Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor enhancer that complements chocolate and adds depth.
Cacao Butter: Provides silky texture and helps mousse set properly.
Coating and Finishing Ingredients:
Chocolate: Smooth, rich coating that adds extra decadence to mousse cups.
Baking Paper: Helpful surface for setting and preventing sticking during chocolate dipping process.
How to Make No-Bake Cherry and Chocolate Mousse Cups
Step 1: Prepare Cherry Jam
Add cherries and water to a saucepan
Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until cherries soften and release juice
Stir in chia seeds
Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally
Remove from heat and let cool completely
Step 2: Melt Cacao Butter
Use Bain Marie method to melt cacao butter in a heatproof bowl
Set aside to cool down
Step 3: Create Mousse Base
Ingredients for blending:
Soaked cashews
Almond milk
Maple syrup
Cacao powder
Vanilla extract
Blend ingredients until smooth
Gradually add cooled cacao butter while blending on low speed
Mix until fully incorporated
Step 4: Fill Mousse Cups
Pour mousse mixture evenly into 12 mini muffin cups or silicone molds
Spoon cherry jam generously on top of each mousse cup
Step 5: Freeze Mousse Cups
Place in freezer for at least 4 hours to firm up completely
Step 6: Prepare Chocolate Coating
Line a tray with baking paper
Melt chocolate using Bain Marie method
Step 7: Dip Mousse Cups
Remove frozen mousse cups from molds carefully
Use two forks to dip each cup into melted chocolate
Allow excess chocolate to drip off
Place on prepared tray
Step 8: Set and Store
Refrigerate dipped mousse cups for 1 hour to set
Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week
Alternatively, freeze for up to 1 month
Enjoy your delicious No-Bake Cherry and Chocolate Mousse Cups!
Tips for Perfect No-Bake Cherry and Chocolate Mousse Cups
Soak Cashews Properly: Ensure cashews are fully softened by soaking them overnight for the smoothest, creamiest mousse texture possible.
Control Melting Temperature: Use low, gentle heat when melting cacao butter to prevent burning and maintain its delicate flavor profile.
Create Perfect Consistency: Blend mousse mixture thoroughly, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides, guaranteeing a silky-smooth final result.
Freeze Strategically: Allow sufficient freezing time to help mousse cups set completely, making chocolate dipping and handling much easier.
Dip with Precision: Use two forks when coating in chocolate to ensure even coverage and minimal mess during the dipping process.
Storing and Reheating No-Bake Cherry and Chocolate Mousse Cups
Refrigeration: Transfer mousse cups to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. These delicate treats will maintain their creamy texture and delicious flavor for up to 7 days when stored in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
Freezing: Wrap each mousse cup individually in plastic wrap, then place them inside a freezer-safe container. Frozen desserts can be preserved perfectly for one month, allowing you to enjoy these delectable treats anytime a sweet craving strikes. Thaw individual cups in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving to restore their original smooth consistency.
Serving: Remove mousse cups from storage at least 15-20 minutes before enjoying, letting them sit at room temperature.
Best Pairings for No-Bake Cherry and Chocolate Mousse Cups
Pair with Robust Red Wine: Match these decadent chocolate cherry mousse cups with a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which beautifully complements the rich chocolate and tangy cherry flavors.
Serve with Creamy Vanilla Latte: The smooth, sweet coffee drink balances the intense chocolate mousse, creating a luxurious dessert experience that highlights the dessert's complex taste profile.
Accompany with Almond Biscotti: Crisp almond cookies provide a delightful textural contrast to the silky mousse, while their nutty undertones enhance the dessert's deeper chocolate notes.
Refresh with Sparkling Elderflower Mocktail: A light, floral non-alcoholic drink cuts through the richness of the mousse, offering a refreshing palate cleanser between bites and adding an elegant touch to the dessert presentation.
Flavor Variations of No-Bake Cherry and Chocolate Mousse Cups
Tropical Fruit Fusion: Swap cherries with mango or passionfruit for a vibrant, tropical-inspired mousse cup that bursts with exotic flavors.
Nutty Chocolate Adventure: Replace cashews with almond butter and add crushed pistachios on top for a rich, crunchy texture that elevates the dessert's complexity.
Spiced Winter Comfort: Incorporate warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom into the mousse base, creating a cozy, aromatic treat perfect for cold evenings.
Berry Blast Option: Mix different berries like raspberries and blueberries into the jam layer for a colorful, tangy alternative that adds more depth to the original recipe.
Why You’ll Love No-Bake Cherry and Chocolate Mousse Cups
Craft Decadent Dessert: Create luxurious mini mousse cups that combine rich chocolate and sweet cherries without needing an oven, perfect for satisfying gourmet dessert cravings.
Enjoy Healthy Indulgence: Packed with nutritious ingredients like cashews, chia seeds, and cacao powder, these treats deliver a guilt-free chocolate experience with high protein and fiber content.
Master No-Bake Technique: Learn an impressive dessert-making method that requires minimal cooking skills, uses simple kitchen tools like a blender and silicone molds, and provides a sophisticated result that looks professionally prepared.
Silky chocolate mousse meets luscious cherry compote in these elegant No-Bake Cherry and Chocolate Mousse Cups. Cool layers of creamy indulgence and fruity richness promise a delightful dessert experience you’ll savor with pure pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
1 cup cashews (soaked for 4 hours)
1 heaping cup cherries (stems and stones removed)
120 grams (4.2 ounces) chocolate
¼ cup (35 grams) cacao butter buttons
Sweeteners and Liquid Ingredients:
3 tablespoons maple syrup
¼ cup almond milk
1 tablespoon water
Flavor Enhancers and Thickeners:
2 tablespoons cacao powder
1 teaspoon chia seeds
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Simmer fresh cherries with water in a saucepan over medium heat (around 3-5 minutes) until the fruits soften and release their natural juices.
Incorporate chia seeds into the cherry mixture, continuing to cook for an additional 5 minutes while stirring intermittently to prevent sticking.
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cherry jam to cool completely to room temperature.
Utilize the double boiler technique to gently melt cacao butter in a heat-resistant bowl, then set aside to cool at ambient temperature.
Transfer soaked cashews, unsweetened almond milk, pure maple syrup, raw cacao powder, and organic vanilla extract into a high-powered blender.
Blend the mixture until achieving a silky smooth consistency, gradually introducing the cooled cacao butter while blending on low speed.
Distribute the mousse mixture evenly across 12 mini muffin cups or flexible silicone molds, ensuring consistent portioning.
Generously dollop the prepared cherry jam atop each mousse-filled cup, then transfer to the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours to solidify completely.
Prepare a secondary batch of melted chocolate using the double boiler method, and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Extract the frozen mousse cups carefully from their molds, then delicately dip each one into the melted chocolate using two forks to ensure even coating and minimal dripping.
Position the chocolate-coated mousse cups on the prepared parchment-lined tray, then refrigerate for approximately one hour to allow complete setting.
Store the finished dessert cups in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or freeze for extended preservation up to 30 days.
Notes
Smooth out this decadent dessert by preparing ingredients at room temperature for seamless blending.
Chill muffin molds beforehand to help mousse set faster and release more easily.
Soak cashews overnight for an incredibly creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Use fresh, ripe cherries when possible to enhance natural sweetness and deep flavor profile.
Select high-quality cacao powder and butter for rich, intense chocolate undertones that elevate the entire dessert experience.
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.
Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts.
Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.
Mary Ellen
Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Savannah Technical College
Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts.
Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.