Chocolate mousse is one of those desserts that always sounds perfect to me. I love all things chocolate and a bowl full of chocolate mousse after a nice dinner is the perfect finish to any meal!
These ‘melt in your mouth’ slice bars are full of flavour, a rich, fudgy treat made with whole food ingredients you can feel good about eating. The cashews, coconut, and avocado make them chocolaty, creamy, and secretly healthy. It’s the kind of dessert you will love making again and again because it so easy and no baking is required.
These bars are full of flavour and they are more than dessert, they soothe you and put you into a state of calm. Cocoa calms with magnesium, avocado and coconut cream keeps your energy steady, and the natural sweetness avoids sugar spikes. Best of all, pleasure boosts your mood and reduces stress. Every creamy bite helps your body relax and feel good.
Who doesn’t love chocolate mousse? It’s rich, creamy, and decadent. But what if I told you that you could make a healthy version of chocolate mousse that’s also packed with protein? That’s right, these chocolate mousse protein bars are the perfect snack for anyone who wants to indulge without feeling guilty.
What makes these chocolate mousse bars special, besides tasting amazing, is they are made with simple nourishing ingredients. This is what you need:
Protein-rich – With the added protein powder it makes these bars more balanced than traditional high carb recipes. Old fashioned baked recipes always have tons of sugar, carbs and fats. The new modern way is to add protein making the recipe more balanced and healthy for a more rounded wellness approach.
Nuts – I use almonds and cashews for the crust. They add a nutty crunch and healthy fats that keep you satisfied; rich in protein and minerals.
Dates – Hold the crust together with a naturally sweet caramel-like flavor; high in fiber and loaded with antioxidants. Dates also sweeten the chocolate filling so we avoid any extra sugar of any kind.
Coconut Cream – Creates a luscious, creamy texture; full of nourishing fats and dairy-free richness.
Cocoa Powder – Deep, intense chocolate flavor; a superfood packed with antioxidants and magnesium.
Avocado – Makes the mousse silky and smooth; full of heart-healthy fats and skin-loving nutrients.
Vanilla – Brings a warm, aromatic sweetness that enhances chocolate’s depth.
Why I love these Chocolate Mousse Bars:
No baking required – perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Super easy to make – just blend everything in the food processor, blend and chill. Great for a summer party when you want something sort of decadent without too much work!
Rich and creamy – silky chocolatey mousse layered on a sweet nutty crust.
Made with simple, good-for-you ingredients – cashews, cocoa, coconut, avocado and dates.
Secretly healthy – indulgent in taste but packed with healthy fats and antioxidants.
Perfect for entertaining – they are healthy but absolutely irresistible… the kind of dessert that disappears fast at any gathering.
Make-ahead – prep in the morning for a ready-to-serve dessert at dinner.
Freezer friendly – make up the batch, enjoy one or two and freeze the rest for later.
An instant favourite with the first bite. So go ahead and enjoy one (or two) of these delicious bars – you won’t regret it!
Chocolate Mousse Protein Slice Bars
Ingredients
Base Crust
- 1 1/2 cups almonds, pecans or walnuts or a mix
- 1/2 cup dates, soaked at least 30 minutes and drained
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Filling
- 2 cups cashews, soaked 3+ hours and drained
- 1 avocado, pitted and peeled
- 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
- 1/2 cup dates, soaked at least 30 minutes and drained
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Shaved chocolate
- Dusting of cocoa
Instructions
- Note: Place the can of coconut cream or milk in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making these bars to allow coconut cream to separate.Line a 8 x 8-inch baking pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.
Base Crust
- Place almonds into a food processer and process until broken down and crumbly. Add dates, coconut, cocoa and vanilla extract and continue to process until mixture is sticky and well combined.Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture variance and different sized “bits” in your base crust.Press the base mixture into the bottom of your pan or dish evenly. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
Chocolate Filling
- Open chilled can and scoop out the cream that has separated and set hard on the top. Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie, drink, or discard.Place the cashews, avocado, hardened coconut cream, dates, cocoa powder, protein powder and vanilla extract into the bowl of a food processor and process until completely smooth, about 1minute, scrape down the sides as needed.Pour the chocolate mousse filling into the pan on top of the base crust. Spread the filling evenly and place in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set. If you are in a hurry put it in the freezer for 2 hours.Pull up and out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares.Serve topped with shaved dark chocolate if desired.Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
