Ever dreamed of a dessert that feels like an indulgence but is secretly a nutritional powerhouse – that’s the magic of chocolate avocado mousse. Imagine a smooth, velvety treat that combines the deep flavours of dark chocolate, the creamy goodness of ripe avocados, and the gentle sweetness of maple syrup. This dessert proves that indulgence and health can come together in one amazing dish, and you can enjoy it without any guilt. I made this as an after-school treat for the kids, and my little one loved it. The amazing thing about this avocado chocolate mousse is that it’s incredibly rich and indulgent. It’s so delicious that you won’t even realize you’re getting loads of health benefits!
The Wholesome Duo: Avocado and Dark Chocolate
Avocados are like nature’s multivitamins. They are nutritional powerhouses, offering a multitude of health benefits that make them a valuable addition to your diet. They’re full of good stuff like vitamins E, K, and C. Plus, they’ve got these healthy fats that your body loves. They are creamy and rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-friendly and can help lower bad cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. They are also a great source of dietary fibre, promoting a healthy digestive system and aiding in weight management by increasing feelings of fullness. And then there’s chocolate. But not just any chocolate – we’re talking about the dark kinds. Dark chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants and it can help your body stay strong and fight off bad stuff. When enjoyed moderately, it supports heart health by lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels. Plus, dark chocolate has this magical way of making you feel happy and content.
But here’s where the magic really happens – when you combine the creamy goodness of avocados with the richness of dark chocolate, you get a dessert that’s not only unbelievably delicious but also incredibly nutritious. It’s like having your cake and eating it too, but in a much healthier, guilt-free way.
This dessert can be a diabetes-friendly dessert option when prepared mindfully. Avocados have a low glycemic index, meaning they have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels. As mentioned, they are a good source of healthy fats and dietary fibre, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
However, it’s essential to consider the overall carbohydrate content and portion size of the dessert, especially if it includes added sugars. Using natural sweeteners in moderation, like pure maple syrup or stevia, can be a better choice for individuals with diabetes compared to refined sugars. Always consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to tailor recipes to specific dietary needs and to ensure they align with an individual’s diabetes management plan.
Making avocado chocolate mousse is a bit like creating your own dessert masterpiece. Once everything’s blended, give it a try. If you want more chocolatey goodness, a hint of sweetness, or a smoother texture, go ahead and adjust it – you can add extra cocoa powder or sweetener until it matches your taste perfectly. Cooking is just about figuring out what flavours bring a smile to your face!
Use Ripe Avocados: It is essential to use for this recipe because they provide the creamy texture necessary for a smooth and velvety mousse and they give a sweeter taste, which balances well with the cocoa and other ingredients, creating a deliciously satisfying dessert. Using underripe avocados might result in a grainy or less flavourful mousse.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: It’s important to use Dutch-processed cocoa powder in this recipe. It’s milder and less acidic than natural cocoa powder.
Maple Syrup: Maple syrup has a lower glycemic index compared to regular sugar, meaning it causes a slower and steadier increase in blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for individuals who need to manage their blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes. It is also minimally processed and doesn’t contain artificial additives or preservatives, aligning with the preference for natural and wholesome ingredients in many recipes.
Flavour Enhancements: Get creative with your mousse by incorporating additional aromatic elements. Consider a touch of cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom for a subtle exotic note. You could also try a hint of citrus zest, like orange or lemon, for a refreshing twist. The possibilities are endless.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
- 1/3 cup dark melted chocolate chips (if vegan, remember to use dairy-free chocolate)
- 1/4 Dutch cocoa powder
- 1/8-1/4 cup any milk of your choice (adapt to your desired thickness)
- 1-2 tsp pure vanilla extract or bean paste
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, fresh berries, shaved chocolate
Instructions
- Tempering the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips using a microwave or double boiler until smooth and glossy (about 3-4 minutes). This step is crucial for a creamy texture in the mousse.
- Prepare Avocado: Cut the ripe avocados in half, remove the seeds, and scoop out the flesh. Add the avocado flesh to your blender or food processor along with the tempered chocolate.
- Blend Avocado, Cocoa Powder & Milk: Add Dutch cocoa powder to the avocado and chocolate mixture in your blender or food processor. Pour in your preferred milk. Blend the mixture at medium speed until the ingredients are well incorporated, adjusting the consistency by adding more milk if needed. Scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor if necessary.
- Add Vanilla, Salt, and Maple Syrup: Add 1-2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract or bean paste to the mixture. Sprinkle in salt for balance. Pour in the pure maple syrup. Blend the mixture at low speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mousse reaches a smooth, creamy texture.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the mousse and adjust the sweetness or saltiness according to your preference by adding more maple syrup or salt if necessary. Blend briefly to combine.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the chocolate avocado mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Refrigerate the mousse for at least 1-2 hours to chill and firm up. Serve chilled, optionally garnished with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Enjoy!
Thermomix Instructions
- Temper the Chocolate: Begin by melting the dark chocolate chips in the Thermomix. Melt at a low speed (around 50°C) until the chocolate is smooth and glossy (about 3-4 minutes). This process helps to temper the chocolate for a better texture in the mousse.
- Prepare Avocado: Cut the ripe avocados in half, remove the seeds, and scoop out the flesh. Add the avocado flesh to the Thermomix bowl with the tempered chocolate.
- Blend Avocado, Cocoa Powder & Milk: Add Dutch cocoa powder to the avocado and chocolate mixture in the Thermomix bowl. Pour in your preferred milk into the mixture in the Thermomix bowl. Blend the mixture at medium speed (Speed 5) for another 20-30 seconds until the ingredients are well incorporated. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary.
- Add Vanilla, Salt, and Maple Syrup: Add 1-2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract or bean paste to the mixture. Sprinkle in salt for balance. Pour in the pure maple syrup. Blend the mixture at low speed (Speed 4) for 20 seconds until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mousse reaches a smooth, creamy texture.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the mousse and adjust the sweetness or saltiness according to your preference by adding more maple syrup or salt if necessary. Blend briefly to combine.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the chocolate avocado mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Refrigerate the mousse for at least 1-2 hours to chill and firm up. Serve chilled, optionally garnished with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Enjoy your delightful creation!