The Best Avocado and Chocolate Pudding
You won’t believe this recipe. Really. It is so smooth, so creamy, so decadent, that it tastes like there are cups full of heavy cream in it. But avocados lend not only luscious texture, but sweetness as well. Avoid the whipped cream topping if you want to keep it vegan!
Ingredients
2 large avocados, pits removed
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup pure maple syrup
¼ cup agave nectar
¼ cup (or more) fresh orange juice
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1½ cups heavy cream (optional)
¼ cup cocoa nibs and/or chopped hazelnuts
Directions
Scoop avocado flesh into a blender and scrape in vanilla bean seeds; reserve pod for another use. Add cocoa powder, maple syrup, agave nectar, orange juice, and salt and blend to a coarse purée. With motor running, gradually stream in ¾ cup hot (but not boiling) water; blend, adding more orange juice as needed, until smooth and creamy.
Divide pudding among eight 4–6 oz. ramekins or small bowls and chill (uncovered) at least 2 hours.
Just before serving, whip cream in a medium bowl to soft peaks and spoon over pudding, if desired; top with cocoa nibs and/or hazelnuts.
About the Chef
Stephanie Goldfarb is a Chicago-based chef and national food television personality specializing in seasonal, globally-inspired cuisine. Recognized as the winner of Food Network’s America’s Best Cook competition, and a celebrity chef on Kitchen Inferno and NBC’s Food Fighters, Goldfarb delivers unique and relatable culinary experiences to discriminating and casual diners alike. As the owner of the successful Seven Species Supper Club & Catering, she enjoys the challenge of building brand new menus each month that inspire both repeat clients and newcomers, and seeks opportunities to utilize new ingredients, techniques, and approaches in accessible ways.