Lush Cacao-Avocado Mousse with Maple-Toasted Almond + Lavender

Gluten Free Dairy-Free Refined Sugar-Free Paleo Vegan

Topped with Peeled & Toasted Maple Cinnamon Almonds

✨ A rich, heart-centered dessert that nourishes the body and soothes the senses. This luscious mousse is crafted with grounding, wholesome ingredients—ripe avocado, raw almonds, soaked dates, and cacao—offering a silky texture and deep, earthy flavor without dairy or refined sugar. Topped with maple-toasted almonds and a whisper of lavender, it’s a sensual, soul-nourishing treat that supports energy, mood, and digestion.

🌿 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the Mousse:

• 1 ripe avocado

• ¼ cup raw cacao powder

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 3 Medjool dates, pitted and soaked until soft

• ¼ cup raw almonds, soaked, drained, and peeled

• 2 Tbsp coconut oil (melted)

• ¼ tsp vanilla paste (or extract)

• Pinch of sea salt

For the Maple-Toasted Almonds:

• Small handful of peeled or sliced almonds

• Drizzle of maple syrup

• Pinch of sea salt

• Dash of cinnamon

To Finish:

• A light sprinkle of dried culinary lavender

🌀 Directions

1. Make the Mousse

Topped with Toasted Coconut and Cacao Powder

In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine all mousse ingredients and blend until completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust sweetness to your liking.

2. Toast the Almonds

In a small pan over medium-low heat, toast the almonds with a drizzle of maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and a dash of cinnamon. Stir often until golden and fragrant, then remove from heat to cool.

3. Assemble

Spoon the mousse into small bowls or jars. Top with the warm maple-toasted almonds and a gentle sprinkle of lavender.

4. Serve

Chill slightly for a firmer mousse, or serve immediately for a softer, just-blended texture. Eat slowly, with reverence and joy.

🍫 Why Cacao Instead of Cocoa?

Raw cacao and cocoa powder may look similar, but they differ in how they’re processed—and in their nutritional power:

Cacao

• Made by cold-pressing unroasted cacao beans

• Retains more enzymes, antioxidants, and magnesium

• Slightly more bitter and earthy

• Contains higher levels of flavonoids that support heart, brain, and mood

Cocoa

• Made by roasting cacao at high temperatures

• Loses some nutrients during heat processing

• Smoother, more mellow flavor

• Still contains nutrients, but fewer than cacao

Cacao is rich in:

• Magnesium – calms the nervous system, supports heart + muscle health

• Iron – energy and oxygenation of the body

• Polyphenols – antioxidant compounds that support cognitive and cardiovascular health

• Theobromine – a gentle, mood-lifting stimulant that enhances focus without the crash of caffeine

Choosing raw cacao honors both your body and the sacredness of the plant—supporting vitality, emotional balance, and even heart-opening on a subtle energetic level.

Ayurvedic Insights on Avocado Chocolate Mousse for Different Doshas

• Vata:
  Avocado’s grounding properties are beneficial, but cacao’s stimulating nature can increase Vata imbalance. To harmonize these effects, consider adding warming spices like cardamom or cinnamon. Remember, moderation is essential to maintain balance.

• Pitta:
  Both avocado and cacao possess heating qualities, so Pitta types should approach avocado chocolate mousse with caution! Opt for dark chocolate with 70% or higher cacao content and include cooling ingredients such as coconut milk and/or vanilla to soothe Pitta’s heat. You could easily add in a bit of powdered coconut milk, I’m guessing around 1 Tablespoon but I haven’t tried this as of yet.

• Kapha:
  This mousse suits Kapha individuals well due to cacao’s stimulating and heating energies, which can counteract Kapha’s natural heaviness and sluggishness. Enhancing the recipe with ginger or cayenne pepper can further promote Kapha balance by boosting metabolism and energy.

Incorporating these ayurvedic principles helps tailor your indulgences to support your unique constitution, supporting wellness and vitality.