped cream, chilled
- 1/4 cup (35g) fresh sweet cherries
- Chocolate shavings or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Macerate the Cherries: In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups of pitted and halved fresh sweet cherries with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Gently toss to coat and set aside to allow the cherries to macerate and release their juices, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Prepare the Avocado Chocolate Mousse: In a food processor or blender, add the peeled and pitted avocado, 1/4 cup maple syrup, melted dairy-free chocolate (or cocoa powder), dairy-free milk, Dutch-process cocoa powder, vanilla extract, espresso powder, and a pinch of salt if using. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure even mixing. Taste and adjust sweetness to preference.
- Whip the Dairy-Free Cream: Using chilled dairy-free whipped cream, whip it until light and fluffy if not already pre-whipped. Keep refrigerated until ready to assemble.
- Assemble the Dessert Cups: In serving glasses or cups, start by spooning a layer of the avocado chocolate mousse. Follow with a layer of macerated cherries (including juice for extra flavor), then a generous layer of whipped cream. Repeat layering if the cup size allows, finishing with whipped cream on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each cup with fresh sweet cherries and chocolate shavings or chocolate chips if desired. Serve immediately or chill for up to 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and the mousse to firm slightly.
Notes
- This recipe is vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, and refined sugar-free.
- The dessert requires no baking and can be prepared in about 20 minutes.
- Chilling the avocado ahead of time can help with blending and texture.
- For a stronger chocolate flavor, use melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder in the mousse.
- The dessert cups can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to one day, but garnish fresh before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous cup (approximately 1/3 of the recipe)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
