No-Bake Chocolate Avocado Mousse (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
A luscious, creamy dessert made with ripe avocados and dark chocolate, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without baking. This american-inspired desserts (vegan) ready in about 15 minutes layers ripe, pitted and peeled avocados, unsweetened cocoa powder, 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 320 calories and feeds 2, 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, ripe, pitted and peeled avocados
- 1/2 cup, unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- 1/4 cup, chopped (for topping) walnuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Scoop 2 ripe avocados (pitted and peeled) into a food processor and process for 1 minute until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup almond milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the food processor. Process for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and glossy, scraping down sides as needed.
- Step 3: Taste and adjust sweetness if needed (add maple syrup by tablespoon). Mixture should be thick and spreadable.
- Step 4: Divide mousse into 2 serving glasses or ramekins. Smooth tops with a spatula and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Step 5: Before serving, sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped walnuts and a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Avocado Mousse (Vegan & Gluten-Free) take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 No-Bake Chocolate Avocado Mousse (Vegan & Gluten-Free)?
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 No-Bake Chocolate Avocado Mousse (Vegan & Gluten-Free)?
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 No-Bake Chocolate Avocado Mousse (Vegan & Gluten-Free) for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 No-Bake Chocolate Avocado Mousse (Vegan & Gluten-Free) vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.