Vegan Chocolate Avocado Mousse

An icon representing a clock 20 min | easy | gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan
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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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Three small glass cups of vegan chocolate avocado mousse, topped with dark chocolate shavings, on a light marble surface; a spoon and scattered chocolate curls sit nearby, with one cup in sharp focus and two softly blurred behind.

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Avocado Mousse

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

Three short glass cups of vegan chocolate avocado mousse on a marble surface, each with a smooth, swirled top and a mound of dark chocolate shavings; fresh strawberries sit nearby.

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.
Two small glass cups filled with smooth, dark chocolate avocado mousse, topped with chunky vegan dark chocolate shavings on a light marble surface.

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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