Indulgent, decadent, and healthy(ish)?! This Vegan and Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse has a secret ingredient that you'll never guess!
Valentine's Day is next week. Are you currently scheming up romantic ways to wow your spouse... woo your special someone... enjoy a quiet night on the couch with a bowl of something decadent and your remote clicking through your Netflix queue? That last one actually sounds pretty glorious.
So I know it might sound a little weird to talk about my friend Tyler at this point. There will be no woo-ing between us. And don't you worry, I actually have a lovely little Valentine's weekend NYC getaway planned for Asheley and I (we have to fit as much fun stuff as possible in these next couple of months before our little miracle shows up this June and completely changes everything).
But back to Tyler. And Valentine's Day. This is weird, but I'm embracing it. Tyler can't have dairy. Well he can, but the painful after effects aren't worth the momentary indulgence. Or so he says. And I feel bad... because I want the poor guy to be able to enjoy dessert when he comes over to our house, but it's rare to have a completely dairy-free dessert option that's also holy crap this is amazing worthy.
Then this happened... Vegan and Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse. And I can't stop making it. Neither can Tyler. We've had tons of people try it, and no one ever, even for a moment, possibly thought this was dairy-free.
Guys, can I be honest? Once in a while I get really excited about a recipe. THIS is one of those recipes. I'm 99% sure you'll love this, whether you're into the vegan and dairy-free thing or not.
So here's the Valentine's Day correlation. You need to make this for Valentine's Day (or date night, or special dinner party, or because you have a pulse and enjoy the finer things in life) if:
- your special someone is lactose intolerant.
- you can't have dairy and want to eat dessert, and don't want to spend your time after dessert in a less-than-desirable-state.
- you can't have dairy and want to enjoy something both you and your special someone will enjoy.
- you like to play the game (I do) guess what secret ingredient is?!?!
- you find yourself enjoying V-day solo this year and there are no more acceptable Ben & Jerry flavors left in the grocery store.
And listen. I know what some of you are thinking. You've totally been burned in the past by vegan dessert recipes or dairy-free dessert recipes that claimed to be sooooo amazing.
Guys, I promise you. This is the real deal. Like, this Vegan and Dairy Free Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse is seriously decadent and indulgent. It's thick. It's creamy. And oh yea, it's rich. Best of all, you'll would never ever guess that this is vegan or dairy-free.
Even if you can consume dairy like me, you'll love this... especially because it has no heavy cream and is a bit healthier than the real stuff.
So are you dying to know what the secret ingredient is? I've played this game with a few trusted food-loving friends of mine and not one of them guessed it right.
Avocado? Egg? Mayo? Xantham Gum? All those were guesses from some of my friends. And they were all wrong.
::drum roll::
Silken Tofu.
That's right, silken tofu. It's pretty much flavorless and whips into pure creamy and smooth goodness... making it a prime candidate for this mousse.
Vegan and Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) package organic silken tofu, drained
- 4 ¼ ounces high-quality dark chocolate, finely chopped*
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup coconut sugar (or granulated sugar)
Instructions
- Combine dark chocolate, peanut butter, cocoa powder, almond milk, and sugar in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals on half power, stirring between each, until chocolate is just melted through (don't overheat!).
- Meanwhile, place silken tofu in a food processor or blender and blend until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Add in melted chocolate mixture and blend until just combined.
- Pour mixture into a bowl and place in refrigerator for at least an hour to allow mousse to firm up a bit. When ready to serve, divide among four bowls and top with coconut whipped cream** and chocolate shavings, if desired.
Notes
*if making this vegan, make sure to get a good vegan dark chocolate.
**a quick Google search of Coconut Whipped Cream will give you plenty of recipes to choose from.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
More Healthy(ish) Desserts?
Paleo 2 Ingredient Nutella Banana Ice Cream
Brownie Sundae with Gluten-Free Chocolate PB Avocado Brownies
Gluten-Free Fudgy Avocado Brownies
Paleo and Dairy-Free Acai Banana Ice Cream
CakePants says
This looks amazing! I've made tofu mousse before, but never thought to add peanut butter - can't wait to try it! And thanks for looking out for us lactose intolerant people 🙂 There's nothing less romantic than stomach problems on Valentine's Day!
Chris says
Hahahaha I can imagine... that was really funny!
Jen at Baked by an Introvert says
Your photographs are always so lovely, Chris! This mousse sounds decadent and perfect for Valentine's Day! I love that it's made with tofu. I often throw tofu into my smoothies so I know how silky it can make the texture. This is such a great dessert!
Chris says
Thanks so much for the kind compliment Jen! Much appreciated!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes) says
Right now I am scheming on nothing except figuring out how I can get someone to make this for me period.
Chris says
Hahahaha come on Chicage... someone make this for Jocelyn!
Christine says
I've never even heard of silken tofu before but now I NEED to try it, this looks BEYOND incredible!!! I can tell the texture is amazing just from the pics, and I love the dark/moody styling you paired this with 🙂
Chris says
I know, I didn't either until I noticed Ivan Orkin @ Ivan Ramen (Lower East Side one) uses silken tofu in his salad dressing. It's absolutely a dessert game changer!
Oriana says
Chris, it looks amazing!! My little girl is allergic to eggs so this recipe is perfect for her. Making it soon. Pinned!
Chris says
Awesome! Let me know how she likes it Oriana!
Amy | Club Narwhal says
This is just pure awesome! My man is lactose intolerant and will adore this. His love of peanut butter is deep and abiding--mix it with chocolate and he's one happy camper. Thanks for this perfect recipe!
Chris says
He totally will love this! Let me know how he likes it!
Silvia Chung says
Silken tofu never looked so good. I was thinking of using it replace cream in a salad dressing, but I'm going to have to take a left turn, and make this instead!
Chris says
Yes, that's my next use for it! I know Alton Brown uses it in a Caesar dressing (so does Ivan Orkin at Ivan Ramen in NYC).
Ilona says
Your wife is lucky to enjoy your cooking because everything looks so good. This tofu is really secret ingredient... I wonder how it tastes.
Chris says
Thanks Ilona. Totally give it a try! You'll love it 🙂
Alice says
oh my gawd, Chris, this looks soooo good!! and you made this with silken tofu?! My jaw is on the ground right now. This is so freaking fabulous. WOW. Tyler is a lucky guy. . can't wait to try this!!!!
Chris says
Hahaha thanks so much Alice. Yea, that silken tofu is totally changing my dessert life right now. And I totally love dairy! Tyler is super pumped with this mousse. He rarely gets to eat dessert so this is a game changer for him!
Arman says
Wow. Those look amazing, Chris- You're pictures are amazing and never thought to add peanut butter to a 'tofu' mousse!
Chris says
Thanks so much Arman! Much appreciated.
Thalia says
I've always wanted to try making mousse with tofu but never have gotten around too it. This post is all the motivation i need to make it now - thanks Chris for the inspiration!
Chris says
You totally need to try it Thalia. I was a big tofu-avoider until I tried this. And now I can't get enough!
Cara's Healthy Cravings says
Tofu does make the creamiest of puddings! It makes it so rich, fudgey and luxurious!
A perfect Valentines treat.
Chris says
I'm so happy I finally discovered it Cara! I've been missing out!
Melanie says
That is some mean looking mousse! Whenever there's chocolate and peanut butter, I'm in.
Pinned.
Have a fabulous day Chris!
Chris says
Thanks Melanie. I'm the same way with Chocolate and PB 🙂
Zainab says
I am going to make this just because I have a pulse!! Looks indulgent!!
Chris says
Hahahaha yes!!!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
You hit the nail on the head with this one - it looks down right luscious, Chris! I am lactose intolerant and I agree wholeheartedly with Tyler - the after effects of lactose consumption are so not worth the indulgence! I usually used cashew cream or avocado in my chocolate puddings - I gotta try this version with silken tofu.
Loving these GORGEOUS and sultry photos!
Chris says
Cashew cream is next on my list to try!
David says
Aye...you've gone to the Dark Side, Chris. Tofu in your dessert? Tofu? Well, you know what? If you rave about it this much then maybe there is something to it. I might just have to break down and house some of this mousse! Or better yet, you and Asheley can take a drive up the scenic road known as I-87 and drop some of this tofu amazingness off at my place. Because that's how Wolfpack friends show love. #WolfpackLove
Chris says
Hahaha, listen, I know. Tofu for me is a very big rarity. I never ever cook with it. But you NEED to try this. It changed my outlook on tofu entirely! And listen, how about we just get you to move down here already. Your wife will enjoy a little longer commute, wouldn't she?! hahahaha
Julia Olsen says
Gosh, it looks delicious! It's a must try for me! Yum!
I'm cooking on youtube and I've just uploaded a recipe for homemade falafels, hope you will check it out! Thank you! 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anFe4nYoX9s
Thank you for an awesome recipe!
Chris says
Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by Julia!
Becca from ItsYummi.com says
Tyler is one lucky guy to have a friend like you who'll bend over backwards to make him a delicious dairy-free dessert. This mousse looks stunning, Chris! Now to the tough love... I really, really, REALLY wanted to try this recipe, but gah... I had to try tofu in culinary school and I gagged so badly from it that I cringe at the thought of trying it again. Ohhhh, but that chocolate!!
Chris says
He's a pretty great friend, so he's worth it haha! Now Becca, you have to do me a HUGE favor. Try this. If you taste tofu, I'd award you the prize for most discerning palate of all time. I've served this to a few tofu-hating friends and not one of them tasted tofu at all. And I'm totally not a tofu fan either and love the stuff. It really just blends into the chocolate and leaves you with a beautiful textured mousse. Do it, do it, do it (that's me cheering for you... a little positive peer pressure hahaha).
Caroline says
I LOVE that you use silken tofu! This is gorgeous, by the way. I've done something similar and can't wait to try this. You are SO right...this is one of those vegan desserts that everyone will love. I made a pie with a chocolate filling made with silken tofu for my father in law who would never touch the stuff. I didn't tell him and he said it was the best chocolate pie he's ever had.
So nice to have found your site...it's lovely!
Chris says
Exactly Caroline! A few people have told me that they are scared of the tofu and I was like... listen, I totally understand your tofu-phobia (I'm not a huge tofu fan either), but this you can't taste it AT ALL. I'm all about eating dairy and totally love this recipe 🙂 Hahaha, I totally have to sneak foods to my dad as well... he's such a plain eater and I always have to hide stuff from him or else he won't even try it!
TeoBucatar says
Absolutely beautiful shot ! Love the color palette, light and the composition.
Chris says
Thanks so much!
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps says
Yesssss!!! I have two girlfriends that are completely dairy-free, so this would be perfect for them. Heck, I'm not dairy-free, but you've convinced that I have to try it. It looks SO decadent and deliicous!
Chris says
Hahaha I'm the same way. I love dairy but this I absolutely LOVE and don't miss the dairy at all!
Denisse | Le Petit Eats says
This looks absolutely irresistible, can't wait to try it! I've cut way back on my dairy intake this year, so recipes like this are right up my alley!
Chris says
Thanks so much Denisse, and thanks for stopping by!
Cece Leskova says
this looks great!
Chris says
Thanks Cece... and thanks for stopping by!
Kelly says
Oh my gosh, this looks beyond amazing, Chris! Love the silken tofu in here! Such a fantastic idea! My husband is lactose intolerant so I can't wait to make this for him since he is a big chocoholic too!
Chris says
Thanks so much Kelly! Let me know how your hubbie likes it!
Sarah says
YESSSSSSSSS! I need more vegan desserts, but also, ever since watching the dessert competition at the tofu festival in Japantown, I've been dying to put tofu in dessert. Can't wait to make this!!
Chris says
Tofu festival?! Sounds super cool. Yes, totally try this... I think you'll love it!
Sandra says
Oh I trust you on this one...peanut butter and chocolate. I'm also not good with handling too much diary and I love tofu so I'm convinced. Hope you have a wonderful Valentin's Day 🙂 Oh...and Chris...I'm just saying these words just as a suggestion from a woman who has been pregnant twice...Prenatal massage...most good places have them! 😉
Chris says
Hahaha Asheley actually just got a prenatal massage this past weekend and she said it's the most glorious thing she's ever experienced. For the first time in weeks she didn't have back pain and she actually got a full night's sleep!
Kevin | keviniscooking says
This looks and sounds so amazing. LOVE the tofu surprise ingredient. Genius!
Chris says
Thanks Kevin! #wolfpackeatstofu
Jess says
This looks amazing! PB + Chocolate is my favourite! I just love how creamy and rich the mousse is - really need to give the recipe a go ASAP! 😀
Chris says
Thanks Jess! Yea, Chocolate PB is pretty darn magical!
Cate says
I actually can not believe there is tofu in here! I am a tofu hater, but you have me convinced that I must try this mousse! It looks so silky smooth and rich and delicious!
Chris says
Hahaha, I know me too. I have never ever been a fan of tofu, and quite frankly, I'm not a fan of most of the trendy "healthy dessert" recipes out there right now (i.e. avocado mousse, chia pudding, etc). And when I made this, I was skeptical and thought it was going to be another let down. Nope, it's is sweet sweet victory. I've made it a bunch of times since then and it's amazing (even my other tofu hating friends agree haha). Totally try it when you get the chance!
Anna says
Holy wow..... now this is the best use of tofu I have ever seen. I don't like the stuff at all, but your recipe might just have won me over. Gorgeous pics, screen lickin good! 🙂
Chris says
I'm totally not a tofu fan either. I so promise that you can't taste it at all... it just makes it into the perfect mousse-like texture. So creamy!