No-Bake Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Toasted Hazelnuts
A velvety, dairy-free chocolate mousse made with ripe avocados and topped with crunchy toasted hazelnuts for a nutritious dessert. This vegan-inspired desserts (vegan) ready in about 15 minutes layers medium ripe 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 210 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 ripe avocados
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
- 2 tbsp dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut and pit 2 medium ripe avocados; scoop the flesh into a food processor.
- Step 2: Add 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/8 tsp salt to the processor.
- Step 3: Blend all ingredients on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 4: Spoon the mousse into four small serving glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and set.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, toast 1/4 cup hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, then chop coarsely.
- Step 6: Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped toasted hazelnuts and 2 tbsp dark chocolate shavings evenly over the mousse for texture and garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Toasted Hazelnuts take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 with Toasted Hazelnuts?
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 with Toasted Hazelnuts?
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 with Toasted Hazelnuts 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 No-Bake Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Toasted Hazelnuts 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.
