This sexy little number is perfect for Valentine's Day. It's dairy-free, gluten free, vegan, and a delicious sweet treat with a twist: chocolate mousse with avocado!
Sometimes kitchen experiments turn out horribly wrong the first time around. Recently, I made a batch of vegan, gluten free stuffed mushrooms made with different ingredients than I usually used. They were okay, but really not great. Have you had those it-won't-kill-anyone's-tastebuds-but-let's-never-repeat-that-again type of food experiments?
Other times, I'll get an idea for a recipe in my head and won't be able to stop thinking about it. I'll make it... and its pure HEAVEN. So delicious that you can't wait to make it again...and to share it.
That's what today's Foodie Friday recipe is: absolute decadent yet better-for-you chocolate lover's bliss.
Chocolate Mousse with Avocado
I LOVE chocolate mousse. The creamy, silky texture, the rich chocolate... but when I found out I needed to go easy on the dairy, I thought my chocolate mousse dreams were crushed forever.
But then, I started seeing avocado used in chocolate recipes all over Pinterest. Vegan Chocolate Shakes, Chocolate Avocado Pudding, Chocolate Avocado Brownies... you name it, someone out there has mixed avocado and chocolate together.
I also found several different recipes for Chocolate Mousse with Avocado and decided to try it - with my own slight changes to a Food Network recipe - and I loved it!
A Healthier Chocolate Mousse Recipe
Traditional chocolate mousse contains heavy cream and eggs. I really can't have much of either, so it was important to create a dairy-free version.
Instead of regular chocolate chips, I used vegan chocolate chips, and topped it with a frozen whipped coconut cream instead of heavy whipped cream.
Avocado is truly an amazing substitute for heavy cream and eggs. It's not only healthier, but it lends that creamy rich texture to chocolate recipes with additional health benefits.
And, in case you're wondering: this TASTES just like chocolate, and nothing else. If you mix it well enough in your food processor, you just get the taste and texture of pure delicious creamy rich chocolate - with a secret hidden super fruit weapon!
Avocados are super foods that contain more than 20 vitamins and minerals in each serving. They are low in sugar but high in fiber to help you feel fuller longer. Also, they contain important omega-3 fatty acids which help lower bad cholesterol, as well as tons of potassium which helps control blood pressure.
This chocolate mousse with avocado recipe is silky, creamy, sweet, rich, and indulgent. It's a fabulous dessert to make for Valentine's Day!
This recipe makes between 4-6 servings, depending on how you decide to serve it. You could place a larger amount in individual bowls for four settings, or in shot glasses (shown here).
Topping Ideas
I topped this avocado chocolate mousse with Soy Delicious Whipped Coco Cream and chocolate shavings. Here are some other topping ideas:
- whipped coconut cream from canned coconut milk
- chocolate chips
- fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries
- chopped mint leaves
- shredded coconut
- chopped hazelnuts
Chocolate Mousse with Avocado (DF, GF, Vegan)
Ingredients
- ½ cup dairy-free semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup almond milk
- 2 large ripe avocados peeled and pitted
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon agave nectar or honey
Instructions
- In a double boiler or a glass bowl placed over a small pot of water (so the water is just touching the bottom of the bowl), bring water to a low boil over medium heat. Add chocolate chips and whisk until chocolate just begins to melt a little, and then slowly add almond milk. Turn off heat and whisk together chocolate and almond milk until the mixture is smooth and all the chocolate is fully melted. Remove bowl, place on heatproof counter top, and set aside to cool slightly.
- Add avocado, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and agave nectar (or honey) to a food processor. Add melted chocolate. Process until the mixture is blended and smooth.
- Spoon into serving cups and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
Notes
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
This recipe is adapted from the Food Network
Have you made chocolate recipes with avocado before? What would YOU use as your preferred topping for this avocado chocolate mousse?
More Valentine's Day Recipes
Dairy-Free Chocolate Mousse Shots
20 Delicious Valentine's Day Desserts and Drinks
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hal says
this looks amazing - i am totally going to try it!
Megan Marlowe says
I was skeptical a few years ago when people started putting avocado in desserts...until I tried it. Works like a charm and the kids never have to know. These mousse cups look delicious and perfect for Valentine's day which is right around the corner!
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes says
I love this! I'm not vegan, and I do eat dairy, but I normally only make desserts for company... and the idea of serving raw eggs to other people (even if I'd eat it myself) makes me nervous! How clever!
Bella says
Yummy, this looks so good. I love chocolate mouse!! I need to try making this.
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ says
I've had many failed kitchen attempts but I guess that's part of the fun of it. So when you finally get it right it's like YEAH. I've seen a lot of chocolate and avocado recipes as well. I actually tried to make one of my own that I wasn't totally happy with. This one looks pretty easy and tasty so I need to try it soon.
Logan says
Yum! This looks so delicious! I can't believe it has avocados in it! I am just intrigued enough to try it!
logancan.com
Mary at Vindulge says
This is so fascinating. I, too, have seen TONS of avocado recipes used in things like smoothies, etc. and have yet to try any. And at least a couple times a year my husband loves to make me chocolate pot de creme, essentially custard or a thicker style mousse, which is LOADED with eggs, heavy cream. You know, super healthy stuff ;) ... hence why we only eat it once or twice a year.
I'm truly intrigued with this combination. I think I'm gonna give it a whirl this weekend. I'd love to find an indulgent creamy chocolate treat that is easier on the tummy ;)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Mary, I made it again yesterday and let it cool for a longer period of time in the fridge, and the consistency was like a delicious indulgent chocolate pot de creme! SO GOOD! I'm addicted to this :) If you try it let me know how it goes and if you have any questions!
Mary at Vindulge says
Alright, so I made these yesterday and they were awesome! I'm honestly a bit shocked! I used milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet, because I just generally prefer that sweeter flavor and nobody in my house has any dairy issues. I wish I would have used regular milk instead of almond, but only because I'm just not a fan of the almond milk flavor and it comes through a little bit (again, this is because we have no dairy issues).
But overall the texture is amazing! It tastes so rich yet doesn't have all of the yolks and heavy cream like the traditional alternative. I loved it! We'll definitely be making it again :)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
YAY Mary! So happy to hear it turned out well. I don't even taste the almond at all, but then again, I have almond milk regularly :) It's a little dangerous now, isn't it? *insert wicked laugh here* Now you can make them all the time like I do! ;)
Julie | Bunsen Burner Bakery says
Great substitute! I've made vegan chocolate cakes with avocado, and you don't even taste the avocado. I'm keeping this idea stashed away - it's so hard to come up with dairy free dessert ideas when we host Kosher dinners.
Pam says
I've been seeing a lot of avocado and chocolate recipes lately. My granddaughter is dairy free so this is a great dessert for me to make her.
Lala says
WOW! I definitely have to try this! I've made avocado shakes, but not with chocolate. Mmmmmm!
Bill Volckening says
I've heard of this idea before, and it sounds great. Now I'll really have to try it.
Adriana Lopez Martn says
This recipe is so good that has become a classic. I am an avocado lover myself so I make this pudding very often. Thanks for sharing yoru tips =)
Meagan says
this looks amazing!!
Create/Enjoy says
That sounds easy! Glad it turned out well! I learned to make chocolate mousse with eggs at my summer French camp as a kid but it is a lot of work! When I was raw vegan I had some avocado mousse once but I don't think it had any chocolate chips or really sweet things in it and I remember it not being that good. ;) This looks and sounds excellent though!
ruthie ridley says
This looks amazing!! Would have never thought to add avocado!!
Rimsha says
I love how you've taken something so rich and turned it into a healthier option that still tastes great! :)