Why You’ll ADORE These Wonderful Parfaits

So many reasons! Here are just a few.

• • Irresistible Flavor Combination – Vegan peppermint mousse parfaits offer a delectable combination of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The creamy and rich chocolate mousse paired with the refreshing burst of peppermint creates a delightful contrast that is both indulgent and invigorating.

  • Decadent and Creamy Texture – The velvety texture of the mousse in these parfaits is simply divine. Each spoonful is smooth and luscious, melting in your mouth and leaving you craving more. The combination of the creamy mousse and the layered components, such as crumbled cookies or cake, adds an enjoyable texture that enhances the overall dessert experience.

  • Festive and Eye-Catching Presentation – These parfaits are not only delicious but also visually appealing. The layered presentation, with alternating mousse and crumbled cookies or cake, creates an enticing sight. Topped with a dollop of mousse and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, they become a festive and elegant dessert that is sure to impress guests or make any occasion feel special.

  • Suitable for Various Dietary Preferences – Vegan peppermint mousse parfaits are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking for a plant-based treat, these parfaits offer a delicious option that everyone can enjoy. They are a great way to accommodate various dietary preferences without compromising on taste or quality..

Peppermint Mousse Parfait Ingredients and Equipment

• • Ingredients:

    • Raw Cashews – Soaked and drained, these provide a creamy base for the mousse.
    • Full-Fat Coconut Milk – Chilled and used for its rich and smooth texture in the mousse.
    • Vegan Dark Chocolate – Melted to add a luscious chocolate flavor to the parfaits.
    • Maple Syrup – Used to sweeten the mousse with its natural richness.
    • Peppermint Extract – Adds a refreshing and minty taste to the parfaits.
    • Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile of the mousse.
    • Vegan Chocolate Cookies or Cake (optional) – Crumbled for added texture and richness.
    • Crushed Candy Canes – Sprinkled on top for a festive touch and extra minty flavor.
    • Vegan Whipped Cream – Either homemade or store-bought, used for layering and added creaminess.

    Equipment:

    • High-Speed Blender or Food Processor – Used to blend the cashews and create a smooth mousse.
    • Bowl for Refrigeration – Where the mousse mixture is chilled to set and firm up.
    • Microwave or Double Boiler – To melt the vegan dark chocolate for the mousse.
    • Mixing Bowl – Used for preparing the whipped cream.
    • Whisk or Electric Mixer – Used to whip the cream to a light and fluffy consistency.
    • Serving Glasses or Jars – Used for layering and presenting the parfaits.
    • Spoon or Spatula – For blending the mousse and layering the ingredients.
    • Refrigerator – Needed to chill the parfaits and allow them to set before serving.

How to Make Peppermint Mousse Parfaits

• Prepare the vegan chocolate mousse. Soak cashews in water, then blend them with melted vegan chocolate, maple syrup, coconut cream, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate the mixture to set.

• Make the whipped cream! Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk in the refrigerator, then scoop out the thick cream and whip it until fluffy.

• Assemble the parfaits. Layer the vegan chocolate mousse at the bottom of serving glasses or jars. Add a layer of crushed vegan cookies or crumbled cake on top. Follow with a layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the glasses or jars are filled. Optional: Garnish with fresh mint leaves, shaved chocolate, or crushed candy canes.

• Chill and serve! Place the assembled parfaits in the refrigerator for a few hours to set. Serve the chilled vegan peppermint chocolate mousse parfaits and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Parfaits!

Questions we’ve all asked ourselves!

• • Are vegan peppermint chocolate mousse parfaits difficult to make? Not at all! These parfaits are surprisingly easy to prepare with simple steps and common ingredients.

  • Can I use any type of chocolate for the mousse? It’s best to use vegan dark chocolate for a rich and flavorful mousse.

  • How can I achieve a smooth and creamy mousse texture? Soak and drain the raw cashews, then blend them in a high-speed blender or food processor for a silky texture.

  • Can I prepare the parfaits in advance? Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time, but it’s best to do so just before serving to maintain layers and textures.

  • Can I customize the toppings and layers? Absolutely! Get creative with crushed candy canes, chocolate cookie crumbs, or fresh berries to personalize your parfaits.

  • Are there any substitutions for specific ingredients? Yes, you can substitute silken tofu for cashews in the mousse and use alternative sweeteners based on your preferences.

Riann’s Mousse Parfait Tips

Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

• • Soak cashews properly – Ensure to soak the raw cashews for 4-8 hours or overnight to soften them for easier blending.
  • Use high-quality vegan dark chocolate – Opt for a good quality vegan dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage for a rich and decadent flavor.
  • Adjust sweetness and mintiness – Taste the mousse mixture and adjust the sweetness with more maple syrup or mintiness with additional peppermint extract.
  • Chill the mousse before layering – Refrigerate the blended mousse to set and thicken it before layering it in the parfaits.
  • Get creative with toppings – Experiment with crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce for fun and flavorful toppings.
  • Experiment with different layering – Create visual interest by alternating between mousse, crushed cookies, and whipped cream layers.
  • Allow time for flavors to meld – Refrigerate the assembled parfaits for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors meld together.
  • Serve chilled – Serve the parfaits chilled to enhance the refreshing experience of the minty mousse and creamy layers.

More Dairy-Free and Egg-Free Desserts

Can you say yum! 

• • Dairy-Free Peppermint Chocolate Mousse – Peppermint mousse parfaits are a delightful and indulgent dessert, combining the rich and creamy texture of chocolate mousse with the refreshing burst of peppermint, creating a truly wonderful and irresistible treat.
  • Ultimate Dairy-Free Cannolis – Vegan cannolis are a delightfully exquisite dessert, boasting a harmonious blend of crispy, flaky shells and lusciously creamy fillings that captivate the senses and offer a truly blissful indulgence.
  • Rustic Hand-Cut Sugar Cookies – These themed vegan sugar cookies are versatile and easy to make. They will please even the harshest baked goods critics!
  • Dairy-Free Greek Yogurt Dessert– This Vegan Greek Yogurt Dessert is fresh, healthy, and not too sweet. It’s a visually interesting and beautiful dessert and is one of my personal favorites!

If you decide to try any of these recipes, please let us know by leaving a comment below

Serving Suggestions for These Parfaits!

Here are a few of our favorites.

• • Garnish with fresh mint leaves – Add a touch of freshness and visual appeal by topping each parfait with fresh mint leaves.
  • Drizzle with vegan chocolate sauce – Enhance the indulgence by drizzling vegan chocolate sauce over the parfaits.
  • Sprinkle with crushed candy canes – Add a festive touch with a sprinkling of crushed candy canes for a burst of flavor and texture.
  • Serve with vegan whipped cream – Pair each parfait with a dollop of vegan whipped cream to enhance the creaminess.
  • Top with shaved vegan chocolate – Elevate the presentation by sprinkling delicate shavings of vegan chocolate on top.
  • Pair with fresh berries – Serve alongside fresh berries to balance the sweetness and add a refreshing element.
  • Serve in decorative glasses or jars – Present the parfaits in elegant glasses or jars for an appealing and stylish display.

If you want to try our vegan peppermint chocolate mousse parfait recipe, leave a comment. I’d love to hear how it works out. Enjoy!