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Vegan Black Forest Cherry Dessert Cups Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 50 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 3 generous servings or 6 small servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: German-inspired
  • Diet: Vegan

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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