Craving a deeply chocolatey, velvety smooth mousse that’s secretly healthy? Look no further! This incredible dessert gets its unbelievably creamy texture from a surprise ingredient: avocado! Don’t worry, you won’t taste it at all—just pure, decadent chocolate bliss. It’s the perfect no-cook treat for any occasion, ready in minutes and guaranteed to wow everyone.
PREP: 15 minutes | COOK: 0 minutes | YIELD: 11 servings
Ingredients
• 2 large ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
• ½ cup / 120 ml unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup / 80 ml brown-rice syrup or yacon syrup
• 1 tsp / 5 ml pure vanilla extract
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1 tsp / 5 ml finely grated orange zest
• 2 Tbsp / 30 ml unsweetened plant-based milk or water
• 5½ cups / 1.32 L fresh strawberries, for serving
Instructions
1. Add the pitted and peeled avocados, cocoa powder, syrup, vanilla extract, sea salt, orange zest, and plant-based milk to a high-speed blender or food processor.
2. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the container once or twice to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
3. Serve immediately with fresh strawberries for dipping, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for a firmer texture.
Nutritional Information
• Nutritional Facts
• Serving Size: ½ cup strawberries + ¼ cup mousse
• Calories: 92
• Total Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sodium: 14 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
Pro Tips
• Use perfectly ripe avocados. They should yield to gentle pressure but not be mushy or have brown spots. This is key for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
• For a thicker, more pudding-like consistency, chill the mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before serving.
• Adjust sweetness to your taste. After blending, give the mousse a taste and add a little more syrup or a tablespoon of maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
• Experiment with flavors! Swap the orange zest for a pinch of cinnamon or a ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract for a different twist.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different sweetener in this vegetarian mousse
A: Yes, you can easily substitute the brown-rice or yacon syrup. Pure maple syrup is an excellent 1:1 replacement. You could also use agave nectar. If using a granulated sweetener like coconut sugar, you may need to add a little extra plant-based milk to ensure a smooth blend. Always taste and adjust to your preference.
Q: How long does this avocado chocolate mousse last in the fridge
A: For the best flavor and texture, this mousse is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The surface might darken slightly due to the avocado oxidizing, but you can gently stir it or scrape off the top layer before serving.
Q: Is there a way to add more protein to this vegetarian dessert
A: Absolutely. To boost the protein content, you can add a tablespoon of your favorite unflavored or chocolate-flavored vegetarian protein powder when blending. You could also add a tablespoon of nut butter, like almond or cashew butter, which will also add protein and a delicious nutty flavor.
Q: Will this vegetarian mousse really not taste like avocado
A: It’s true, you won’t taste the avocado. The rich, unsweetened cocoa powder and pure vanilla extract completely mask the avocado flavor. The avocado’s role is to provide an incredibly creamy, velvety texture and healthy fats, making this a decadent yet guilt-free vegetarian treat. Using perfectly ripe avocados is key to ensuring a neutral flavor.
