Pin I stumbled onto this mousse during a desperate late night sweet craving when the pantry was bare except for avocados and cocoa powder. My roommate raised an eyebrow at the combination but after one spoonful she was hovering over the bowl demanding the recipe. Now it is my go to dessert when I need something rich and satisfying in under ten minutes flat.
Last summer I made this for a dinner party where two guests were vegan and one was lactose intolerant. I served it in small glass cups with a single raspberry on top and the table went quiet for a full minute. The best part was watching my chocolate snob uncle go back for seconds before realizing he was eating avocado.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe avocados: These must yield slightly to gentle pressure because underripe avocados leave a grassy taste that no amount of cocoa can hide
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Dutch process cocoa gives a deeper fudge like flavor but regular works perfectly fine too
- 1/4 cup plant based milk: Almond milk keeps it light while oat milk adds extra creaminess so use what you have
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: Add the liquid sweetener slowly because different brands vary wildly in intensity
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: This bridges the gap between earthy avocado and bright chocolate making everything taste rounded
- Pinch of sea salt: Do not skip this because it wakes up the chocolate flavors like nothing else
Instructions
- Gather and prep your avocados:
- Scoop the flesh from perfectly ripe avocados into your food processor catching any small bits of peel that might have fallen in
- Add everything to the bowl:
- Dump in the cocoa powder plant milk maple syrup vanilla and salt on top of the avocados
- Blend until silky:
- Run the machine for a full minute then scrape down the sides and blend again until it looks like glossy ganache
- Taste and adjust:
- Dip a spoon in and add more maple syrup if it needs sweetness or cocoa if it wants more depth
- Divide into serving cups:
- Spoon the mousse into small glasses or bowls smoothing the tops with the back of your spoon
- Chill before serving:
- Let it rest in the fridge for at least thirty minutes so the flavors meld and texture firms up beautifully
Pin My niece turned her nose up at green dessert until I told her it was magic chocolate pudding. She licked the bowl clean and asked if we could make it for her birthday instead of cake. Now she requests it whenever she sleeps over and calls it our special chocolate secret.
Making It Extra Special
Whipped aquafaba folded into the finished mousse creates this incredible mousse like texture that floats in your mouth. I usually do this for dinner parties because it makes the dessert feel fancy without any extra effort. Coconut cream works too if you want something richer and more decadent.
Topping Ideas That Work
Fresh berries cut through the richness while toasted nuts add a wonderful crunch that contrasts with the silkiness. Shaved dark chocolate on top melts slightly into the mousse creating these little puddles of pure chocolate bliss. Sometimes I sprinkle flaky salt right before serving because that salt hit against sweet chocolate is unbeatable.
Serving Suggestions
Espresso alongside this dessert brings out the cocoa notes in the most gorgeous way while a glass of dessert wine makes it feel elegant. I have also served it with coconut whipped cream and fresh mint for an extra indulgent finish. The portions look beautiful in clear glass cups showing off that dark glossy color.
- Make it a day ahead because it actually tastes better after sitting overnight
- Double the recipe because it disappears faster than you expect
- Keep the toppings separate until serving so they stay fresh and crunchy
Pin This recipe proves that some of the best desserts come from trusting unexpected combinations. Enjoy every silky chocolate spoonful.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use different sweeteners in the mousse?
Yes, maple syrup can be substituted with agave syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile.
- → What is the best way to achieve a smooth texture?
Using a high-speed blender or food processor ensures a creamy consistency by thoroughly blending the ingredients.
- → Can I add toppings to enhance flavor and texture?
Absolutely, fresh berries, shaved dark chocolate, toasted nuts, or coconut flakes complement the creamy base beautifully.
- → How long should the mousse chill before serving?
Chilling for at least 30 minutes helps develop the mousse’s silky texture and enhances flavors.
- → Is this dessert suitable for dairy-free and gluten-free diets?
Yes, it uses plant-based milk and contains no gluten, dairy, or eggs, making it suitable for those dietary needs.