I’ve always wanted to make chocolate mousse, but I was always put off by the eggs. Traditionally, chocolate mousse includes whipped egg whites, which are then folded into melted chocolate to create that classic aerated chocolate texture. While this does sound delicious, I am not a seasoned cook and knew there were multiple ways working with egg whites and melted chocolate could go wrong; over-whisking the egg whites can cause them to collapse and separate; adding the eggs whites to the chocolate too slowly can cause the chocolate to solidify, resulting in a lumpy mousse; and overheating the chocolate can cause it to burn.
Instead, I decided to find an easier recipe with a healthy twist that wouldn’t make me feel guilty for indulging in something sweet. Rather than using eggs or cream, I opted for a fruit known for its healthy fat content and rich nutrient profile: Avocado.
Avocados are naturally creamy, so when they’re blended with melted chocolate, cocoa powder, and a sweetener, the end result is surprisingly decadent.
I felt like I was eating a sugary, rich dessert despite the fact that it contained very little sugar.
This recipe is very customisable. You can use milk or dark chocolate, more or less syrup, honey instead of maple syrup and any milk of your choice. I ended up adding a bit more milk as my blender struggled to create a smooth consistency.
How to make avocado chocolate mousse
Serves two (or four very small portions)
Ingredients
- Flesh of one ripe avocado (make sure the avocado is very ripe)
- Two tablespoons of cocoa powder (plus extra for dusting)
- 100g of melted chocolate (I used Green & Blacks 70%)
- Quarter teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Two tablespoons of maple syrup
- Two tablespoons of milk of choice (I used warmed lactose-free milk)
Method
1. Blend all the ingredients in a blender or food processor until it’s completely smooth.
2. Add more milk if the consistency of the mousse is not smooth or if you’re after an even smoother texture.
3. Decant the mousse into pots and pop them in the fridge for an hour or so to set. I made four small portions but this recipe can easily serve just two if you want more generous portions.
4. Dust them with cocoa powder when you’re ready to serve.
