Hi everyone! This is Tieghan again, coming to you from Half Baked Harvest. I’m thrilled to be back on The Chriselle Factor today, bringing you a nourishing Valentine’s Day sweet. If you haven’t seen my earlier posts, check them out here and here!
If any month is made for celebrating chocolate, it’s February. I adore any reason to whip up indulgent treats and treat myself to a bouquet of fresh roses. Like many of you, I’m still committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle in 2018, which means keeping my meals mostly clean and nutritious. The great news is that you can still enjoy desserts while sticking to a wellness plan. That’s where this chocolate chia mousse comes in.
This mousse is loaded with wholesome ingredients that could easily be called a superfood… and in my opinion, it absolutely is.
Chia seeds are remarkable little seeds that swell and turn soft and pudding-like when mixed with liquid. They can even substitute for eggs in many recipes. Truly one of the most fascinating ingredients out there. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, iron, and calcium. A single serving provides 5.6 grams of protein, making this mousse a great source of vegan protein.
Another superfood star today is cacao, the purest, rawest form of chocolate, packed with antioxidants. Cacao also delivers serotonin to the body, helping to reduce stress and elevate mood by fostering feelings of happiness, relaxation, and well-being. Perfect for those of us single ladies who might need a little emotional lift on Valentine’s Day!
And one of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to put together. Just combine everything, let the chia seeds soak, blend, chill, and enjoy. It does require some advance planning because of the chilling time, so prepare ahead when making this chocolate mousse.
Vegan Chocolate Chia Mousse
Preparation: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes + 4 hours chilling | Serves: 6
3/4 cup chia seeds 2 1/4 cups nut milk 1/2 cup cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder) 1/3 cup pure maple syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt dried roses and cacao nibs for garnish (optional)
Coconut Cream
1 (14-ounce) can coconut cream, chilled 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a bowl, whisk together the chia seeds, milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
Transfer the chia mixture to a blender and blend on high until smooth and creamy. Stop to scrape down the sides once or twice to ensure everything is incorporated. Taste and add more maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter mousse. Divide the mousse among 6 serving bowls. Cover and chill for another 2 hours or overnight.
To prepare the coconut cream, turn the can upside down and pour off the coconut water. Scoop out the solid cream into a mixing bowl, then add maple syrup and vanilla. Use an electric mixer to whip until combined.
Serve the mousse topped with coconut cream and, if desired, dried roses and cacao nibs.
For coconut cream hearts, line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Spread the coconut cream evenly in the pan. Freeze for 20–30 minutes. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts.
And there you have it! A completely guilt-free, vegan chocolate mousse ready just in time for Valentine’s Day! Will you be making this for your sweetheart? Drop a comment below and have a wonderful weekend!
x Half Baked Harvest
