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
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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Anne Murphy says
LOL, I do know about the recipes that just don't quite work - I'm recovering from one of them at the moment! But yes, the payback is the recipe that springs perfect from one's mind, and just needs a last tweak or two.
That does look intriguing... so rich and lovely! I also have seen a few versions, and wondered... I may need to try this.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
I have never used avocado in any sweeter dishes and I am very limited with what I make with them. I need to start expanding my avocado use. The mousse looks wonderful and its a great option for vegan desserts.
GiselleR @ ExSloth.com says
I'm always down for anything with avocado and chocolate - not usually together but this is one of my fave ways to make chocolate pudding/mousse. I have no idea who decided that mixing avo and chocolate together would be a good idea but I'm so freaking glad they did!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
I pinned this to my Valentine's Day board! Avocado Chocolate Mousse is the best!
Byron Thomas says
I've been wanting to try avocado-based chocolate desserts for quite some time now, but I'm always a little weary because my family is very anti-avocado. I love it myself, but they don't like the creamy/buttery texture. Does that texture manifest in the mousse or is the mousse more creamy like pudding?
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
That's me to a T, Byron - I am the only one who likes avocado in my house. The kids didn't notice any difference in texture or taste. The very first time I made this, I didn't have enough of a chocolate-to-avocado ratio, and the texture was off. I've since made it a few times, and this is the recipe that works best for me. I think if you make sure you process it long enough to a silky smooth texture (which really doesn't take long at all, maybe a minute or two). How long you keep it in the fridge also changes the denseness of it, so the last time I made this, I kept it in the fridge for a couple of hours and it was more like a beautiful, thick, rich and decadent pot de creme.
Melissa Chee says
The perfect Valentine's Day treat? :)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Yes! And perfect treat for every day that ends in "y" ;) Thanks Melissa!
Hanady | Recipe Nomad says
My friend makes a killer avocado fudge that I just can't get enough of! I'll have to make this the next time we get together- she'll be totally impressed!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Ooh avocado fudge sounds amazing too! Thanks!
Kathy McDaniel says
I love avocados and adding them into desserts is a great idea as they add creaminess and a lot less calories. Not to mention you can make something as rich as mousse into a delicate vegan dessert. Delicious!!!!
Julie says
This mousse looks delicious! I love avocados and I'm trying to eat healthier, so I'm pinning it for later!
Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen says
I've never tried avocado chocolate mousse, but it sounds delicious and easy to make. I really should start subbing avocado for dairy products. They are a much healthier option.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
It is awesome how avocados make desserts like this so creamy. This is the perfect treat, and the fact it is healthy is great. I feel good feeding something like this to my grandkids....simple nutrition not full of unknown ingredients.
Atzimba Pahua says
I've heard about mousse with avocado but haven't found a good recipe to try until now! Saving this one for sure! :)
xo atzi
blossomandbalance.com
Daniela Anderson says
I must confess l was intrigued at first when l saw so many dessert recipes out there that were using avocado, l was wondering what the taste would be. I love chocolate mousse myself, and this vegan one sounds amazingly creamy and delicious. I only tried the vegan version with aquafaba, but l need to give this one a go too.
Pech says
Very clever with the avocado!
Vicki @ Babies to Bookworms says
This looks so good! I bet the avocado makes it so smooth!
Sara | Modern Little Victories says
I keep seeing so many chocolate recipes with avocado lately but I've yet to try any of them. These sound so good though I may have to finally give into the avocado dessert train!