If you're not vegan yourself, producing a meal for a friend, family member or other loved one who is vegan can be difficult. There are very specific guidelines about what is permitted under this type of diet. For some people, dessert is one of the biggest challenges. The good news is that you don't have to focus solely on fruits for a great vegan dessert. When you're planning a meal that just has to wow your guest, finish it off with a vegan chocolate mousse that only requires four ingredients.

Gather Your Ingredients

1 14-ounce can of full-fat coconut milk

3 tablespoons vegan-friendly cocoa powder

1 tablespoon brown rice syrup

3 teaspoons vanilla

Making the Mousse

The night before you want to make the mousse, put the can of coconut milk in the refrigerator. This allows the coconut cream solids to come together at the top of the can, separating from the coconut water below.

The next day, open the coconut milk can, being particularly careful not to shake it much in the process. Lift the top of the can off gently, then scoop all of the coconut cream from the top, putting it directly into your mixer bowl. Set the coconut water aside. Mix this on medium speed to make it light and fluffy. This usually takes about five minutes.

Add the vanilla, then mix it for several more minutes. Once the vanilla is incorporated, slowly add the brown rice syrup. Keep mixing as you alternate the cocoa powder and the coconut water. Add about half of the water from the can into the mixture. Continue whipping for about five to seven minutes, or until the cocoa powder is dissolved and everything has been thoroughly incorporated.

Spoon the mousse mixture into small dessert dishes. Cover each dish with plastic wrap, then refrigerate it for three or four hours. While it's refrigerating, the mousse will set up to a light, airy texture because of all of the air you whipped in during the mixing process.

Topping the Mousse

You can top this mousse with any of a number of things. If you like fresh berries, that's a great option. Just keep in mind that the coconut cream leaves a subtle coconut flavor, so choose a berry that will blend well with coconut, like blueberries. As an alternative, you can top it with shaved vegan chocolate or even coconut shavings. Any of these options would make a great addition in both flavor and texture.

If you're looking for a dessert that's sure to wow the vegan in your life, a treat like this is just the thing. As an alternative, check out a local vegan restaurant for take-out dessert options.