Healthy Brownie Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Parfaits (Butter/Gluten Free)

These Healthy Brownie Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Parfaits are a quick and easy gluten-free dessert that’s almost too pretty to eat.

If there’s one thing I always make a big deal about, it’s our Saturday date night. Although we always have dinner together at the table, on Saturdays, things are just a little different. A little more relaxed. A little more romantic. And a lot more delicious. I already start planning the menu on Friday night, from a pre-dinner drink and fancy nibble, to a rich and elegant dessert. Even the wine is carefully chosen to complement the flavors of both the starter and the main. Yes, I even iron my special cloth napkins and, if necessary, polish the silver.

While I know this all sounds decidedly tedious, one of my secrets is making dishes that look like I’ve spent hours in the kitchen, when, in fact, I could have practically made them with my eyes closed. Like these healthy brownie chocolate raspberry mousse parfaits, which come together in no time and look almost too good to eat. Almost…

Consisting of layers of velvety mousse, chunks of gooey brownies, and ruby-red raspberries, this stunning dessert merges textures and decadent flavors in every sinfully delicious spoonful. Although, in fact, it’s not even all that sinful.

Are These Brownie Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Parfaits Healthy?

Well, they’re not healthy like an apple or bowl of oatmeal are healthy, but for such a tempting and beautiful dessert, they’re actually not all that bad either. The mousse is made with avocado, quality dark chocolate, and raspberries. Though it does call for sugar, you can easily reduce the quantities without affecting the results, or even replace it with three tablespoons of date syrup. Choose a reasonably healthy brownie for your chunks (gluten-free and sugar-free). Savor slowly, enjoy in moderation, and you’ll be fine.

How Can I Tweak This Dessert?

Let me count the ways! For starters, you could replace the avocado with silken tofu, which is decadently creamy and a good source of plant protein. Though I used raspberries, any type of berry, such as strawberries, cherries, or blueberries, will work just fine. In fact, using tangerines would be a tasty variation, too. Instead of brownies, chocolate cake or even chocolate cookies (the soft and chewy kind) will work well. To give the mousse a little ‘kick,’ add a shot of kirsch (brandy made from morello cherries) or brown rum.

Serving Suggestions

You may be wondering what a typical Saturday date night meal at our house looks like. I think this gorgeous dessert would be the perfect finale to a meal that starts with a sophisticated Aviation Cocktail served with some lightly salted pistachios. This would tickle the taste buds just enough for the starter, which would be some crispy Coconut Shrimp dipped in Garlic Butter Sauce. The main course would be a rich and creamy Truffle Risotto. Is it Saturday night yet?

Recipe