Save The first time I made this pudding, I was trying to salvage two avocados that were perfectly ripe but somehow always seemed to disappear into guacamole before I could use them for anything else. I had cocoa powder sitting in the pantry, a splash of almond milk, and maybe five minutes before guests arrived. What emerged from the blender was nothing short of magic—silky, fudgy, and so rich that no one believed me when I said the base ingredient was avocado. It's become my secret weapon ever since, the dessert I make when I want to impress people without spending hours in the kitchen.
I remember serving this to my friend who's vegan, and watching her face when she took the first spoonful was worth every second. She set her spoon down slowly and said, "This tastes like brownie batter had a baby with mousse." We both laughed, but she wasn't wrong. Now whenever she comes over, this is the only dessert she asks for, and I've made it so many times that I can practically do it with my eyes closed.
Ingredients
- Ripe avocados (2): This is everything—make sure they yield slightly to pressure and have dark skin, not the hard, pale green ones that will taste chalky and bitter.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Don't skimp on quality here; a good cocoa powder transforms the whole dessert from muddy to genuinely delicious.
- Almond milk (1/4 cup): Or any plant-based milk that won't curdle; I use almond because it's neutral and creamy enough to blend without adding weird flavors.
- Pure maple syrup (1/4 cup): Honey works if you're not vegan, but maple syrup has a subtle warmth that plays beautifully with chocolate and avocado.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): This one ingredient rounds out the chocolate flavor and prevents the pudding from tasting flat or one-dimensional.
- Fine sea salt (1/8 tsp): A tiny pinch intensifies the chocolate and keeps the pudding from being sickeningly sweet.
Instructions
- Gather and prep your stars:
- Cut your avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into your food processor or blender. You want them soft enough that a spoon glides through easily—if they're still a little hard, wait a few hours before starting.
- Blend until cloud-like:
- Add the cocoa powder, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt, then blend on high until absolutely no graininess remains. Stop every few seconds to scrape the sides down with a spatula, because avocado loves to hide in corners.
- Taste and trust your instincts:
- Dip a clean spoon in and try it—if you want more sweetness, add a touch more maple syrup; if the chocolate is too intense, blend in a splash more milk. This is your moment to make it exactly right.
- Transfer to vessels:
- Spoon the pudding into bowls or glasses, and if you're going to chill it, use whatever pretty glassware makes you happy. It deserves to look as good as it tastes.
- Chill or serve:
- Pop it in the fridge for at least thirty minutes if you have time—the flavor deepens and the texture becomes even silkier. But honestly, it's delicious immediately too if hunger won't wait.
- Crown with toppings:
- Just before serving, add whatever strikes your fancy: fresh berries, dark chocolate shavings, a dollop of coconut whipped cream, or crushed nuts. The toppings add texture and visual joy.
Save What makes this pudding special isn't just that it's easy or healthy—it's that moment when someone discovers what the mystery ingredient is, and suddenly everything they thought they knew about avocados shifts. It becomes more than dessert; it becomes a conversation starter and a small kind of kitchen magic.
The Secret Behind Avocado Chocolate
Avocado gets a reputation as the vegetable that belongs in salads and toast, but its natural creaminess and mild flavor make it an absolute powerhouse in desserts. The fat content gives chocolate pudding the silk and richness that usually comes from cream or butter, but without any dairy flavor interfering. Once you understand this, you start seeing avocado as a secret ingredient everywhere—smoothies, brownies, even ice cream. The magic is that it disappears into the background, letting the chocolate be the star while providing all the luxury underneath.
Customizing Your Pudding
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how willing it is to bend to whatever you're craving. Want it thicker and more fudgy? Use less milk or add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder. Want extra indulgence? Stir in a tablespoon of melted dark chocolate before serving. I've even added a pinch of espresso powder when I wanted a deeper, more complex chocolate flavor that surprised everyone. The base is so forgiving that you can honestly play around and find your perfect version without ever breaking it.
Make It Even Better
The toppings and finishing touches are where you can have fun and make each bowl feel special. Fresh raspberries or strawberries add brightness and cut through the richness, while dark chocolate shavings double down on chocolate heaven. Some days I go minimal and just add a sprinkle of fleur de sel, other days I go all out with toasted nuts and whipped coconut cream. The pudding is complete on its own, but these little additions remind us that food is as much about pleasure and presentation as it is about nourishment.
- Serve in pretty glassware to make it feel like a restaurant-quality dessert instead of something you whipped up in minutes.
- Prepare the pudding the day before and store it covered in the fridge so the flavors meld and deepen overnight.
- If you have leftovers, try blending the pudding with a bit more milk to make an amazing chocolate mousse sauce for vanilla ice cream.
Save This pudding has quietly become the dessert I make most often, and not because it's easy or because it's healthy, but because it genuinely makes people happy. There's something wonderful about a recipe that asks so little but gives so much joy in return.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do ripe avocados affect the texture?
Ripe avocados provide a smooth, creamy base that enhances the dessert's rich texture without dairy.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness levels?
Yes, simply add more or less maple syrup or honey to suit your taste preferences.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Try topping with fresh berries, shaved dark chocolate, or coconut whipped cream for added flavor and texture.
- → Is this dessert suitable for special diets?
It fits vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets, using plant-based ingredients and no gluten sources.
- → How long should it be chilled before serving?
Chilling for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld and texture to firm up for best enjoyment.
- → Can the consistency be altered?
Yes, reducing or increasing the plant-based milk adjusts thickness, making it creamier or firmer.