Easy 2-Ingredient Dairy-Free Chocolate Mousse: The Ultimate Allergy-Friendly No-Bake Dessert

Discover the magic of the easiest dairy-free no-bake dessert imaginable! With just two simple ingredients, this chocolate mousse manages to look and taste incredibly fancy, all while requiring absolutely zero effort. Prepare to indulge in a cool, fluffy, and perfectly chocolatey treat – the ideal grand finale to any delicious meal. What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible inclusivity: it’s completely free of gluten, dairy, egg, soy, fish, shellfish, peanut, tree nuts, and sesame. This means it avoids the top 9 major allergens and is also 100% vegan, ensuring that almost everyone can enjoy a delightful spoonful of this decadent dessert!

Why This 2-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse Will Become Your New Favorite

This simple yet elegant dairy-free chocolate mousse isn’t just a recipe; it’s a revelation for anyone seeking an effortless, delicious, and inclusive dessert. Here’s a deeper look into why this delightful treat consistently earns rave reviews:

Unbeatable Speed and Simplicity: In a world where elaborate recipes often demand hours, this mousse stands out. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute cravings, unexpected guests, or simply when you want something special without the fuss. No baking, no complex steps – just pure, unadulterated dessert joy.
Minimalist Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: The magic lies in its two-ingredient wonder. You won’t need a pantry full of specialty items, just two easily accessible ingredients that transform into a rich, airy chocolate delight. This simplicity ensures consistent results every time and reduces shopping stress.
Top-9 Allergy-Friendly and Vegan: Traditional chocolate mousse typically relies on dairy and eggs, which are common allergens. Our recipe expertly bypasses these, offering a genuinely safe and satisfying option for individuals managing allergies to gluten, dairy, egg, soy, fish, shellfish, peanut, tree nuts, and sesame. Plus, it’s vegan, opening up this delicious dessert to an even wider audience. It’s a dessert designed for everyone to share and enjoy, free from worry.
Cool, Fluffy, and Refreshing: Imagine ending a warm summer evening with a dessert that’s light, airy, and cool on the palate. This mousse delivers exactly that. Its delicate, fluffy texture is incredibly satisfying without being heavy, providing a refreshing contrast to heartier meals.
Lightly Indulgent Chocolate Flavor: We’ve crafted this mousse to offer a perfect balance of chocolatey goodness. It’s not overwhelmingly rich, but rather a subtle yet deeply satisfying chocolate flavor that leaves you feeling pleasantly indulged, not weighed down. It’s the ideal sweetness to complete any dining experience.

Is JELL-O Pudding Mix Truly Dairy-Free? Let’s Clear Up the Confusion!

This is by far one of the most frequently asked questions, and for good reason! Many people assume that JELL-O pudding mix, especially chocolate varieties, must contain dairy. It’s a common misconception that often prevents individuals with dairy allergies from exploring recipes like this. In fact, one of the most popular posts on my site is dedicated to explaining how to make JELL-O dairy-free – there’s a simple trick to it!

The crucial insight is this: the dry JELL-O pudding mix itself, particularly the instant varieties, is generally dairy-free. The dairy component typically enters the picture only when you, the home cook, add milk as part of the preparation instructions. Therefore, the secret to making a dairy-free JELL-O pudding (or in our case, mousse) is straightforward: DO NOT ADD DAIRY MILK. Instead, we’ll be using a plant-based cream, which we’ll discuss in detail next.

To give you peace of mind, here are the typical ingredients found in JELL-O Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix (always check the label at the time of purchase, as formulations can change):

Ingredients at the time of publishing: SUGAR, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI), SODIUM PHOSPHATE, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF TETRASODIUM PYROPHOSPHATE, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, SALT, ARTIFICIAL COLORS, MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, RED 40, YELLOW 5, BLUE 1.

As you can see, there’s no dairy listed in the dry mix. This makes it an ideal base for our allergy-friendly chocolate mousse.

Demystifying Plant Cream: The Secret to a Perfect Dairy-Free Mousse

For this recipe, the second crucial ingredient is a high-quality plant-based heavy whipping cream alternative. I wholeheartedly recommend Country Crock’s Plant Cream (and no, this isn’t a sponsored endorsement – it’s simply the best I’ve found!). My praise for this product stems from its unparalleled ability to mimic traditional dairy heavy cream when whipped. Most other dairy-free heavy whipping cream alternatives struggle to achieve the stiff peaks and voluminous, airy texture that is essential for a truly authentic mousse. Country Crock’s Plant Cream performs exceptionally well, providing that rich, stable base we need.

Beyond its impressive whipping capabilities, another significant advantage of Country Crock Plant Cream is its composition: it’s completely coconut-free. This is a game-changer for many, as a vast majority of dairy-free products on the market rely heavily on coconut, making them unsuitable for those with coconut allergies. The absence of coconut also means there’s no lingering, often unwanted, coconut aftertaste. This allows the pure chocolate flavor of the mousse to shine through without any competing notes, which is a major win in my book.

Understanding the ingredients in your plant cream is key, especially for those with multiple allergies. Here’s a typical ingredient list for Country Crock Plant Cream (always verify the label for the most current information):

Ingredients at the time of publishing: PLANT MILK (WATER, LENTIL PROTEIN), PLANT-BASED OIL BLEND FROM COCONUT AND CANOLA OILS, SUGAR, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, SUCROSE ESTERES OF FATTY ACID, NATURAL FLAVOR, MONO & DI-GLYCERIDES, SALT, GUAR GUM, SUNFLOWER LECITHIN, LOCUST BEAN GUM, BETA-CAROTENE (COLOR).

While it does contain coconut oil, the lentil protein base and specific blend seem to prevent the strong coconut flavor often associated with other coconut-based creams. For severe coconut allergies, always consult with your allergist and the manufacturer, but for many, this product provides a fantastic, versatile option.

The Two Essential Ingredients (Plus Optional Enhancements!)

At its core, this incredible dairy-free chocolate mousse requires just two ingredients: JELL-O instant chocolate pudding mix and Country Crock Plant Cream. It’s truly that simple to achieve a gourmet-tasting dessert!

A critical point to remember when selecting your JELL-O pudding mix is to ensure you are using the INSTANT variety. JELL-O offers two main types of pudding mixes: instant and “cook and serve.” For this no-bake mousse recipe, the instant pudding mix is essential as it sets without heat and provides the necessary stabilizers to achieve the fluffy mousse texture when combined with the whipped plant cream. The “cook and serve” variety will not yield the same results.

Regarding the plant cream, I cannot stress enough the importance of using Country Crock Plant Cream. While other brands like Silk’s heavy whipping cream alternative or plain coconut cream exist, they generally do not possess the same robust whipping properties. You’ll find that they may not whip as thick, stiff, or voluminous, which is crucial for the light and airy texture of a true mousse. Investing in the right plant cream makes all the difference here.

***Optional Tweaks for Personalized Perfection:***

This mousse recipe creates a wonderfully thick and rich dessert. However, if you prefer a slightly thinner consistency, you have options! You can gradually add a splash of your favorite safe milk (dairy-free, of course) while whipping until you reach your desired texture. This is a great way to customize the density without sacrificing flavor.

For those who are serious chocoholics and desire an even more intense chocolate flavor, consider incorporating a drizzle of Hershey’s chocolate syrup. Not only does this deepen the chocolate notes, but the added liquid can also help thin out the mousse slightly, achieving that perfect balance of flavor and consistency. Have these optional ingredients on hand so you can adjust the mousse to your exact preference.

Finally, as beautifully illustrated in the accompanying pictures, this mousse is absolutely divine when garnished with fresh berries. The combination of cool, rich chocolate and tart, juicy fruit is a classic for a reason. While perfectly delicious on its own, adding a sprinkle of berries elevates the presentation, making this simple dessert look even more elegant and fancy for any occasion.

Essential Tools for Whipping Up Your Mousse

While this recipe is incredibly simple, one piece of equipment is non-negotiable for achieving the perfect fluffy texture: an electric mixer. Whether you use a powerful stand mixer (my personal preference for its hands-free operation) or a reliable set of handheld electric beaters, this tool is essential. Attempting to whip the plant cream and pudding mix by hand will be an arduous, likely unsuccessful, task. You need the speed and consistent aeration that only an electric mixer can provide to incorporate the ingredients thoroughly and achieve those beautiful stiff peaks.

Pro Tips for Mousse Perfection: Achieving Stiff Peaks Every Time

For the most successful and voluminous dairy-free chocolate mousse, a little preparation goes a long way. The key to achieving those coveted stiff peaks with plant cream is to ensure everything is thoroughly chilled. Here’s a tried-and-true tip:

Pre-Chill Your Equipment and Ingredients: Approximately 15 minutes before you plan to start whipping, place the unopened container of Country Crock Plant Cream, your mixing bowl (preferably metal or glass), and the beaters (or stand mixer whisk attachment) into the freezer. This chilling step is crucial because cold fats emulsify and whip more effectively, allowing the plant cream to reach its fullest potential in terms of volume and stability. Don’t skip this step for truly impressive results!
Whip on High, But Watch Closely: Once everything is chilled, pour the plant cream into the cold bowl, add the instant pudding mix, and start whipping on high speed. It’s important to keep an eye on it. You’re looking for thick, stiff peaks, similar to whipped dairy cream. Over-whipping can sometimes cause plant creams to break down, so stop as soon as the desired consistency is achieved.

Understanding Yield and Adjusting for Different Batch Sizes

JELL-O instant pudding mixes are typically available in two common sizes: a smaller 3.4 oz box and a larger 5.9 oz box. The amount of plant cream you’ll need will directly correspond to the size of the pudding mix box you choose. This flexibility allows you to easily scale the recipe up or down depending on your needs.

For the 3.4 oz box of instant pudding mix: You will need 2 cups of Country Crock Plant Cream. This yields a perfect quantity for 2-3 servings, making it ideal for a romantic date night dessert or a small, intimate gathering.
For the 5.9 oz box of instant pudding mix: This larger box typically calls for 3 cups of milk in its standard preparation. Simply swap out that dairy milk for 3 cups of Country Crock Plant Cream. This larger batch will comfortably serve 4-6 individuals, depending on the portion size. Keep in mind that chocolate mousse, being a rich dessert, is often enjoyed in smaller, elegant servings.

Always refer to the pudding box instructions for the recommended liquid amount and simply substitute the dairy milk with your plant cream. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability!

Exploring Other Flavors and Creative Variations

As a self-proclaimed “choco-holic,” I’ve primarily stuck to the classic chocolate flavor for this mousse, as it’s simply irresistible! However, the possibilities for flavor exploration are vast. As long as you are using an instant pudding mix (not the “cook and serve” variety), this technique should work beautifully with almost any flavor JELL-O offers. Imagine a light vanilla bean mousse, a vibrant lemon mousse, or even a rich butterscotch one! Don’t hesitate to experiment and let your culinary creativity run wild.

Texture Variations for a Different Experience

If you enjoy the flavors but prefer a dessert that’s less thick and more akin to a traditional pudding, there’s a fantastic variation you can try. Instead of directly whipping the pudding mix into the plant cream to create a stiff mousse, you can make a more pudding-like dessert. Follow my cook and serve pudding directions (using plant milk instead of dairy milk) and allow it to cool completely. Separately, whip the Country Crock Plant Cream until it forms soft peaks. Then, gently fold the whipped plant cream into the cooled pudding mixture. This method results in a super delicious, smoother, and more pudding-like texture, offering a different mouthfeel than the stiff, airy mousse. It uses almost the same ingredients but delivers a distinctly smooth finish that many find equally appealing.

Watch How It’s Made!

Seeing is believing, especially when it comes to whipping up a perfect mousse! I’ve created a quick video reel that visually demonstrates each step of this incredibly simple recipe, allowing you to see exactly what the process looks like and how to achieve those beautiful stiff peaks. The video should autoplay directly below this section. If it doesn’t, you’ll find it embedded within the recipe card below. As a last resort, you can always watch it directly on my YouTube channel – and while you’re there, be sure to subscribe and explore my other allergy-friendly video recipes!

2 Ingredient Dairy-free Chocolate Mousse

Yield:
See notes

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Additional Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
5 minutes

Two ingredient dairy-free chocolate mousse is THE easiest no bake dessert. This thick, fluffy dessert looks & sounds fancy with 0 effort.

Ingredients

INGREDIENTS:

Jell-O instant chocolate pudding mix–either the 3.9 or 5.9 oz (NOT the cook and serve variety)
Country Crock Plant Cream (either 2 cups/1 container or 3 cups/1.5 containers depending on the size of Jell-O mix)

OPTIONAL:

Fresh berries for garnish
Safe milk for thinning, if desired
Hershey’s syrup if you want to both thin it (due to the liquid) but also add more chocolate flavor

Instructions

Place your bowl, beaters and Country Crock in the freezer for fifteen minutes.
When timer is done, take everything out of the freezer. Measure your country crock (2 cups if you’re using the 3.9oz Jell-O mix, and 3 cups if you’re using the 5.9oz mix) and pour it into the chilled bowl.
Pour the Jell-O instant pudding mix into the cream. Stir to combine with a whisk. Once stirred, turn the beaters to high and whip until everything is incorporated, thick and stiff peaks.
Spoon into individual containers and garnish with fresh berries, if desired. If you’re not eating it right away, keep it in the fridge until serving time.

Notes

*Our allergies, while severe and that get re-tested frequently, are such that we can go strictly by what’s on the label. I do not call companies to see what things are derived from, or call manufacturers to see about potential cross contact. If your allergies require you to do so, please do your own homework. I cannot assure you of any ingredient’s safety, only you can do that. I simply share what works for our family

**If you are going to feed this to someone with food allergies, and you yourself do not have food allergies, I HIGHLY recommend having them check every single brand and ingredient you are using, to ensure they’re OK with each part of the recipe. And, to make sure you’ve talked to them about how to avoid cross contamination in your kitchen.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 125Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 206mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 3g

This is a rough calculation, as it depends on the size you choose.

DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT, SO YOU DON’T LOSE IT. BE SURE WHILE YOU’RE THERE THAT YOU CHECK OUT MY OTHER DAIRY-FREE PINTEREST PINS.