Name: Vegan Black Forest Mousse Cups Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: German-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups (280g) fresh sweet cherries, pitted and halved; 1 tablespoon (20g) maple syrup, or to taste; 1 (200g) large avocado, weighed 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); ~2 cups dairy-free whipped cream, chilled; 1/4 cup (35g) fresh sweet cherries; Chocolate shavings or chocolate chips (optional)

If you’re craving a rich, indulgent dessert but want to keep things vegan and light, this Vegan Black Forest Mousse Cups Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Creamy avocado mousse meets luscious cherries and fluffy dairy-free whipped cream—all layered into the perfect no-bake treat you’ll want to make again and again.

The image shows a glass jar filled with a layered dessert starting with a smooth white cream at the bottom, followed by a thick dark brown chocolate layer with visible fresh cherry halves embedded inside. Above this is another layer of white cream topped with a thick, glossy dark chocolate layer. On top sits a dollop of white whipped cream sprinkled with small chocolate shavings and crowned by three deep red cherries with green stems. The jar is placed on a white marbled surface with a few loose cherries and chocolate pieces around it, and two more identical jars blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Black Forest Mousse Cups Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Vegan Black Forest Mousse Cups Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Vegan Black Forest Mousse Cups Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly blown away every time I whip up these Vegan Black Forest Mousse Cups. They capture all those classic Black Forest flavors we love—cherries, chocolate, and cream—but they come together so quickly without firing up the oven or fussing over complicated steps.

No-bake convenience: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
Decadent yet wholesome: Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats, making this feel indulgent without guilt.
Rich, layered flavors: Macerated cherries provide a juicy sweetness that perfectly balances the chocolate mousse.
Totally vegan and dairy-free: Enjoy a classic dessert with none of the dairy or refined sugars.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe uses simple, natural ingredients you can find at the store or farmers’ market. Fresh cherries are the star here, so try to get ripe, sweet ones for the best flavor and juiciness. The avocado in the mousse might surprise you, but trust me—it creates a silky texture that rivals any traditional chocolate mousse.

Flat lay of fresh sweet cherries halved and whole, a ripe large avocado cut in half showing its smooth green flesh and seed removed, a small white bowl of glossy melted dairy-free chocolate, a small white bowl of rich cocoa powder, a small white bowl of creamy dairy-free milk, a small white bowl of amber maple syrup, a small white bowl of fluffy chilled dairy-free whipped cream, a small white bowl of fine espresso powder, and a pinch of salt in a tiny white bowl arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Fresh sweet cherries: Juicy and naturally sweet, they’re essential for that authentic Black Forest taste.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that plays well with both the cherries and the chocolate mousse.
Dairy-free whipped cream: Adds that fluffy topping we all expect without using any dairy.
Large avocado: Provides a creamy base for the chocolate mousse while keeping it vegan and healthy.
Melted dairy-free chocolate or cocoa powder: The core chocolate flavor—choose what works best for you.
Dairy-free milk: Keeps the mousse smooth and blendable.
Dutch-process cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor with its rich, non-acidic taste.
Vanilla extract (optional): Enhances all the chocolate and cherry flavors.
Espresso powder (optional): A subtle boost that makes the chocolate even more intense.
Pinch of salt (optional): Balances the sweetness and elevates the chocolate notes.
Chocolate shavings or chips (optional): Perfect for a little extra texture and visual appeal on top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Vegan Black Forest Mousse Cups Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you prefer it a bit sweeter, richer, or packed with even more cherry goodness, you can customize it to suit your taste and occasion.

Variation: For an extra burst of tartness, I sometimes swap half the sweet cherries for fresh sour cherries—this adds a delightful contrast to the creamy mousse and sweetened cherries.
Nut-Free Option: If you’re avoiding nuts, stick with cocoa powder instead of melted dairy-free chocolate, and just reduce the dairy-free milk slightly to keep the mousse thick and luscious.
Seasonal Twist: In warmer months, try adding a splash of kirsch (cherry brandy) to the macerated cherries—this adds a subtle boozy note reminiscent of classic Black Forest cake flavors.
Chocolate Lovers: Top your cups with dark chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra chocolate punch every time.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Black Forest Mousse Cups Recipe

Three clear glass dessert cups stand on a brown wooden surface, each filled with five layers starting from the bottom: creamy white layer with swirls of bright red sauce, dark brown cake layer, white creamy layer with some red sauce, another dark brown cake layer, and topped with white cream dollops decorated with bright red cherries and small dark chocolate shavings. The background is softly blurred with a white marbled texture surface underneath the wooden table. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sweeten and Macerate the Cherries

Start by pitting and halving 2 cups of fresh sweet cherries—make sure they’re ripe and juicy for the best flavor. Toss them gently in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to macerate. This allows the cherries to release their natural juices, creating a light syrup that will soak into the mousse layers and add a delicious fruity brightness to every bite.

Step 2: Whip Up the Avocado Chocolate Mousse

Next, blend together your mousse ingredients: scoop out 1 large ripe avocado (about 200g without skin and seed), add ¼ cup (85g) of maple syrup, ¼ cup (45g) of melted dairy-free chocolate (or substitute with an extra ⅓ cup cocoa powder if preferred), 3 tablespoons (45g) of dairy-free milk, 2½ tablespoons (15g) of dutch-process cocoa powder, and if you like, a teaspoon each of vanilla extract and espresso powder plus a pinch of salt. Blend everything until it’s irresistibly smooth, creamy, and rich. The espresso powder is optional but trust me—it really brings out the chocolate flavor beautifully.

Step 3: Layer the Dessert Cups

Grab your serving glasses or dessert cups and start assembling! Spoon a layer of the juicy macerated cherries into the bottom of each cup. Then, add a generous scoop of the luscious avocado chocolate mousse on top. This layering creates a perfect balance of tart cherries and creamy chocolate that’s truly dreamy.

Step 4: Top with Dairy-Free Whipped Cream

Now, take your chilled dairy-free whipped cream and either spoon or pipe a fluffy, airy layer over the mousse. The whipped cream adds that classic Black Forest cake feel and a light texture contrast that makes each spoonful a treat.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

For the finishing touch, top each cup with about ¼ cup (35g) of fresh sweet cherries and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or chocolate chips if you have them on hand. Pop the assembled cups into the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes—this chilling step melds all the flavors, making the dessert even more delightful and refreshing to enjoy.

Top Tip

These tips will help you create the perfect Vegan Black Forest Mousse Cups Recipe every time, ensuring your dessert looks stunning and tastes divine with minimal fuss.

Choose Ripe Cherries: Using fresh, sweet cherries that are perfectly ripe makes a world of difference—sweet, juicy cherries elevate both the texture and flavor of the dessert.
Keep the Mousse Smooth: When blending the avocado chocolate mousse, make sure the avocado is very ripe and at room temperature to get that irresistibly creamy texture without any lumps.
Chill the Whipped Cream: Always use well-chilled dairy-free whipped cream and keep it refrigerated until serving to maintain its light, airy texture atop the mousse layers.
Don’t Skip the Chilling Time: Letting the cups chill for at least 10 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes the dessert even more refreshing.

How to Serve Vegan Black Forest Mousse Cups Recipe

A clear glass cup shows three layers of dessert: at the bottom is a thick white cream with a smooth texture, topped with a glossy deep red fruit sauce layer in the middle, and on top is a moist dark brown cake layer being pressed down by a man's fingers. The cup stands on a white marbled surface, with a white bowl containing red fruit pieces to the left and a white plate with more dark brown cake slices on the right. The man wears a dark apron with thin white stripes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To highlight the luscious layers in these cups, top them with a few fresh cherries and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or chips for a bit of texture and visual appeal. For a festive touch, try adding a few fresh mint leaves or a dusting of cocoa powder right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair these Vegan Black Forest Mousse Cups with light, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad or a fruit platter to balance out the richness. A cup of hot herbal tea or a chilled glass of sparkling water with lemon also complements the dessert wonderfully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover mousse cups covered in the refrigerator to keep the dairy-free whipped cream fresh and the mousse creamy. They will stay delicious for up to 24 hours—ideal if you want to prepare them the day before a special occasion.

Freezing

Because of the dairy-free whipped cream, freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture and cause separation. For best results, enjoy these dessert cups chilled but not frozen.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If they’ve been refrigerated, simply give them a quick stir if needed and serve straight from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cherries for this Vegan Black Forest Mousse Cups Recipe?

Yes! If you use frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them well before macerating. This will prevent excess liquid from making the dessert too watery.

What can I substitute for avocado if I don’t like it?

Avocado is key to the mousse’s creamy texture and healthy fats, but you could try silken tofu or blended soaked cashews as alternatives, though the flavor and texture will vary.

Is espresso powder necessary in the mousse?

No, espresso powder is optional but highly recommended because it intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.

How long does the Vegan Black Forest Mousse Cups Recipe take to prepare?

It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 10 minutes chilling time, making it a quick and easy no-bake dessert!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Vegan Black Forest Mousse Cups Recipe — it captures all the classic charm of Black Forest cake but in a refreshing, no-bake, and healthful package. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight treat or a festive gathering, it’s sure to delight and impress. Plus, the ease and quick prep mean you’ll want to whip these up again and again. Happy indulging!