Sometimes, I just want to keep things simple and just not bake. And when there seems to be so much going on such as designing this new site, extended family time and continuous shopping for décor of my new home– among other things, I resort to a no-bake dessert. Not only because it’s simple but also because it’s FAST and I’m all for getting things done quick.
Just like you, life can sometimes get in the way making the idea of baking a cake or creating something new I’ve never done before all seem like wayy too much work. However, this mousse is a dessert so easy to make even kids can do it AND the best part is, it can be made in less than an hour or even sooner by 20 minutes if omitting refrigeration time (that’s if you’re in a rush or as impatient as me).
I did however, take the extra step here by making sweetened whipped cream and shaved chocolate shards to give it an extra bit of sweetness. All this and still done within 20 minutes. But you can certainly go without it if you like.
I find this recipe to be a great last minute dessert when you have unexpected company or when the Summer rolls around and it becomes scorching hot to turn on the oven, this quick treat would be perfect!
Tofu, also known as soy cheese or bean curd, is a protein staple in Asian cuisine and has slowly gained popularity in America. It comes in a variety of textures: soft (silken) or regular (soft, firm and extra firm) and is essentially curdled soybean milk. How? By coagulating soy milk (from soy beans) with either a calcium or magnesium salt. Then, the whey is extracted from its curd.
The firmer the texture, the more protein and calcium dense it is. And because it’s commercially available in many textures, it can be used in a variety of dishes. Soft tofus are creamy and can be used in puddings, dressings and soups whereas firmer tofus can be cubed and sliced- great for baking, frying or as a crumbled topping over salads. Many people have this idea that tofu tastes bland and while it’s commonly sold bland (unflavored), it’s so versatile it can be enhanced with a variety of spices or used as a base in a flavorful dish.
Has this Health Tip helped you? Do you use tofu and if so, how do you prepare yours?
Chocolate Banana Tofu Mousse
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
Ingredients
MOUSSE
- 8 oz. semisweet baking chocolate
- 1 box (1 pound) silken tofu
- 2 medium ripe bananas
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
GARNISH
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 oz. semisweet baking chocolate
- 1/2 medium banana, sliced
Instructions
- On a cutting board, break or chop baking chocolate squares to small pieces. Place in small bowl, microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds, stir. Repeat at 30-second intervals until chocolate is completely melted; set aside.
- In medium bowl, using a hand mixer, mix tofu, bananas and vanilla on low-medium speed for about 2 minutes or until blended together.
- Fold melted chocolate into tofu-banana mixture until no streaks are visible.
- Using a fine mesh strainer, pour mixture to remove any large clumps.
- Pour mousse evenly into 6 small ramekins and chill for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a medium chilled bowl, beat heavy cream and sugar on high till stiff peaks form. Place a dollop above mousse in each ramekin.
- Chop 1/2 oz. chocolate to form shards and sprinkle over mousse. Insert 2 banana slices in each mousse. ENJOY!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Cuisine: American