A Simple, Sweet Secret: Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Some of the best recipes aren't found in fancy cookbooks, but are passed along from friend to friend, usually accompanied by a look of slight disbelief. "You won't even taste the avocado," they promise. I was certainly a skeptic the first time I heard about it, but one bite of this incredibly rich, silky mousse and I was a complete convert. It’s become my go-to dessert when I want something that feels indulgent but is made from wonderfully simple, whole ingredients.

It’s not often you find a dessert that’s both decadent and feels genuinely good for you. This mousse is just that—a quick whir in the food processor that results in something magical. Don't let the secret ingredient scare you; it’s what gives the mousse its fantastically creamy texture without a hint of dairy.

What You'll Need

Gathering these ingredients is the hardest part, and it's not hard at all. The beauty here is in the flexibility.

• 1 ripe avocado, pitted and scooped
• 1 ripe banana (the spottier, the better for sweetness!)
• 2-3 tablespoons of good quality cacao powder
• A few drops of stevia, maple syrup, or honey (to your taste)
• A pinch of salt (trust me, it makes the chocolate pop)
• For topping: Extra cacao powder or cacao nibs for a little crunch

Putting It All Together

This process is wonderfully forgiving. It’s less about precise science and more about tasting and adjusting until it’s perfect for you.

• Start by adding the cacao powder to your food processor. Then, pop in the avocado and banana flesh.
• Blend it all until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape down the sides if you need to. This is where you check the consistency. If it seems a bit too thick, a teaspoon of water or almond milk can loosen it up. If the banana flavor is too strong, add a touch more cacao.
• Now, taste it. This is the most important step. Does it need a bit more sweetness? Add your stevia, maple syrup, or honey a few drops or at a time, blending and tasting after each addition until it's just right for you.
• Spoon the mousse into little cups or glasses. A small serving is surprisingly rich and satisfying.
• Sprinkle the top with a little dusting of cacao powder or some cacao nibs for a delightful texture.

A Handy Little Tip

If you have a frozen banana on hand, it makes the mousse wonderfully chilled and thick, almost like soft-serve. But if you don't, no worries at all! Just use a fresh banana and pop the finished mousse into the fridge for twenty minutes or so before serving. It’s the perfect cooling treat on a warm afternoon.