How To Use Avocados To Make Your Favorite Desserts So Much Healthier

When you think about the primary ingredient in creamy desserts, your mind probably goes straight to dairy. But what if I told you your favorite green fruit is the key to making a mouthwatering treat the plant-based way?

Using avocados in desserts isn’t anything new. It’s been a vegan cooking staple for years, often used in lieu of butter when baking. It’s so much more than a healthy ingredient swap, though. In many recipes, its natural creaminess is what takes desserts to the next level, whether you’re making a chocolate silk pie, key lime bars, or ice cream.

When it comes to using avocados in your dessert, it’s best if they’re perfectly ripe—just a little soft and not too mushy or brown. That way, the taste and texture will mesh perfectly with the other ingredients in your dessert. If you want to make a healthier version of some of your favorite sweet treats without sacrificing taste or texture, these avocado desserts truly give you the best of both worlds.

Mouthwatering avocado desserts you’ll want to make again and again

1. Chocolate avocado pie

There’s no baking required for this pie that uses avocados to create a creamy, chocolatey mousse filling.

Get the recipe: chocolate avocado pie

2. Avocado key lime bars

Any key lime fans will love this melt-in-your-mouth avocado version.

Get the recipe: avocado key lime bars

3. Avocado ice cream

You only need a handful of simple ingredients for this dairy-free ice cream, including avocados, bananas, maple syrup, and coconut milk.

Get the recipe: avocado ice cream

4. Chocolate peanut butter avocado pudding

This chocolate and peanut butter combo is like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups but better.

Get the recipe: chocolate peanut butter avocado pudding

5. Creamy lime and avocado tart

Between the flavorful avocado filling and coconut pecan crust, this tart is a total win.

Get the recipe: creamy lime and avocado tart

6. Chocolate avocado pudding truffles

Once you bite into one of these decadent avocado-based truffles—complete with a crunchy pistachio coating—there’s no going back.

Get the recipe: chocolate avocado pudding truffles

7. Chocolate avocado cookies

Who knew avocado makes the perfect cookies? These are ready to eat in 20 minutes.

Get the recipe: chocolate avocado cookies

8. Avocado brownies

These ooey-gooey avocado brownies are made without refined sugar.

Get the recipe: avocado brownies

And here’s how to make brownies with black beans:

9. Avocado chocolate mousse

Avocados’ rich, creamy texture lends itself perfectly to making a decadent mousse. Here, the healthy fat is paired with cocoa, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a touch of milk or alt-milk.

Get the recipe: avocado chocolate mousse 

10. Mint chocolate avocado bars

Made with cashew butter and almond meal, these avocado bars are full of both protein and healthy fats. The mint is worked right into the avocado and cashew butter, which serves as the filling. The hard outside and creamy inside makes for a satisfying bite.

Get the recipe: mint chocolate avocado bars

Originally published November 23, 2019. Updated February 5, 2021.

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