Are healthy desserts really possible? That are actually dare I say…amazing?? The answer, as you will soon see after you try this recipe, is an emphatic YES!
This recipe is an adaptation from the classic recipe from The Beauty Detox Solution. The original one contained avocado as its fat source (which all mousse’s and fudges need a good dosage of!), while here the fat source is coconut milk.
Your body will feel happier, healthier, lighter, and best of all, satisfied when we give it happy beauty foods! My 3-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse Recipe is just the thing to help you avoid those over-processed, sugary, and pasteurized dairy desserts that are all around. They are not- I repeat not- your only option! Try this chocolatey dessert instead. And as busy as we all are, we can all still make a 3- ingredient, non-bake dessert, right?!
The Beauty-Power of Raw Chocolate: Cacao Powder
Cravings
Why do we have cravings for chocolatey sweets anyway? I definitely get into this topic of cravings in my Beauty Detox Power book where I give specific tips, tools and root causes for each type of craving, and understanding why it’s different to crave ice cream versus French fries. If you want to feel empowered and get back control over your diet and life, then check it out sometime.
Cravings largely stem from psychological reasons, and different foods satisfy different emotional and mental needs.
It’s interesting to note that fat can actually provide a grounding, stabilizing effect in your stomach (which is comforting when outer things you can’t control are whirling out of control), versus something really sweet, which instantly helps shift your mood and makes you feel temporarily euphoric.
Cacao
But back to the chocolate part! You will be happy to know that cacao promotes feelings of love and joy and opens up the energy of the heart chakra. It contains the neurotransmitter anandamide known as the “bliss chemical.” In yoga, ananda means bliss.
Even better, cacao contains anandamide inhibitors—keeping the compound from breaking down quickly and the feeling of cacao anadamide lasting longer—so we feel great longer!
Cacao beans are the base of all chocolate, a well-known natural aphrodisiac that contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which stimulates the same hormone your body releases during, shall we say, more intimate times! ;)
This powerful superfood (that originated in the foothills of Andes), can improve your memory, increase your bliss, shed fat, boost immunity, and create loads of energy. The Incas considered it the drink of gods, an association that gave rise to the scientific name of the cocoa tree, Theobroma cacao, from the Greek words theo (god) and broma (drink).
Raw cacao contains nearly four times the antioxidant content of regular processed dark chocolate, 20 times more than blueberries!
Cacao has plenty of flavor so you don’t need to add much more to this dessert (except for a date or two to sweeten it up!). And because I love chocolate so much, I frequently have to remind myself that it should be used as an occasional treat. This is because cacao contains the stimulants of caffeine and has theobromine, even when labeled as “raw” (so avoid binging on this!). Overstimulation can tax our nervous system, which can make us feel worn out and stressed. The opposite of vibrant! So please do eat and enjoy in moderation.
Cacao Vs Cocoa Reminder
Some of you may be tempted to use cocoa powder (since it’s cheaper), rather than cacao powder, but I say, it’s well worth getting the good stuff! Both powders come from the same original source—the Theobroma cacao tree—how it’s processed is what makes the difference. I suggest staying away from cocoa, since it is processed and often contains added sugar or other sweeteners.
Cacao is the raw form of the cacao bean, which is less processed—having more powerful antioxidant effects and health benefits. For instance, 100 grams of raw cacao powder has an ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of 95,500, then dropping to 62,100 for cacao nibs, and 26,000 for cocoa powder. Pretty cool, huh?!
You may choose to purchase cacao at any health food store, or find some great online sites where you can buy it raw, organic and in bulk (which is my preference).
What Are The Other Two Ingredients?
Coconut Nectar
First off, we’re using coconut nectar for a bit of sweetness. Why? Because it’s a naturally sweet and nutrient-packed “sap” that exudes from the coconut blossoms when the actual coconut tree is tapped.
Coconut nectar is a rare sweetener that actually contains benefits- it contains 17 amino acids, vitamin C, broad-spectrum vitamin B, minerals and is known for having nearly neutral pH.
As always, we want to be sure we’re choosing our sugars carefully and you can rest at ease with Coconut Secret. This is one brand that ensures their coconut nectar is made in small batches- being low glycemic, enzymatically alive and minimally evaporated to remove excess moisture- keeping it at it’s purest and most raw form.
Coconut Milk
And last but not least, we include good ole full fat coconut milk (See Note). A gift straight from tropical paradise! I have had far beyond my fair share of coconuts over the years- from eating them all day when I was traveling in the Philippines, to drinking 4+ a day in Puerto Rico, and buying a box of them every week in Chinatown. I am a true advocate for coconuts and all things coconut!
The young flesh, coconut water, and the harder mature meat made into coconut shreds are all from the same source and can create some amazing coconut milk that we’re including in our recipe today. We’re using full fat since this is what will keep it creamy and firm, just like ‘other’ mouse we may have been use to.
Some key nutrients contained in coconut are lauric acid, iron, potassium, magnesium and calcium. The potassium is an electrolyte that helps to facilitate cellular cleansing and is about twice as concentrated in coconut water, as in a banana.
Why BPA-free?
Because BPA is a chemical compound that mimics hormones and disrupts the endocrine system in the human body. It’s used in food packaging, but can leech into the foods the packaging contains (another reason why I love the majority of our food intake to come from a whole plant-based diet).
BPA exposure can contribute to a host of health issues and this is exactly what we’re trying to avoid in the beauty detox community. I recommend trying to source your coconut milk from cans or cartons that are BPA-free.
I do realize it can be difficult to find a brand that you can trust and if you find yourself real industrious and love the kitchen, then try making some homemade coconut milk. There are many recipes out there that typically only use two ingredients, coconut flakes and boiling water!
If you have limited time and are concerned about BPA, do some thorough research and make a health conscious choice based on your wants and needs. I’ve read that Native Forest Organic Classic Coconut Milk is a brand you can trust, but again, it’s up to your personal preference. You can order online if your local markets are lacking. Progress not perfection. Just do the best you can in making healthy food choices Beauties!
I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to dive into this heavenly bowl of chocolate!
Prep all your ingredients.
Once the cans have been refrigerated overnight, open it, scoop out the fatty white part, and place in a mixing bowl. Discard the liquid portion. Add coconut nectar and use a hand beater to whip into whipped “cream”. Reserve ¼ cup of this mixture to top the mousse.
Add cacao powder slowly while whipping.
Whip until stiff (is the beautiful looking or what?! My own mouth is salivating as I write this caption :) ).
Spoon mixture into serving bowls and garnish with whipped “cream”, dark chocolate shavings (or dairy free mini chocolate chips) and a mint leaf. Enjoy!
How to Make this 3-ingredient Chocolate Mousse…
3-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups of full fat coconut milk refrigerated overnight
- • 1-2 tablespoons cacao powder to taste
- • 2 tablespoons coconut nectar
- Garnish optional: dairy free chocolate bar shavings, dairy free mini chocolate chips, coconut flakes, mint leaves
Instructions
- Once the cans have been refrigerated overnight, open it, scoop out the fatty white part, and place in a mixing bowl. Discard the liquid portion.
- Add coconut nectar and use a hand beater to whip into whipped “cream”. Reserve ¼ cup of this mixture to top the mousse.
- Add cacao powder slowly while whipping and whip until stiff.
- Spoon mixture into serving bowls and garnish with whipped “cream”, dairy free chocolate shavings (or dairy free mini chocolate chips) and a mint leaf.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was on Instagram!
Note: Remember that this is a beauty treat and because we are using full fat coconut milk, we want to adjust the rest of our day’s healthy fat intake when we do decide to indulge in this yummy dessert.
Don’t forget to add this to your Pinterest Snack & Desserts board!
All my love,
Kimberly
Check out this amazing rosemary patch I am walking through around my neighborhood!!
Thanks so much for this recipe! And oh my goodness, you and lil’ Bub are the absolute cutest!!! The rosemary patch sounds lovely!
Lots of love to you Laura! ;)
Hi Kimberly,
I was wondering when is best to have the desserts? as a after dinner snack before bed?
Hi Tamara, and thanks for your great question. I try not to eat anything too close to bedtime (completing any meals at least 3 hours before bed). Depending on what I’ve eaten for dinner, I decide what I think I might want to have based on food-combining and it not interrupting my digestion. Usually a piece of dark chocolate, or this mousse, but you also want to think about if the cacao will keep you up at night. Try different desserts and listen to your body first and foremost, so that you’re aiding your body for optimum digestion and assimilation. In the end, progress not perfection – at least you’re choosing and eating healthy foods – and then next time you’ll know better what time you should eat them. Sending you lots of love and support! ;)
Can this be my Aden on the morning and enjoyed later in the day? Or, does it not keep well if refrigerated?
You can definitely make it in the morning and eat it later in the day. I would consume it within 1-2 days for the freshest flavor. Enjoy! ;)
This was amazing. With the weather warming up, it is a fantastic, light, satisfying snack. I’ve made a few batches this week and am sharing with friends! You won’t miss the dairy version at all after you try this.
Love this recipe too Michelle…thanks so much for giving it a try and sending you lots of love! ;)