Ingredients

2 cups (280g) fresh sweet cherries, pitted and halved

1 tablespoon (20g) maple syrup, or to taste

~2 cups dairy-free whipped cream, chilled

1 large avocado (200g without skin and seed), room temperature

1/4 cup (85g) maple syrup, or to taste

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 vanilla extract (optional)

1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)

Pinch of salt (optional)

1/4 cup (35g) fresh sweet cherries for topping

Chocolate shavings or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the halved cherries with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to assemble.

Step 2: Whip the chilled dairy-free cream using an electric mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment until it forms soft peaks. Keep chilled until needed.

Step 3: In a food processor or blender, blend the avocado, 1/4 cup maple syrup, melted dairy-free chocolate (or cocoa powder), dairy-free milk, dutch-process cocoa powder, and optional vanilla extract, espresso powder, and salt until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or chocolate intensity as desired.

Step 4: To assemble, layer the whipped cream, chocolate mousse, and macerated cherries in serving glasses. Be sure to include some of the cherry syrup with the cherries to add extra flavor.

Step 5: Top each cup with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings or chips if using. Serve immediately or refrigerate covered until ready to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For a richer mousse, use melted dairy-free chocolate instead of cocoa powder.

Add a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherries for an adult version.

If you don’t have fresh cherries, frozen cherries (thawed) work well too.

Adjust the maple syrup amounts to your preferred sweetness level.

Use coconut cream or other dairy-free cream alternatives suited to your taste and dietary needs.

Storage

Store the assembled dessert cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours. After this time, the whipped cream may lose its stability and the mousse could change texture. For best results, prepare and assemble close to serving time. If storing components separately, keep the mousse, whipped cream, and cherries chilled and assemble just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mousse and cherries in advance and keep them refrigerated. Whip the cream just before assembling, then layer everything shortly before serving to maintain the best texture.

Is the mousse really dairy-free even with the chocolate?

Yes, this recipe uses dairy-free chocolate or cocoa powder and dairy-free milk, ensuring the mousse is suitable for those avoiding dairy. Always check the chocolate label to confirm it is dairy-free.