By Diva Dressing 
Salted Chocolate Avocado Pudding is a rich and creamy dessert that combines the indulgent flavor of chocolate with the healthy fats of avocado. This dessert is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great alternative to traditional chocolate puddings. Here’s how to make it, along with its nutritional benefits and why it’s a great choice for a healthier dessert.
Recipe for Salted Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt (to taste)
- Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks (for added richness)
- Optional: Fresh berries or nuts for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare Avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a food processor or blender.
- Blend Ingredients: Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup or honey, almond milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt to the food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If using dark chocolate chips, add them in and pulse a few times to combine.
- Adjust Sweetness and Salt: Taste the pudding and adjust the sweetness or salt according to your preference. Blend again if necessary.
- Chill: Transfer the pudding to serving bowls or containers and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to firm up.
- Serve: Top with fresh berries, nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt if desired before serving.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Avocados: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, avocados provide essential nutrients like potassium, fiber, and vitamins C, E, and K. They support heart health, digestion, and skin health.
- Cocoa Powder: Provides antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and improve heart health. Unsweetened cocoa powder also adds a rich chocolate flavor without added sugars.
- Maple Syrup/Honey: Natural sweeteners like maple syrup and honey offer a more nutritious alternative to refined sugars, providing trace minerals and antioxidants.
- Almond Milk: A low-calorie, dairy-free alternative to traditional milk that can also be enriched with vitamins and minerals.
- Dark Chocolate (Optional): Contains antioxidants and may provide additional health benefits, such as improved heart health and cognitive function.
Why It’s a Great Choice:
- Healthy Fats: This pudding provides healthy fats from avocados, making it a more nutritious option compared to desserts high in saturated fats.
- Low in Refined Sugar: By using natural sweeteners and unsweetened cocoa powder, this dessert is lower in refined sugars, making it a better choice for those monitoring their sugar intake.
- Quick and Easy: The recipe requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, making it a convenient option for a quick treat.
- Rich and Satisfying: The creamy texture and rich chocolate flavor make this pudding a satisfying dessert that can curb chocolate cravings in a healthier way.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, add toppings, or incorporate mix-ins to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
