If you taste this rich, creamy chocolate mousse before you make it, you make have trouble believing that there’s absolutely no white sugar or dairy in it. The ripe banana and date syrup lend just enough sweetness, and the avocado gives it that delicious mouthfeel of dairy (without the lactose!). Adding chocolate and a bit of vanilla makes this one decadent dessert…. and one that you can feel great about eating! The ingredients in this tasty treat are health-optimizing in the Mediterranean Diet-way!
Avocado: Powerhouse Nutrition
Fat is what gives an avocado that rich mouthfeel. Have no fear, though! The fat found in avocado is the healthy kind of fat, full of brain-boosting nutrients that are not only healthy but also help keep you full. Eating an avocado (or part of one) can help balance sugar levels and help you feel full and satiated after a meal. Avocados are also full of important nutrients, like folate, vitamins K, B-6, and C, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and potassium. Yum!
Cocoa Powder: Health Food
Unsweetened cocoa powder is another winning ingredient. This powder is full of polyphenols, which have important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to healthline.com, cocoa is one of the richest sources of polyphenols (along with other foods like red wine-- another Mediterranean Diet staple). Cocoa powder has also been linked to lower blood pressure, improved blood sugar levels, and better cholesterol. Do we have to tell you that it also tastes amazing?
How to Make This Chocolate Mousse
This dessert is about as easy as they come. Chop and dice all your ingredients. Simply dump them into a blender, with just enough milk to make it blend, and whirl away. You want to make sure all the separate ingredients are incorporated completely so don’t be afraid to let it blend for a few extra seconds. Then simply scoop into serving dishes, chill in the fridge for a bit, and enjoy with toppings. Berries are my favorite topping. Feel free to find your own! A quick note, you want your banana to be very ripe to add some extra sweetness. If your banana is not very ripe, you may prefer to add one more TBS of date syrup. (Date syrup is made from 100% whole dates and no additives.) Made this chocolate mousse? Tag us on Instagram or Pinterest and let us see what you made! If you love healthy desserts, check out some of our other favorites.
If you taste this rich, creamy chocolate mousse before you make it, you make have trouble believing that there’s absolutely no white sugar or dairy in it. The ripe banana and date syrup lend just enough sweetness, and the avocado gives it that delicious mouthfeel of dairy (without the lactose!). Adding chocolate and a bit of vanilla makes this one decadent dessert…. and one that you can feel great about eating! The ingredients in this tasty treat are health-optimizing in the Mediterranean Diet-way!
Author: Ashley Keating
Ingredients
1 ripe avocado
1 very ripe banana
1 tbs almond butter
0.25 cup cocoa powder (no sugar added)
0.5 tsp vanilla extract
3-4 TBS date syrup or maple syrup
1 to 2 TBS unsweetened almond milk
Toppings: berries of all kind, mint leaves, etc
Directions
Peel and chop the banana. Slice the avocado to scoop out all the green inside part.
Dump the banana, avocado, nut butter, cacao powder, vanilla extract, date/ maple syrup, and almond milk in a blender. (You want just enough milk to make the blender blend. Start with 1 TBS and see if that’s enough.) Taste and adjust as necessary.
Pour into serving bowls. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes or longer.
Top with berries, mint leaves, or other toppings to serve.
Can honey be substituted for the maple or date syrup?
Will this recipe freeze well?