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Chocolate Espresso Mousse

By Liz DellaCroce 51 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Cool, creamy and full of rich chocolate flavor, you won’t miss the added fat and calories in this lightened up chocolate mousse recipe. Perfect for Valentine’s Day but healthy enough to eat any day of the year.
When it comes to dessert, I almost always gravitate towards chocolate. In fact, my daily splurge is usually a square or two (or three) of high quality, dark chocolate. Despite the name of this blog, I’m actually not a huge fan of lemony desserts and I rarely make crisps, cobblers or crumbles unless I have a bunch of fruit to use up after apple picking or a day at the blueberry patch.

That being said, when my friends at Circulon challenged me to create a healthy and delicious dessert for Valentine’s Day, I knew immediately that I was going to create a lighter version of the classic chocolate mousse. In fact, just recently I splurged and made Bobby Flay’s Dark Chocolate Mousse for New Year’s Eve. While completely delicious and decadent, my body is not used to such rich, heavy sweets so I was eager to make a healthier version.

My chocolate espresso mousse is a nod to my mother who always adds espresso powder to chocolate desserts. Every year on our birthdays she bakes a giant yellow duck cake topped with a chocolate espresso frosting. It is to die for and coffee simply heightens the natural chocolate flavors.

This version also happens to be naturally gluten free and can easily be made dairy free by using Enjoy Life semi-sweet chocolate chips.

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Chocolate Espresso Mousse

Cool, creamy and full of rich chocolate flavor, you won’t miss the added fat and calories in this lightened up chocolate mousse recipe. Perfect for Valentine’s Day but healthy enough to eat any day of the year.
4.25 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: espresso, mousse
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 318kcal
Author: Liz DellaCroce

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce package silken tofu 12.3
  • 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
  • 1 pinch pinch sea salt
  • chocolate shavings optional garnish

Instructions

  • Remove the silken tofu from the package and drain out any excess liquid. Place in a food processor and pulse until smooth.
  • Melt the chocolate chips over a double boiler by simply heating them in a heat-proof bowl placed on top of a small pan with simmering hot water. Stir continuously with a rubber spatula until chocolate chips have completely melted being careful not to let the chocolate burn. Remove bowl of melted chocolate from the heat.
  • Stir the vanilla extract, espresso powder and salt into the melted chocolate until combined. Add chocolate mixture to the tofu in the food processor and pulse until smooth and creamy.
  • Divide chocolate mousse between two glasses or serving bowls and refrigerate until chilled - 2 hours or overnight. Garnish with chocolate shavings.
Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Espresso Mousse
Amount Per Serving
Calories 318 Calories from Fat 156
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 17.3g 27%
Saturated Fat 7.1g 36%
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.2g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 160mg 7%
Total Carbohydrates 29.6g 10%
Dietary Fiber 2.1g 8%
Sugars 23.8g
Protein 11.3g 23%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @thelemonbowl

 

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Filed Under: 5 Ingredients or less, Dessert, Gluten Free, Recipes Tagged With: chocolate

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pearl F.

    February 6, 2015 at 12:19 am

    So this is basically chocolate silken tofu?

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 11, 2015 at 3:55 pm

      Exactly!

      Reply
  2. ChrisP

    June 11, 2014 at 9:57 pm


    I’m trying to add up the carbs of the ingredients, and I only get about 13 for the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Everything else is negligible. Yet the nutrition facts gives ~30g carbs per serving (2 servings in recipe)?
    Anybody?

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      June 17, 2014 at 8:47 am

      Hi Chris- There are 47.5 total grams of carbs from the chocolate chips in this recipe alone so when you add in the other carbs and divide by two you get around 30. Let me know if that helps explain!

      Reply
  3. Paula – bell’alimento

    February 14, 2014 at 9:48 pm

    This is right up my alley! I love that it is on the lighter side!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 15, 2014 at 4:21 pm

      Thanks Paula! Super creamy and good!

      Reply
  4. Kate

    February 13, 2014 at 5:10 pm

    Just made this! Yummy!!! I swapped lite silken tofu and only used 2 Tbsp of chocolate chips. That made the whole recipe 300 calories, so each serving is only 150!! I also added splenda because I have a sweet tooth ;-)

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 13, 2014 at 8:41 pm

      That sounds PERFECT! So glad you enjoyed and made it your own!

      Reply
  5. Lorali

    February 12, 2014 at 7:16 pm


    What brand of espresso powder do you get? I use espresso made from espresso beans.

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 12, 2014 at 9:41 pm

      It’s *instant* espresso powder but instant coffee works too. Cheap brand is perfect for this!

      Reply
  6. Gaby

    February 12, 2014 at 5:14 pm

    Chocolate and espresso are one of my very favorite combos and this mousse sounds super amazing and perfect for Valentine’s Day!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 12, 2014 at 9:41 pm

      Thanks Gaby!

      Reply
  7. Sophia @ NY Foodgasm

    February 12, 2014 at 1:33 pm


    I hesitate for the tofu, but I am thinking it would lend itself well to any flavor and just add texture, So I may give this a shot.

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 12, 2014 at 9:42 pm

      Trust me – my husband would never eat tofu but he now requests this mousse!! I hope you try it!

      Reply
  8. Katelyn

    February 12, 2014 at 12:01 am

    Do you know if this would work if you added kahlua to it?

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 12, 2014 at 9:43 pm

      I haven’t tried it with kahlua but it *should* work when you add the vanilla.

      Reply
  9. ashley M. | Our Full Table

    February 11, 2014 at 10:43 pm

    Does the tofu effect the texture at all? This sounds delicious but I am not a tofu fan. I just cannot get into it. But this looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 12, 2014 at 9:43 pm

      The tofu becomes creamy and smooth just like yogurt or pudding. My husband would NEVER know it was tofu!!

      Reply
  10. Nutmeg Nanny

    February 11, 2014 at 5:15 pm

    I am swooning over this! Looks gorgeous :) what a perfect recipe!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 12, 2014 at 9:43 pm

      Thanks friend!

      Reply
  11. Alyssa (Everyday Maven)

    February 11, 2014 at 4:40 pm

    I am with you Liz. A couple of squares of dark chocolate is my thing as well. We are staying local and having a romantic dinner at home together. What about you guys?

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 11, 2014 at 5:11 pm

      We booked a sitter and are going to a local Italian trattoria! :) We normally stay home but with a 3 month old and a 2 year old, it’s not exactly relaxing. ;)

      Reply
  12. Carrian

    February 11, 2014 at 4:09 pm

    Oh, this looks heavenly!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 11, 2014 at 5:10 pm

      Thank you friend!

      Reply
  13. Brittany

    February 11, 2014 at 3:46 pm

    Yum! This looks delicious lady.

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 11, 2014 at 5:10 pm

      Thank you Brittany!

      Reply
  14. Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen

    February 11, 2014 at 12:39 pm

    Gimme gimme gimme! Not going to share!!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 11, 2014 at 5:10 pm

      Sharing is for the birds!

      Reply
  15. Mariana @The Candid Kitchen

    February 11, 2014 at 11:26 am

    This looks really inviting. And like you Liz I allow myself a few squares of dark chocolate a day ;)

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 11, 2014 at 12:09 pm

      Me too. ;) Thanks Mariana!

      Reply
  16. Kelly @ hidden fruits and veggies

    February 11, 2014 at 11:23 am

    I have a ton of coupons for tofu burning a whole in my pocket — sounds like a delicious way to use one!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 11, 2014 at 12:09 pm

      This is perfect for those coupons!!

      Reply
  17. Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic

    February 11, 2014 at 10:34 am

    Espresso powder with chocolate is an absolute must. I love that you mentioned Enjoy Life chocolate chips–they’re a staple in our nut-free house!

    Reply
  18. Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction

    February 11, 2014 at 10:26 am

    Oh, this is a perfect V-day dessert! And, since my husband doesn’t like chocolate, I can have more! ;)

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 11, 2014 at 12:10 pm

      He doesn’t like chocolate?! You lucky girl!

      Reply
  19. Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps

    February 11, 2014 at 10:04 am

    Chocolate mousse is usually just a little bit too rich for me, but this lightened version sounds just perfect, especially for V-Day. And that cake with espresso frosting your Mom makes sounds to-die-for!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 11, 2014 at 12:10 pm

      Yes this is much lighter and so freaking good!! Enjoy!

      Reply
  20. Erin | The Law Student's Wife

    February 11, 2014 at 9:31 am

    YES! I have totally been waiting for this since you mentioned it a few weeks ago. Pinned and trying it for sure!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 11, 2014 at 9:39 am

      It was so good!! I’m pretty sure it will be a repeat occurrence in our house! xo

      Reply
  21. Joanne

    February 11, 2014 at 9:12 am

    Chocolate mousse is one of my FAVORITE splurge desserts…but I definitely love that with your version is doesn’t HAVE to be a splurge!! And is high protein. I mean…this is basically breakfast-worthy health food!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 11, 2014 at 9:40 am

      Seriously!!! I am going to call this breakfast too.

      Reply
  22. Anna @ Garnish with Lemon

    February 11, 2014 at 8:56 am

    Looks absolutely luscious, Liz!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 11, 2014 at 9:01 am

      Thank you Anna!! It was so good!

      Reply
  23. Rachel @ Baked by Rachel

    February 11, 2014 at 8:50 am

    This sounds delicious!!!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 11, 2014 at 9:01 am

      My picky husband LOVES it this way – I don’t lie!

      Reply
  24. Camille

    February 11, 2014 at 8:37 am

    I’ve never heard of yellow cake being referred to as “duck cake” before but I’m happy to give this pairing a try. It’s amazing how many delicious desserts can be made with Tofu!

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 11, 2014 at 9:02 am

      Oh I’m laughing – the cake pan is the shape of a giant duck..like a mommy duck. :) ahahaha

      Reply
  25. annie @ chase that i love

    February 11, 2014 at 7:11 am

    So…….this ruins the whole point of Valentine’s day, but do I have to share it with my boo? Or maybe I’ll just make it while he’s at work. Evil laugh.

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 11, 2014 at 9:03 am

      ahaha I won’t tell if you don’t want to share. ;)

      Reply
  26. Maryea {happy healthy mama}

    February 11, 2014 at 6:50 am

    Ooh–I love the addition of espresso powder here. I’ll bet that just takes this to the next level. For Valentine’s Day, my husband and I are heading out to dinner with some friends while Nana and Poppy babysit.

    Reply
    • Liz DellaCroce

      February 11, 2014 at 9:04 am

      I add espresso powder to almost everything chocolate! Just takes it to the next level. :)

      Reply

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