Easy Chocolate Avocado Pudding (SO Good)

With simple ingredients, zero cooking, and a method that takes about 2 minutes total, this Chocolate Avocado Pudding is a yummy dessert to share with the kids. It’s also low in added sugars yet super creamy and so delicious!

Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Making pudding with a base of avocado has become a thing in recent years and while I was initially skeptical, I’m here to tell you that this treat is GOOD. The avocado adds richness and a super creamy texture—and combined with cocoa powder and a little sweetener, it’s a no-cook pudding that’s incredibly easy to blend up.

It’s great plain or with fruit like fresh raspberries and is delicious chilled. And yes, it has healthy fats from the avocado, but we love it mostly because it’s fast and yummy. Plus, since it’s sweetened with just a little maple syrup, it’s a perfect chocolate pudding recipe to share with the kids.

(You may also like my Vegan Chocolate Mousse.)

Ingredients You Need

There are a few variations among other recipes online and I’ve tried this a few ways and feel like I’ve landed on the mix of ingredients that’s easiest and that tastes the best—because you actually don’t want to taste the avocado (and sometimes you can, in my experience trying out other recipes). You’ll need:

• Ripe avocado: Ripe avocado will make the creamiest pudding. You can also use frozen avocado, just let it thaw mostly first so that it blends easily in the blender.
• Plain whole milk Greek yogurt: This type of yogurt helps to ensure that the pudding is super creamy. You can use a Greek-style nondairy yogurt if needed, too, to make this dairy-free. Or coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk. (I wouldn’t use nondairy milk like almond milk or oat milk in place of the yogurt as it won’t be as creamy.)
• Cocoa powder: I use unsweetened cocoa powder to add chocolate flavor and typically buy Hershey’s Special Dark. Honestly, you can use any that you like the flavor of—the recipe is fairly flexible (though some cocoa powders are more bitter than others). You can also use cacao powder.
• Maple syrup: I like to add a little maple syrup to balance out the flavor of the avocado and the cocoa powder. If you want to make this without any added sugars, you can use ½ of a very ripe banana instead.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adding vanilla extract helps to ensure that the mixture tastes like pudding.

TIP: You can use honey if you prefer, but always avoid honey for babies under 1. Agave also works.

 Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at how to make this recipe. Scroll down to see the full information!

1. Add the ingredients to a blender
2. Blend it smooth. (You can also use a food processor.

TIP: If you use a blender regularly, I highly suggest getting yourself a blender spatula. It’s thin and easy to get into the base of the blender to get all of the good stuff out!

Best Tips for Success

• Use a ripe avocado that’s soft, yet not brown on the inside.
• Taste the pudding before you serve it and adjust the sweetness if needed.
• Use unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Hershey’s Special Dark.
• Top with sprinkles if you’d like.
• Start with a small portion since it’s rich and the kids may not want a ton (or maybe they will, but if you start with a smaller portion, you may get some too!)
• This is best on the day you make it, though you can store it in the fridge for 24 hours in an airtight container. If any liquid separates out, simply stir it up.

I’d love to hear if you try this recipe, so please comment below to share!

• Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend on low speed until combined, increasing the speed a little to make a smooth pudding. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender if needed.

• Top with sprinkles if desired.

• Use a ripe avocado that’s soft, yet not brown on the inside.
• Taste the pudding before you serve it and adjust the sweetness if needed.
• Use unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Hershey’s Special Dark.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons smooth almond butter (or sunflower seed butter) for extra creaminess.
• Top with sprinkles if you’d like.
• Start with a small portion since it’s rich and the kids may not want a ton (or maybe they will, but if you start with a smaller portion, you may get some too!).

Calories: 261kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 3mg, Sodium: 28mg, Potassium: 682mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 149IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 95mg, Iron: 1mg

This post was first published February 2020.