Get Ready For The Ultimate Craving – Desserts Made With Love And Avocados
The versatility of avocados along with the rich, creamy flavor and good nutrition, makes it a perfect dessert ingredient. Homemade ice cream or chocolate chip cookies like mom made, smoothies, cupcakes and brownies, health-conscious bakers can substitute avocado for many traditional baking ingredients, such as butter or shortening. Simply replace these ingredients with an equal amount of avocado (e.g., replace one cup of butter, with one cup of mashed avocado) in any muffin, quick bread and even some brownie and cookie recipes.
By substituting avocado, you get the healthy benefits of the fruit and the nutritional value of baked goods may be increased with the fruit’s contribution of nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, along with heart-healthy “good fats” (poly and monounsaturated fats). Additionally, the overall calories in a recipe can be reduced by substituting avocado for a higher-calorie ingredient like butter.
Try these California Avocado and Chocolate Bars
California Avocado and Chocolate Bars
Recipe and photo by Ali Bonar of Avo Kween. Recipe provided by the California Avocado Commission
Serves: 16
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Thanks to this no-bake recipe, you can leave the kitchen and enjoy the party! Leave in the freezer, serve when ready and enjoy your creamy, delicious result. Easy to make with good nutrition, these low sodium, cholesterol and trans fat free bars are easy to enjoy providing an excellent source (21% DV) of dietary fiber and a good source of potassium (10% DV).
California Avocado and Chocolate Bar Ingredients:
- 2 ripe, Fresh California Avocados, peeled, seeded and halved
- 2 cups raw cashews
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 5 Tbsp. coconut oil
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Crust (see make-ahead recipe below)
- Chocolate Drizzle (see make-ahead recipe below)
California Avocado and Chocolate Bar Instructions:
- Combine avocados, cashews, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla and lemon juice in a blender and mix until smooth.
- Pour filling over Crust then lightly pour the Chocolate Drizzle over the mixture and use a knife to create a swirled pattern.
- Place in the freezer for two hours or until completely firm.
Crust Ingredients:
- 4 cups oats
- 1 cup of preferred nuts (pecans, walnuts or pepitas)
- ½ cup coconut oil
Crust Instructions:
- Line an 8 x 8 -inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Combine oats, nuts and coconut oil in a blender and mix until consistent.
- Pour granola mixture into the baking dish and place in the freezer for ten minutes.
Chocolate Drizzle Ingredients:
- 1 tsp. butter
- 1 cup milk or dark chocolate chips
- 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
Chocolate Drizzle Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, gently melt the butter over low heat.
- Slowly add the chocolate chips and coconut oil and stir frequently.
- Keep on low heat until ready to drizzle over avocado mixture.
Serving Suggestion: The milk or dark chocolate provides a rich contrast against the creamy avocado but feel free to substitute with white chocolate for a more subtle but equally sweet combination.
Beverage Pairing: Enjoy this dessert with a glass of milk to balance the creamy texture of the bar.
