Dessert doesn’t have to come with a side of guilt.

If you’re hoping to treat yourself after a delicious meal but aren’t looking to set yourself over the edge, this Chocolate Avocado Mousse recipe will hit the spot!

It’s creamy, rich, sweet, and full of nutritional benefits.

The perfect topper to a fun date night or the healthy solution to that pesky sweet tooth, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 ripe avocados, pitted
1/3 cup regular cocoa powder
1/4 cup melted dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup milk of your choice
1 tsp vanilla
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup cacao nibs

The Smooth Benefits of Avocado

There’s a reason why avocados are slowly finding their way into more and more dishes: they’re creamy, delicious, and full of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that elevate the nutrition of every meal.

Serving as the smooth base of this mousse recipe, avocados are rich in the monounsaturated fats (healthy fats) that play a key role in our heart health, as well as reducing cholesterol and keeping us full longer. High levels of fiber also aid our digestion, and a whole cast of vitamins (C, E, K, B-6, and folate) help our body fulfill numerous important functions.

Sweet, Powerful Cacao Nibs

More than a crunchy topper to our meal, cacao nibs are a less-processed form of chocolate that are highly nutritious. They are one of the richest sources of antioxidants, which are critical for helping your body reduce cell damage, combat oxidative stress, and reduce inflammation.

They are also packed with magnesium, a mineral that is essential for hundreds of biochemical reactions in your body, including energy production, bone health, and nerve function.

A Natural Maple Sweetener

A natural sweetener, maple syrup doesn’t have any of the artificial additives or refined sugars found in many conventional options. And because it is unrefined, produced simply by boiling down the sap of maple trees, the syrup maintains all of its natural nutritional profile.

All of this makes it a great source for minerals such as zinc and manganese, as well as antioxidants. It also comes with a lower glycemic index, meaning it’s a great alternative for those looking to monitor their blood sugar levels.

Instructions

In a small bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips using a microwave or a double boiler on the stovetop.
In a blender or food processor, combine the rest of the ingredients (besides the cacao nibs) and blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
Stir in the cacao nibs.
Spoon the mousse into serving dishes and finish with your favorite toppings. I used pomegranate seeds and fresh mint leaves!