You won’t taste the tofu in this High-Protein Chocolate Tofu Mousse, created by a Registered Dietitian. Most dairy-free mousse recipes use silken tofu, but it lacks both protein and depth of flavor. This recipe is different. It’s rich, velvety, and nutritious with zero tofu taste.
I wanted to create a dessert that’s not only indulgent but also nourishing. That’s why this recipe uses super firm tofu, soaked briefly in hot coffee or espresso to help it blend perfectly smooth without any chalky texture. It’s also what gives this mousse its incredible 15+ grams of protein per serving.
This tofu mousse recipe was inspired by my Chocolate Yogurt and Healthy Sweet Potato Protein Mousse on my site.
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👩🏼🌾 Ingredients & Health Benefits
Below are some notes about the ingredients from me, as an expert in nutrition.
- Super firm or extra firm tofu: The firmer the tofu, the more protein. Plus, tofu is rich in leucine, a key amino acid for muscle maintenance, making it ideal for meeting daily protein needs. Fortified options such as calcium-enriched tofu also support bone health.
- Brewed coffee: Make filtered coffee that won't raise cholesterol, or use your preferred brew.
- Dates are nutrient-rich, providing fiber for digestion, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Some research indicates that dates can help lower blood glucose levels, reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, and increase beneficial HDL cholesterol. They also appear supportive of a healthy gut microbiome.
- Cocoa powder - Regular cocoa flavanol consumption may have positive effects on facial wrinkles and elasticity. Use a high-flavanol brand.
- Nondairy milk: Use soy, almond, oat, hemp, or cashew milk. Plant-based milk offers several health benefits over cow's milk, including lower saturated fat and zero cholesterol. Soymilk is particularly notable for its protein content, which is comparable to cow's milk, and it contains spermidine, a compound that promotes autophagy and supports cellular health and longevity.
- Cinnamon is one of the cheapest common food sources of antioxidants. Choose Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon contains a compound called coumarin, which can be harmful to the liver at high doses.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract is the natural form, whereas vanilla essence is synthetic.
See the printable recipe card below for quantities.
🥛 Substitutions
- Brewed Coffee: Substitute with espresso, or strong brewed tea (like chai or Earl Grey) for a different flavor twist. For caffeine-free, use decaf coffee, roasted chicory, or the same amount of hot nondairy milk with strawberry powder.
- Super Firm Tofu: Use extra firm tofu (drained and patted dry). Avoid silken tofu—it won’t give the same protein or texture.
- Dates: Substitute with maple syrup, agave, or prunes.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Use cacao powder for a more bitter, antioxidant-rich version. Or use carob powder (sweeter, caffeine-free alternative).
- Cinnamon: Substitute with pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of cayenne for a Mexican chocolate vibe.
- Soymilk: Any unsweetened plant milk will work—oat, almond, cashew, or hemp. But for extra protein, stick with soy or pea milk. Choose one with vanilla for a boost of flavor, but make sure it’s unsweetened to let the natural sweetness from the dates shine.
For more healthy treats, visit my Healthy Vegan Treats page.
📖 How to Make Tofu Mousse with Protein
This is an overview. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Break the tofu into chunks and transfer them to a medium storage container. Brew a strong cup of coffee. I always use my double paper filter method to remove cafestol (a compound that may raise cholesterol), and it can make a big difference in LDL test results.
- While the coffee brews, gently heat your non-dairy milk on the stove until it just starts to simmer.
- Now pour the hot coffee and milk over the tofu. Seal the container and give it a good shake to make sure the tofu is fully coated. Let that sit for at least 15 minutes to soften and develop flavor, or let it rest overnight in the fridge.
- When you're ready to blend, pour the tofu and liquid into a high-speed blender.
- Add pitted dates for sweetness, a splash of vanilla, cinnamon, and cocoa powder.
- Blend until it’s completely smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, add a splash more milk.
- Scoop it into lidded jars, and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. The texture firms up beautifully, and you’re left with a rich, chocolatey mousse that nobody would ever guess is made from tofu. Add a drizzle of date syrup for more sweetness.
- Or top with hemp hearts for more protein and enjoy this healthy dessert.
✔️ Expert Tips
- No high-speed blender? Soak the dates in hot water for 10-15 minutes to soften them before blending. If using super firm tofu, let it soak for at least 30 minutes—or longer in the fridge—for a smoother, creamier texture.
- Storage: Store the mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It makes a great make-ahead dessert or snack.
- Minimal separation is normal: A small amount of liquid separation may occur as it chills, especially if using lower-fat plant milks. Stir before serving to incorporate.
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🙋🏽♀️ Recipe FAQs
Not in this recipe! The combination of brewed coffee, cocoa powder, vanilla, and dates masks the flavor completely, leaving you with a rich, chocolatey dessert.
Yes, tofu is safe to eat daily for most people. It’s a nutrient-rich, high-protein food made from soybeans and has been linked to health benefits like improved heart health and reduced risk of certain cancers. Choose organic or non-GMO tofu when possible, and opt for calcium-set varieties for added bone support.
👩🏽🍳 Made this recipe?
Let me know your thoughts on Tofu Mousse by leaving a ⭐️ rating below or sharing it on Instagram.
📖 Recipe
High-Protein Tofu Mousse
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Ingredients
- 14 to 16 ounces super firm tofu or extra firm tofu, drained and patted dry
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- ⅓ cup unsweetened nondairy milk
- 7 Medjool dates pitted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Brew the coffee: For best results, use a paper filter method to reduce cafestol, a compound known to raise cholesterol (see notes for details). Alternatively, brew the coffee using your preferred method.
- Heat the milk: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, warm the non-dairy milk over low heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Soak the tofu: Pour the brewed coffee and hot milk over the tofu chunks. Seal the container and shake gently to coat the tofu evenly. Let sit for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate overnight.
- Blend: Transfer the tofu and liquid to a high-speed blender. Add the pitted dates, vanilla, cinnamon, and cocoa powder. Blend until completely smooth.
- Adjust texture: Add more non-dairy milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired mousse consistency. Note: It will thicken up in the fridge.
- Chill: Pour into jars or bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up and chill before serving.
Notes
- Optional double-filtered coffee method
- Coffee substitutes: See the blog post for a list of alternatives.
- See my Vegan Food List for low-cadmium cocoa brands.
- No high-speed blender? Soak the dates in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften them before blending. If using super firm tofu, let it soak for at least 30 minutes—or longer in the fridge—for a smoother, creamier texture.
- Storage: Store the mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It makes a great make-ahead dessert or snack.
- Slight separation is normal: A small amount of liquid separation may occur as it chills, especially if using lower-fat plant milks. Stir before serving.
Nutrition
This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.
Serena says
Hi there. I am prepping the tofu to make this. Could I add hazelnuts to this mousse?
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Yes but I advise soaking them first to keep the mousse smooth.
Eda says
This looks delicious! I wonder if you can up the protein by putting powdered PB?
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Yes, absolutely!
Jim says
This is really good. Fast, easy and delicious! What a great way to get some protein and fiber in a nutritious tasty treat. Thank you!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
So glad you enjoyed this mousse! Than you for letting me know.