Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse Recipe – Easy Vegan Dessert

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse Recipe – Easy Vegan Dessert

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a dessert that feels indulgent but doesn’t leave you with a mountain of guilt. And honestly? This dark chocolate avocado mousse is it. It’s rich, creamy, unbelievably easy to make, and…shhh…it’s secretly good for you! I first made this when I was craving something chocolatey but wanted to sneak in some extra nutrients. It was a total hit, and I’ve been perfecting it ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be real, avocado in dessert sounds a little…out there, right? But trust me on this one. You won’t even taste the avocado! It just lends this incredible creaminess and richness, making the mousse unbelievably smooth. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and comes together in under an hour – perfect for those spontaneous sweet cravings. It’s a guilt-free pleasure that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this dreamy mousse:

• 1 ripe avocado (whole)
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate (approximately 60g)
• A dash of vanilla essence (about 1/2 tsp)
• 1 tablespoon date syrup (approximately 15ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients, because a few little things can make a big difference.

Avocado Selection

You absolutely need a ripe avocado for this recipe. It should yield to gentle pressure, but not be mushy. Hass avocados work beautifully! A perfectly ripe avocado is key to that smooth, creamy texture we’re after.

Dark Chocolate Quality

Don’t skimp on the chocolate! A good quality dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher is my preference) will give you the best flavour. I usually go for a brand with a rich, slightly bitter taste.

Date Syrup as a Natural Sweetener

Date syrup is my go-to natural sweetener. It adds a lovely caramel-like flavour that complements the chocolate perfectly. You can find it at most health food stores or online. (Approximately 15ml or 1 tbsp)

Vanilla Essence – Enhancing the Flavor

Just a dash of vanilla essence really elevates the chocolate flavour. Don’t skip it! It adds a warmth and complexity that makes the mousse even more delicious.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s seriously simple.

1. First, scoop the flesh of the avocado into a mixing bowl. Make sure there are no brown spots!
2. Next, melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Now, combine the melted chocolate, avocado, vanilla essence, and date syrup in a bowl.
4. Use a hand blender to blend the mixture until it’s creamy and fully combined. This is where the magic happens! Blend until there are absolutely no lumps.
5. Divide the mousse into serving bowls and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set. Patience is a virtue, I know!
6. Finally, serve chilled, optionally garnished with berries or shaved chocolate. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

A few little secrets to make this mousse extra amazing:

Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture

The key is a good blender and a ripe avocado. Blend, blend, blend! Don’t be afraid to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times.

Preventing Chocolate Seizing

Chocolate can be a bit temperamental. To prevent it from seizing, make sure your bowl is completely dry when melting it. And stir frequently!

Chilling Time is Crucial

Don’t rush the chilling process. The mousse needs at least an hour to set properly. Overnight is even better!

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation (already vegan!)

Woohoo! This recipe is naturally vegan, so no changes needed.

Gluten-Free Adaptation (naturally gluten-free)

Yep, this one’s naturally gluten-free too! Everyone can enjoy this treat.

Spice Level – Adding a Hint of Chili

My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny pinch of chili powder for a little kick. It’s surprisingly delicious!

Festival Adaptations – Valentine’s Day/Special Occasions

For Valentine’s Day, I like to serve this in pretty little glasses and top it with fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. It feels extra special.

Serving Suggestions

This mousse is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

• Top with fresh berries (raspberries and strawberries are my favourites).
• Sprinkle with shaved dark chocolate.
• Add a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
• Serve with a side of almond biscotti for dipping.

Storage Instructions

Leftover mousse can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It might firm up a bit, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Is avocado mousse healthy?

Compared to traditional mousse, absolutely! Avocado provides healthy fats, fibre, and vitamins. Plus, we’re using natural sweeteners instead of refined sugar. It’s a treat you can feel good about.

Can I use another sweetener instead of date syrup?

You can! Maple syrup or agave nectar are good substitutes. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to your taste.

Can I make this mousse ahead of time?

Yes! You can make it up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.

What kind of dark chocolate works best?

I recommend a dark chocolate with 70% cacao or higher. The higher the cacao content, the richer and more intense the flavour will be.

How can I tell if the mousse is set?

The mousse should be firm to the touch and hold its shape. If it’s still too soft after an hour, pop it back in the fridge for another 30 minutes.

Enjoy this delightful dessert! I hope you love it as much as I do. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!