Vegan Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Introduction
This vegan chocolate avocado mousse is rich, creamy, and so silky that no one will guess it is dairy-free.
Ripe avocados give it a luscious, pudding-like texture while dark chocolate and cocoa bring deep, intense chocolate flavor.
It is perfect for an easy make-ahead dessert, a date-night treat, or a lighter chocolate fix after dinner.
Ingredients (4 servings)
Ingredients
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How to Make Vegan Chocolate Avocado Mousse
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Prep the avocados and melt the chocolate
Peel and pit the avocados, then scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor bowl.
Melt the dairy-free chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring between each burst until smooth.
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Blend the mousse base
Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to the blender.
Pour in the melted chocolate, scraping the bowl so you do not waste any chocolate.
Blend on high until the mixture looks completely smooth, thick, and creamy, stopping to scrape the sides as needed.
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Adjust sweetness and chill
Taste the mousse and add a little more maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter dessert, then blend again briefly.
Transfer the mousse into small ramekins or glasses and smooth the tops with a spoon.
Cover and chill for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours, until set and nicely cold.
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Serve and garnish
Right before serving, top each mousse with vegan dark chocolate shavings.
You can also finish with fresh berries or a small pinch of flaky sea salt for contrast.
Substitutions
- Swap almond milk with canned coconut milk
- Use full-fat canned coconut milk instead of almond milk for a richer, more truffle-like mousse. Chill the can first and use mostly the thick cream on top for the best texture.
- Replace maple syrup with agave nectar
- Agave nectar works well in place of maple syrup and keeps the mousse smooth, glossy, and fully vegan. Choose light agave if you want a more neutral flavor that lets the chocolate shine.
- Use banana for part of the sweetener
- Blend in half a ripe banana and cut the maple syrup in half for a lighter, fruitier mousse. The banana adds sweetness and a hint of banana bread flavor without changing the creamy texture much.
Tips
- Use perfectly ripe avocados
- Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have no stringy or gray spots inside. Overripe or bruised fruit can make the mousse taste bitter or muddy.
- Blend longer than you think
- Let the blender run for a full 30 to 60 seconds to completely break down any tiny avocado bits. This extra time gives the mousse that classic, airy chocolate pudding feel.
- Serve slightly chilled, not icy cold
- For the best flavor, let the mousse sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. The chocolate tastes more complex and the texture feels silkier when it is not fridge-cold.
- Make it ahead
- This mousse keeps well covered in the fridge for up to two days, so it is great for entertaining. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent any slight discoloration.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 318 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 4 | g |
| Total Fat | 20 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 41 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Why does my mousse taste like avocado instead of chocolate?
- You probably need a bit more cocoa powder, melted chocolate, or salt to balance the natural avocado flavor. Next time, use very ripe but not overripe avocados, which have a milder taste.
- My mousse looks grainy, what went wrong?
- Graininess usually means the chocolate seized or the avocado did not blend fully. Blend again on high, and if needed, add a tablespoon of almond milk to smooth things out.
- Can I make this without a blender?
- A food processor works well, though the texture may be slightly less fluffy. Mashing by hand will not get silky results, so stick with powered equipment here.
- How can I make the mousse higher in protein?
- Blend in a scoop of unsweetened vegan chocolate protein powder, then add extra almond milk as needed for blending. Choose a brand you like the taste of, since the flavor will come through.
Serving Suggestions
This mousse makes a lovely finish to a cozy dinner with strong coffee or a glass of red wine.
For a fun twist, layer it with crushed vegan cookies and berries to build simple, impressive parfaits.
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