Have a can of coconut milk sitting in your pantry? Don’t save it for curries and smoothies. That humble can of creamy coconut goodness can be transformed into an incredibly rich chocolate dessert with just a few simple ingredients.

This Coconut Chocolate Protein Mousse is one of those recipes that feels almost too easy.

Warm your coconut milk or cream, stir in some good-quality chocolate and protein powder, let it cool and you have got a beautifully smooth, chocolatey mousse that is rich enough to feel indulgent but simple enough to make whenever a chocolate craving strikes.

And there is a bonus…the exact same mixture can be turned into healthy chocolate protein fudge. Simply pour it into a small lined container, add some chopped nuts if you like, pop it into the fridge and let it set.

One recipe. Two delicious treats. That is exactly the kind of kitchen shortcut I love.

Your Can Of Coconut Milk Has Possibilities

Coconut milk is one of those ingredients that deserves a permanent place in the pantry. It is incredibly versatile and can be used in everything from curries and soups to smoothies, sauces and desserts. But its rich, naturally creamy texture makes it particularly wonderful for no-bake treats.

For this recipe, you can use full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream.

Coconut cream will give you a thicker, richer result, while full-fat coconut milk produces a slightly lighter mousse. If your can of coconut milk has separated, simply warm it gently and stir until smooth before measuring.

And don’t worry about the coconut flavour overpowering the chocolate. The combination creates a beautifully rich chocolate-coconut flavour that’s reminiscent of a decadent chocolate truffle.

Chocolate + Protein = A Great Combination

The chocolate provides the indulgence while the protein powder gives this dessert a satisfying nutritional boost. You can use chocolate protein powder for an intense chocolate flavour or vanilla protein powder for a slightly softer chocolate-coconut combination.

Because different protein powders vary in sweetness and absorbency, you may need to make a small adjustment to the recipe. If the mixture becomes very thick after adding the protein powder, simply add another splash of warm coconut milk until you reach the consistency you want. And if your protein powder is already quite sweet, you may not need any additional sweetener at all.

That is another reason I love recipes like this: you can make them your own.

The Important Part: Do Not Boil The Coconut Milk

You don’t need to bring the coconut milk to a boil. Just warm it gently until it is hot enough to melt the chocolate. Then remove it from the heat and add your chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute or two before stirring. The warm coconut milk will gently melt the chocolate into a smooth, glossy mixture.

Once the chocolate has melted, stir in your protein powder. A whisk works beautifully here because it helps eliminate any little lumps and gives you a silky finish.

Turn It Into Mousse

For mousse, simply divide the mixture between small glasses, ramekins or jars. Place them in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.

As the mixture cools, it thickens into a wonderfully creamy chocolate mousse. You can serve it with fresh berries, toasted coconut, chopped nuts or a few cacao nibs.

Or keep things wonderfully simple and eat it straight from the jar. There is something particularly satisfying about having a little chocolate dessert waiting in the refrigerator.

Or Make Chocolate Protein Fudge

Here is where this recipe gets even better.

Instead of dividing the mixture into serving glasses, pour it into a small loaf tin or container lined with baking paper.

Before refrigerating, stir through a handful of chopped nuts. Walnuts, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts or macadamias all work beautifully. You could also sprinkle some chopped nuts over the top. Refrigerate until completely firm, then cut into small squares. The result is a soft, rich chocolate fudge that is packed with coconut and chocolate flavour and has a lovely little crunch from the nuts. For an even firmer fudge, place it in the freezer for a short time before slicing.

A Little Treat Made From Pantry Staples

This is one of those recipes that reminds me why simple ingredients can be so useful. You do not need a long list of ingredients or complicated equipment. A can of coconut milk, some chocolate and protein powder can become a creamy dessert or a batch of chocolate fudge.

And that fits beautifully with the Blended Bites philosophy of Addition Eating.

We are not taking away the foods we enjoy. We are adding nourishing ingredients and creating treats that are genuinely delicious.

So next time you reach for a can of coconut milk, think beyond the curry. There might just be a chocolate dessert hiding inside.

Creamy mousse or chocolate fudge?

I will happily take both. 🍫🥥

I love that you can make delicious mousse like protein puddings with just a couple of ingredients.  Here are some more popular mousse recipes to try:

Peanut Butter Protein Mousse: Healthy & Easy

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Easy High Protein Strawberry Mousse

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Fluffy Lemon Protein Mousse

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Coconut Chocolate Protein Mousse

Rich, creamy Coconut Chocolate Protein Mousse made with warmed coconut milk or cream, dark chocolate and protein powder. This easy no-bake treat can also be transformed into delicious chocolate protein fudge - just add chopped nuts, chill and slice! One simple recipe, two irresistible chocolate treats. 🍫🥥

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword chocolate coconut protein mousse, chocolate coconut protein pudding, coconut chocolate protein mousse, coconut chocolate protein pudding recipe, no bake chocolate protein pudding

Servings 16

Ingredients

• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream
• 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
• 1-2 scoops chocolate or vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, optional, to taste

Optional Fudge Add-Ins

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, almonds, pecans or macadamias
• Extra chopped nuts for topping
• 2 tablespoons shredded coconut
• Cacao nibs

Instructions

• Pour the coconut milk or cream into a small saucepan and gently warm over low heat. Do not boil.

  Remove from the heat and add the chopped chocolate. Leave for 1–2 minutes to soften.

  Whisk gently until the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.

  Whisk in the protein powder, vanilla and sea salt. Add honey or maple syrup if you want additional sweetness.

  If the mixture is very thick, add a small splash of warm coconut milk and whisk until smooth.

  Divide between small jars or serving glasses. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thick and creamy.

  Top with berries, coconut, chopped nuts or cacao nibs if desired.

  To Make Chocolate Protein Fudge

  Pour the finished chocolate mixture into a small baking-paper-lined loaf tin or container.

  Stir through the chopped nuts and spread evenly.

  Refrigerate for several hours, preferably overnight, until firm.

  Cut into 16-20 small squares or your preferred size and store in the refrigerator.

  For a firmer texture, place the fudge in the freezer for 20–30 minutes before slicing.

  Store the mousse covered in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.

  Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months. 

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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