Avocado with Cocoa and Agave

Introduction

Mashing avocado with cocoa powder and agave syrup gives you a no-cook chocolate dessert with a soft, pudding-like texture. You can keep it slightly rustic with a fork or make it smoother with a mixer, depending on how you want to serve it. It works well as a quick snack or a small dessert when you want something ready in about 10 minutes.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients

• Avocado(s)
• Cocoa powder
• Agave syrup

Instructions

1. Peel the avocados and remove the pit.
2. Break down the fleshy parts of the avocados using a fork or mixer; depending on the desired texture.
3. Add the cocoa powder and mix.
4. Add agave syrup to taste, and mix some more.
5. Serve.

Variations

• Change the tool in step 2: use a fork for a thicker, more textured finish, or a mixer for a smoother, pudding-like result.
• Increase the cocoa powder slightly if you want a darker chocolate flavor with more bitterness and less perceived sweetness.
• Reduce the cocoa powder slightly if you want the avocado flavor to come through more and the texture to stay softer.
• Replace the agave syrup with maple syrup if needed; it keeps the sweetness but adds a deeper flavor and a slightly looser texture.
• Chill the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes before serving if you want it firmer and more spoonable.

Tips for Success

• Use ripe avocado(s) so step 2 goes quickly and the mixture turns smooth instead of pasty.
• Mash the avocado(s) thoroughly before adding cocoa powder, or you can end up with green lumps in the final mixture.
• If you use a mixer in step 2, scrape down the sides once after adding cocoa powder so the color and texture stay even.
• Serve soon after mixing for the freshest color and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge with plastic wrap or parchment pressed directly onto the surface to limit browning. It keeps for up to 1 day.

Freezing is not recommended because the texture becomes watery once thawed.

There is nothing to reheat. Serve it cold from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes, then stir before serving.

FAQ

Can you make this smoother?

Yes. Use a mixer in step 2 instead of a fork, and blend until the avocado is completely broken down.

How ripe should the avocado(s) be?

They should give slightly when pressed but not feel mushy. Underripe avocado(s) will stay fibrous and make the mixture harder to smooth out.

Can you use a different sweetener instead of agave syrup?

Yes. Maple syrup works well and keeps the same basic texture, though the flavor will be slightly deeper and less neutral.

Why does the mixture taste too bitter?

That usually means the cocoa powder is strong relative to the sweetener. Add a little more agave syrup and mix again until the flavor balances.