Covert Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Chili and Sea Salt
A rich, hidden-vegan chocolate mousse that uses creamy avocado, spiced gently with chili powder and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This general-inspired desserts (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 10 minutes layers medium, peeled and pitted ripe avocados, unsweetened cocoa powder, pure maple syrup into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, peeled and pitted ripe avocados
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground chili powder
- 1/4 tsp, plus extra for garnish sea salt flakes
- 2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, combine 2 peeled and pitted ripe avocados, 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp ground chili powder, 1/4 tsp sea salt flakes, and 2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk.
- Step 2: Blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Step 3: Taste and adjust sweetness or chili heat if desired by adding more maple syrup or chili powder.
- Step 4: Spoon the mousse into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and set.
- Step 5: Before serving, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top to enhance the chocolate and chili flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Covert Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Chili and Sea Salt take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Covert Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Chili and Sea Salt?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Covert Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Chili and Sea Salt?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Covert Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Chili and Sea Salt for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Covert Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Chili and Sea Salt vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
