Save Pin I stumbled across this recipe during a phase where I was testing every healthy dessert alternative I could find. My friend Anna laughed when I told her the secret ingredient was avocado. She took one bite at our dinner party and went silent, then immediately demanded the recipe. That was the moment I stopped thinking of it as a healthy substitute and started treating it as a legitimate dessert that happens to be good for you.
Last summer I made this for my nieces who are notoriously suspicious of anything labeled healthy. I served it in small glasses with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and didn't say a word about ingredients. They licked their bowls clean and asked if I could make it for their birthday party. Sometimes the best way to introduce people to something new is to let the taste do the talking.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados: These need to be perfectly ripe with no brown spots, yielding slightly to gentle pressure
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Use high quality cocoa here since its the main flavor and cheap cocoa can taste dusty
- 1/4 cup almond milk: Start with this amount and add more only if needed for blending
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: Agave works too but maple adds a lovely depth that complements the chocolate
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Don't skip this as it bridges the gap between the avocado and chocolate flavors
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt: This tiny amount makes the chocolate taste more intense and balanced
Instructions
- Blend everything together:
- Place all your ingredients in a food processor or high speed blender and blend until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed
- Taste and adjust:
- Taste the pudding and add more maple syrup or cocoa powder depending on your preference
- Chill before serving:
- Spoon into serving bowls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, then top with whatever sounds good
Save Pin This became my go to dessert during finals week in college because it satisfied every late night craving without the sugar crash. Id make a batch on Sunday and portion it into small containers, grabbing one whenever I needed something rich and satisfying between study sessions. It felt like such a treat during a stressful time.
Making It Your Own
I sometimes add a tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter to the blender for a nutty chocolate version that tastes like a fancy pudding cup from childhood. A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder can transform it completely depending on your mood. The base recipe is incredibly forgiving and welcomes experimentation.
Serving Suggestions
This pudding shines when you treat it like a proper dessert rather than just a healthy alternative. I love layering it with fresh berries in small glasses or topping it with shaved dark chocolate for dinner parties. The contrast of the cold creamy pudding with something crunchy or tart makes it feel special.
Storage and Meal Prep
The pudding actually gets better after a day in the fridge as the flavors meld together. I often make double batches and keep them in small airtight containers for quick desserts throughout the week. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface if you are storing it longer than two days to prevent any oxidation.
- Let it sit at room temperature for about ten minutes before serving if it has been refrigerated overnight
- Add toppings right before serving to keep them fresh and textural
- A small sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top elevates it from good to restaurant quality
Save Pin This recipe has converted more skeptics than any other dessert I make, and I love watching peoples faces when they realize what they are eating. Its proof that healthy desserts dont have to taste like an apology.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do ripe avocados affect the dessert's texture?
Ripe avocados lend a smooth, creamy texture that mimics traditional dairy-based desserts without added fats.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Yes, you can modify the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup or honey to suit your taste.
- → What are suitable toppings to enhance flavor?
Fresh berries, shaved dark chocolate, coconut whipped cream, or chopped nuts provide delightful flavor and texture contrasts.
- → Is it necessary to chill before serving?
Chilling for at least 30 minutes improves flavor melding and creates a firmer, more enjoyable consistency.
- → Can different plant-based milks be used?
Yes, almond, oat, soy, or other plant-based milks can be substituted depending on preference and allergy considerations.