Ingredients
Scale
This recipe relies on a few simple, high-quality ingredients to create its signature creamy texture and rich flavor. The magic lies in the ripeness of the avocados and the balance of sweetness and depth.
- 2 large, ripe Hass Avocados: These are the heart and soul of the dessert. Make sure they are perfectly ripe—yielding to gentle pressure but not mushy—to ensure the creamiest texture and avoid any bitterness.
- 1/2 cup Pure Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener provides a lovely, nuanced sweetness that complements the avocado. You can adjust the amount to your personal taste.
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (or Cacao Powder): For a rich, chocolatey version, this is essential. Sifting it beforehand will prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth consistency.
- 1/4 cup Full-Fat Coconut Milk (from a can): This adds an extra layer of creaminess and richness. You can substitute with another plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, but the result may be slightly less thick.
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract: A non-negotiable for adding depth and a classic dessert aroma that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt: A tiny pinch of salt doesn’t make the dessert salty; it dramatically enhances the sweetness and the complexity of the chocolate flavor.
- Optional Squeeze of Lime or Lemon Juice: A small amount of acid can help prevent oxidation (browning) and brighten the overall flavor, though it’s not strictly necessary if you plan to serve it immediately.
Instructions
Creating these dessert cups is incredibly simple and requires little more than a blender or food processor. The key is to blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Prepare the Avocados: Slice the avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pits. Scoop the green flesh out with a spoon and place it into the bowl of a high-speed blender or food processor. Discard the skins and pits.
- Add All Ingredients: To the blender or food processor with the avocado, add the maple syrup, unsweetened cocoa powder, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt. If you’re using it, add the squeeze of lime juice now.
- Blend Until Silky Smooth: Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula a couple of times to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Continue blending until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and has no visible specks of avocado. The final texture should resemble a thick, luxurious pudding.
- Taste and Adjust: Once blended, taste the mixture. If you prefer it sweeter, add another tablespoon of maple syrup and blend for a few more seconds. If you want a deeper chocolate flavor, add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder.
- Portion and Chill: Divide the avocado mixture evenly among four small dessert cups, ramekins, or glasses. You can spoon it in or, for a neater presentation, transfer the mixture to a piping bag and pipe it into the cups.
- Chill Thoroughly: Cover the dessert cups with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1-2 hours. This chilling step is crucial; it allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up to the perfect consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Once chilled, remove the dessert cups from the refrigerator. Garnish as desired (see “How to Serve” section for ideas) and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 400