Decadent Cherry and Chocolate Mousse Cups Recipe

No-Bake Cherry & Chocolate Mousse Cups Recipe: Sweet Bliss

Decadent desserts don’t get more delightful than these no-bake cherry and chocolate mousse cups that promise pure indulgence.

Sweet cherries dance with rich chocolate in a luxurious chilled treat that requires zero oven time.

This elegant dessert combines silky smooth textures with intense flavor profiles that will impress any crowd.

Layers of creamy chocolate mousse and bright cherry compote create a stunning visual and taste experience.

Cool and refreshing, these cups deliver a sophisticated twist on classic dessert combinations.

Each spoonful brings a perfect balance of fruity brightness and deep chocolate richness.

Let’s find out this simple yet stunning dessert that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 208 kcal

Servings: 13

No-Bake Cherry Chocolate Mousse Cups Ingredient List

For Base and Creamy Texture:
  • Cashews: Provide silky smoothness and rich, creamy foundation for mousse with their high fat content and neutral flavor.
  • Chia Seeds: Add subtle thickness and nutritional boost with omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
For Sweetness and Flavor:
  • Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener with deep, caramel-like undertones that complement chocolate and cherry.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity and adds warm, aromatic notes.
For Chocolate and Color Components:
  • Chocolate: Rich dark chocolate creates intense flavor and smooth texture.
  • Cacao Powder: Deepens chocolate flavor and provides antioxidant-rich intensity.
  • Cacao Butter: Helps create stable, glossy chocolate texture and adds rich mouthfeel.
  • Almond Milk: Provides liquid smoothness and light nutty undertone.
  • Water: Helps blend ingredients smoothly.
For Fruit Component:
  • Cherries: Fresh, ripe cherries bring natural sweetness, vibrant color, and tangy brightness to the dessert.

Tools for Assembling Cherry Chocolate Mousse Cups

  • Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for cooking cherries and releasing their juices.
  • Heatproof bowl: Essential for melting cacao butter using Bain Marie method.
  • Blender: Powerful tool for creating smooth, creamy mousse mixture.
  • Spatula: Helpful for scraping and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
  • Measuring cups: Precise measuring of liquid and dry ingredients.
  • Mini muffin cups or silicone molds: Perfect for shaping individual mousse servings.
  • Two forks: Great for dipping and handling mousse cups during chocolate coating.
  • Baking paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • Tray: Provides stable surface for setting chocolate-covered mousse cups.

How to Make No-Bake Cherry Chocolate Mousse Cups

  • Cherry Compote Base

Simmer fresh cherries in a pan until they break down and release their natural sweetness, creating a rich fruity foundation for the dessert.

  • Chia Seed Infusion

Sprinkle chia seeds into the warm cherry mixture, allowing them to absorb liquid and create a thick, luxurious jam-like consistency.

  • Creamy Cashew Mousse

Blend soaked cashews with smooth almond milk, introducing maple syrup and vanilla for a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.

  • Chocolate Coating Preparation

Gently warm cacao butter using a double boiler technique, carefully incorporating it into the mousse for a silky finish.

  • Molding and Freezing

Pour the luscious mousse into small silicone molds, layering the cherry compote throughout and allowing the entire creation to solidify in the freezer.

  • Chocolate Dipping Magic

Remove frozen cups and lovingly coat each one in rich, glossy melted chocolate, creating a decadent outer shell that crackles when bitten.

  • Final Presentation

Chill the completed dessert cups until the chocolate sets, transforming them into elegant, restaurant-worthy treats ready to impress and delight.

Tips to Elevate Your Mousse Cups

  • Elevate Your Dessert Game
  • Soak cashews overnight for ultra-creamy mousse that melts smoothly on your tongue, creating luxurious silky texture.
  • Allow cherry jam and mousse to reach room temperature before layering to prevent unwanted crystallization and ensure perfect blending.
  • Experiment with different silicone mold shapes like hearts, stars, or mini spheres to transform this dessert into stunning visual treats that wow guests.
  • Sprinkle crushed pistachios, dried rose petals, or sea salt flakes on top of chocolate-dipped mousse cups for unexpected taste complexity and elegant presentation.
  • These mousse cups can be prepared a week in advance, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining or unexpected sweet cravings with minimal last-minute preparation.

Serving Cherry Chocolate Mousse in Style

  • Dessert Party Delights: Serve these no-bake cherry chocolate mousse cups at your next gathering to wow guests with a sophisticated and elegant treat.
  • Romantic Date Night Finale: Present these decadent chocolate-dipped mousse cups as a stunning dessert for an intimate evening, creating a memorable sweet moment for you and your partner.
  • Weekend Brunch Showstopper: Arrange these mini desserts on a beautiful platter with fresh cherries and mint leaves as a gorgeous centerpiece that doubles as a delectable conversation starter during weekend brunches or afternoon tea parties.
  • Gifting Gourmet Treats: Package these individual mousse cups in clear gift boxes tied with a ribbon for a homemade gourmet gift that looks professionally crafted and tastes absolutely delicious.

Storage Solutions for No-Bake Mousse Cups

  • Fridge-Ready Strategy: Wrap each mousse cup individually in wax paper or plastic wrap to prevent moisture absorption and maintain texture integrity. This method keeps flavors fresh and prevents unwanted freezer burn.
  • Cool Storage Tricks: Place chocolate-dipped mousse cups in a single layer inside an airtight glass container, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve delicate chocolate coating.
  • Freezer Survival Guide: When freezing, stack mousse cups carefully with protective barriers between layers. Label containers with preparation date to track maximum storage time of one month, ensuring optimal taste and quality.
  • Quick Thawing Technique: Remove frozen mousse cups from freezer 15-20 minutes before serving, allowing them to soften slightly at room temperature. This gentle thawing process maintains their creamy texture and prevents potential ice crystal formation.
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Decadent Cherry and Chocolate Mousse Cups Recipe

Decadent Cherry and Chocolate Mousse Cups Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Rich chocolate mousse paired with tangy cherry compote creates a delightful dessert that requires no oven. Elegant layers promise a quick, luxurious treat for chocolate enthusiasts seeking a simple yet impressive sweet indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cashews (soaked for 4 hours)
  • 1 heaping cup cherries (stems and stones removed)
  • 120 g (4.2 oz) chocolate
  • 35 g (¼ cup) cacao butter buttons
  • 3 tbsps maple syrup
  • ¼ cup almond milk
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsps cacao powder
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Cherry Preparation: Simmer cherries in water over medium heat until softened and juice-rich, then incorporate chia seeds and cook while stirring intermittently until thickened. Remove from heat and cool completely.
  2. Mousse Base Creation: Melt cacao butter using double boiler technique, then set aside to cool. Blend cashews, almond milk, maple syrup, cacao powder, and vanilla extract until smooth, gradually incorporating cooled cacao butter on low speed.
  3. Molding and Freezing: Evenly distribute mousse mixture into mini muffin cups or silicone molds. Top each cup with prepared cherry jam, then freeze for minimum 4 hours until completely solidified.
  4. Chocolate Coating: Melt additional chocolate using double boiler method. Remove frozen mousse cups from molds and carefully dip each into melted chocolate using two forks for even coverage.
  5. Finishing and Storage: Place chocolate-coated cups on parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for one hour to set completely. Store in airtight container within refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze for 30 days maximum.

Notes

  • Freeze Strategically: Allow minimum 4 hours freezing time to ensure perfect mousse texture and easier chocolate coating process.
  • Blending Technique: Use low-speed blending when adding cacao butter to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Temperature Control: Cool cherry jam and cacao butter to room temperature before incorporating to prevent ingredient breakdown.
  • Storage Wisdom: Refrigerate up to 7 days or freeze up to 30 days, maintaining optimal flavor and texture by using airtight container.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 208
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 3 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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