Using avocados as the basis of a pudding has become one of the best-loved recipe sensations of recent years. In minutes you can whip up this creamy, rich, dark, glossy, and a little fruity vegan treat. And if you didn’t know, you might not guess that avocado is the main ingredient. Surely this will be a special after-school treat for kids who don’t realize, or particularly care, that it’s more healthful than they think.
Yields 2 cups
Serves 4
Prep time: about 10 minutes
2 large ripe Hass avocados
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup pure maple syrup*
½ cup water
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon salt
*A mild, pourable honey also works, as does agave nectar.
Flaked toasted coconut
Toasted chopped nuts
Espresso beans
Fruit such as raspberries, or sliced strawberries or bananas
Halve and pit the avocados. Scoop the flesh into the bowl of a food processor. Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup, water, vanilla, and salt and process until smooth and creamy. Chill before serving.
Serve plain or topped with one of the garnishes.
Mexican: Add ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Mocha: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons brewed coffee or espresso.
Serve as a seemingly indulgent dessert for a vegan meal, such as Lentil Salad with Baby Greens and Oranges, Award-Winning Chili with Chocolate and Stout, or Black Bean and Quinoa Burgers with Chipotle Ketchup.