Velvety Chocolate Mousse
For some of you, avocado pudding is probably old news, but for others of you, this might be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Avocado creates a silken texture that you have to taste to believe (and I promise you won’t notice any avocado flavor).
NotesI do not recommend halving this recipe unless you have a mini food processor you can use, otherwise it will be very difficult to blend smoothly. For an even fluffier texture, blend in 1 to 2 teaspoons sunflower lecithin.
• 20 Minutes or Less
• Grain-Free
• Lower-Fat Variation
• Nut-Free
• Oil-Free
• No Added Sugars
4 servings
CostInexpensive
Total Timeunder 30 minutes
Kid FriendlyYes
OccasionCasual Dinner Party, Family Get-together, Formal Dinner Party
Recipe Coursedessert
Dietary Considerationegg-free, gluten-free, halal, kosher, lactose-free, peanut free, raw, soy free, tree nut free, vegan, vegetarian
Five Ingredients or LessYes
Type of Dishchocolate dessert, dessert, pudding
Ingredients
- 2 large, ripe avocados, pitted, peeled, and chopped (about 2 cups chopped flesh)
- 1/3 cup water or nondairy milk of choice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Big pinch of sea salt
- 2/3 cup pitted dates, soaked in very warm water for 15 minutes and drained
- 1/3 cup cacao powder
- Stevia to taste (optional)
Instructions
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Combine the avocados, water, vanilla, and salt in a highspeed blender or a food processor. If you don’t have a highspeed blender, use the food processor here, not a conventional blender. Blend until smooth and combined, using the tamper if necessary with the high-speed blender.
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Add the dates and blend again until well-combined and smooth. You will need to use the tamper here with the blender. Add the cacao powder, put on the lid (so you don’t get dusted in chocolate!), and blend again until smooth. Taste for sweetness and add stevia, if desired. Serve immediately.
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Store leftover mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
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Substitutions:
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• Dates: 1/3 cup maple syrup or coconut nectar (reducing or omitting the water)
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• Cacao powder: unsweetened cocoa powder or carob powder
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Variations:
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• Lower-Fat Chocolate Mousse: Use only 1½ avocados (about 1½ cups chopped flesh), add 1/3 cup plain or vanilla nondairy yogurt, and reduce the water or milk to ¼ cup.
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• Mexican Chocolate Mousse: Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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• Mocha Mousse: Use strong brewed coffee or espresso in place of the water or nondairy milk and add ¼ teaspoon coffee extract, if desired.
2013 Amber Shea Crawley
