Dairy-Free Chocolate Mousse with Coconut

Name: Dairy-Free Chocolate Mousse with Coconut
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips; 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk, chilled overnight; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Author: Tessa

Published: September 17, 2025

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You know that moment when you’re craving something rich and chocolatey, but dairy just doesn’t agree with you? I’ve been there more times than I can count. That’s why I fell in love with this dairy-free chocolate mousse recipe years ago – it’s become my go-to dessert when I want something indulgent but still kind to my body. What makes it special? Just a handful of simple ingredients (good dark chocolate and that magical can of coconut milk in your pantry) transform into the creamiest, dreamiest mousse you’ve ever tasted. Trust me, after one bite of this velvety chocolate goodness, you won’t miss the dairy one bit. I’ve made this for everything from fancy dinner parties to “I need chocolate now” emergencies, and it never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Dairy-Free Chocolate Mousse Recipe

This isn’t just any chocolate mousse – it’s the kind of dessert that makes you do a happy dance with every spoonful. Here’s why it’s become my absolute favorite:

Creamy dreamy texture: That coconut cream whips up so fluffy, you won’t believe it’s dairy-free
Quick & easy: Just 10 minutes of active prep – the fridge does most of the work
No weird ingredients: Simple pantry staples create magic
Perfect for everyone: Naturally vegan, and no one will guess it’s dairy-free
Chocolate bliss: Rich, decadent flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth

I’ve served this to die-hard dairy lovers who swore they’d never like a “fake” dessert – now they beg me for the recipe!

Dairy-Free Chocolate Mousse Recipe - detail 1

Ingredients for Dairy-Free Chocolate Mousse

Gather these simple ingredients – I promise you probably have most in your pantry already! The magic happens when these five humble components come together:

1 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips – Splurge on the good stuff here, it makes all the difference (I’m obsessed with Enjoy Life brand)
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk, chilled overnight – This is non-negotiable friends, light coconut milk just won’t whip up right
2 tbsp maple syrup – Just enough to sweeten without overpowering the chocolate
1 tsp vanilla extract – My secret weapon for depth of flavor
Pinch of salt – Trust me, this tiny bit makes the chocolate taste even richer

See? Nothing fancy – just real ingredients that create something extraordinary. Now let’s make some magic!

How to Make Dairy-Free Chocolate Mousse

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making this heavenly mousse! I’ve made this recipe countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to ensure perfect results every time. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be scooping into chocolate bliss before you know it.

Melting the Chocolate

First things first – that chocolate needs to melt! I usually use a double boiler (just a heatproof bowl over simmering water), but the microwave works too in 30-second bursts. Whatever method you choose, stir constantly and watch it like a hawk – burnt chocolate is tragic! Let it cool slightly before mixing so it doesn’t melt our lovely coconut cream.

Whipping the Coconut Cream

Here’s where the magic happens! Scoop out just the thick, creamy part from your chilled can (save the liquid for smoothies). Whip it with a hand mixer until soft peaks form – about 2-3 minutes should do it. The first time I saw coconut cream whip up like dairy cream, I nearly did a backflip!

Combining the Ingredients

Now for the gentle dance – fold that gorgeous melted chocolate into your fluffy coconut cream. Add the maple syrup, vanilla, and that all-important pinch of salt. Go slow and gentle with your spatula to keep all that airiness we worked so hard for. The mixture should look like chocolate clouds when you’re done!

Chilling the Mousse

Patience, my friend! Spoon the mousse into cups and pop them in the fridge for at least 2 hours. I know it’s tempting, but don’t peek! The wait is worth it – the texture gets even more incredible as it chills. Overnight is even better if you can resist!

Dairy-Free Chocolate Mousse Recipe - detail 2

Tips for the Perfect Dairy-Free Chocolate Mousse

After making this mousse more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks that take it from good to “OMG I need the recipe!” good:

Chocolate matters: Splurge on high-quality dairy-free chocolate – the better the chocolate, the richer the flavor (I’ll never skimp on this!)
Chill that can: That coconut milk needs a full 24 hours in the fridge – no shortcuts or you’ll get soup instead of mousse
Drain carefully: Pour off every last drop of coconut water – even a little can ruin the texture
Whip it good: Beat that coconut cream until it’s fluffy like whipped cream – underwhipped means dense mousse
Be patient: Let it chill the full 2 hours – the texture transforms from good to heavenly

Follow these tips and you’ll have restaurant-worthy mousse that just happens to be dairy-free!

Dairy-Free Chocolate Mousse Variations

While I adore the classic version, sometimes I love playing around with fun twists! Here are my favorite ways to jazz up this mousse when I’m feeling creative:

Orange bliss: Add 1 tsp orange zest to the mix – the citrus makes the chocolate sing
Mocha magic: Stir in 1 tsp espresso powder for a coffee lover’s dream
Berry delight: Top with fresh raspberry compote – the tartness cuts through the richness perfectly
Minty fresh: Swap vanilla for peppermint extract during the holidays
Nutty goodness: Sprinkle crushed toasted hazelnuts on top for crunch

The best part? You can’t mess it up – have fun making it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Dairy-Free Chocolate Mousse

Oh, let me tell you how I love to dress up this mousse for maximum wow factor! Fresh berries are my go-to – their juiciness cuts through the richness perfectly. For crunch, I’ll sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or crushed nuts on top. Sometimes I’ll pipe on extra dairy-free whipped cream (because why not?) and shave some extra chocolate over everything. Fancy glass cups make it dinner party ready, but honestly? I’ve eaten it straight from the mixing bowl with a spoon – no judgment here!

Storing and Reheating Dairy-Free Chocolate Mousse

Here’s the good news – this mousse keeps beautifully! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, and it’ll stay dreamy in the fridge for 3-5 days (if it lasts that long!). I don’t recommend freezing though – the texture gets a bit grainy when thawed. If you must freeze, give it a good stir after defrosting to bring back some creaminess. Pro tip: The flavors actually deepen after a day in the fridge, so leftovers might just taste even better!

Dairy-Free Chocolate Mousse FAQ

Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions about this recipe – let me answer the ones that pop up most often!

Can I use almond milk instead of coconut milk?
Oh honey, I wish! Unfortunately, almond milk just doesn’t have the fat content to whip up properly. Trust me, I’ve tried every dairy-free alternative out there, and that full-fat coconut cream is the only one that gives us that dreamy texture we want. Save the almond milk for your smoothies!

How long does this mousse keep in the fridge?
It stays perfect for 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container. Funny story – I once “hid” a batch in the back of my fridge (from myself!), and it was still amazing on day 5. The flavor actually gets richer after a day or two!

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so no worries there. I’ve served this to friends with celiac disease many times – everyone gets to enjoy this chocolatey goodness.

Can I make this sugar-free?
You can try swapping the maple syrup for your favorite sugar-free sweetener, but the texture might change slightly. I’ve had best results with liquid monk fruit sweetener. Just remember – the chocolate chips will still have some sugar unless you use 100% unsweetened.

Nutritional Information

Just so you know what you’re enjoying (because let’s be real – we’re enjoying every spoonful!), here’s the scoop on this dairy-free delight. These numbers are estimates that can vary based on your specific ingredients, but per 1/2 cup serving you’re looking at about:

280 calories
22g fat (mostly the good kind from coconut!)
24g carbs
2g protein

Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent! Remember, since we’re using natural ingredients like coconut and dark chocolate, these numbers reflect real, wholesome goodness – not a bunch of processed junk. Now go enjoy that mousse guilt-free!

I’d love to hear how your mousse turns out! Did it satisfy your chocolate craving? Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram – nothing makes me happier than seeing your creamy creations!