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Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse: A Decadent & Healthy Dessert Recipe

Decadent and surprisingly healthy dark chocolate avocado mousse! This rich, creamy dessert is made with ripe avocado, cocoa powder, and a touch of sweetness. It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup (or honey, adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cacao or higher), melted
  • Optional toppings: fresh berries, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, extra chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a food processor or high-speed blender.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
  3. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler.
  4. Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup (or honey), almond milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the food processor or blender with the avocado.
  5. Blend all ingredients together until well combined and smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
  6. Slowly pour the melted dark chocolate into the blender while it’s running. Blend until fully incorporated and the mousse is a dark chocolate color.
  7. Divide the mousse evenly among individual serving dishes or glasses.
  8. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1-2 hours, to firm up.
  9. Add your favorite toppings (optional) just before serving. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

  • Adjust Sweetness: Reduce maple syrup/honey for a less sweet mousse. Use sugar-free sweetener if desired.
  • Add Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper.
  • Make it Vegan: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
  • Coffee Kick: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee powder for mocha flavor.
  • Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter before chilling.
  • Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract.
  • Make Ahead: Can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Freezing: Freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Texture might change slightly.
  • Lumpy Mousse: Blend longer, scrape sides. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if needed.
  • Mousse Too Thin: Chill longer. Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or cocoa powder to thicken.
  • Mousse Too Bitter: Add more maple syrup or honey.
  • Mousse Not Sweet Enough: Add more maple syrup or honey, tasting as you go.