If anyone has ever told you that healthy eating means giving up the things you love, this recipe is the rebuttal. It's rich, dark, glossy, and ready in five minutes — and every ingredient in it is doing your body good.
The first time you serve this to someone who doesn't know what's in it, watch their face. That's the whole point of this recipe.
Why it works. Avocado gives the body the kind of healthy fats your cells were designed to use. Raw cacao is one of the most antioxidant-rich foods on earth. Dates sweeten without sending blood sugar on a roller coaster. This is what dessert looks like when every ingredient has a purpose.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/3 cup raw cacao powder
- 6 medjool dates, pitted (soak in warm water 10 minutes if firm)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, plus more as needed
- Fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries to top
- Optional: cacao nibs, hemp seeds, fresh mint
Method
- Add avocados, cacao, dates, vanilla, and salt to a blender or food processor.
- Pulse, then blend on high, scraping down the sides as needed. Add almond milk a tablespoon at a time until the mousse is silky and smooth.
- Taste. If your dates are smaller, you may want to add another or a small drizzle of pure maple syrup.
- Spoon into small bowls or glasses. Top generously with fresh berries.
- Serve right away, or chill 30 minutes for a firmer texture.
Notes
- Make ahead. Keeps in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. The texture stays beautiful.
- Variation. Add a tablespoon of fresh-squeezed orange juice and a little zest for a bright "chocolate orange" version.
