February 4, 2014

Avocado Chocolate Mousse Blackberry Fudge Tart (dairy free, gluten free)

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Roses are red,
Raspberries are too,
But I'm choosing blackberries,
It's time for some blue!

(Cheesy poem #2 - this is why I bake, not write!)

 
Raspberries rule the roost come February. Everything is pink or red - or a dark chocolate. In keeping with the formal theme, I kept this tart lusciously smooth and dark, but instead of using the traditional raspberries, the chocolate pairs with juicy dark blackberries.  I layered some between the crust and the chocolate fudge mousse layer, but also placed some on top.  Blackberries are a little tart, a little sweet, but still seedy and juicy like raspberries.
 
This tart is very untraditional in several other ways.
 
One:  There is no dairy or gluten.  There a lot of hard things in this world and I've come to know that getting a recipe to follow both of those guidelines is no piece of cake.  But this tart is both and it doesn't sacrifice any richness.  Period. 

 
 
Two: That tall, dark, and handsome filling?  (Okay, skip the tall and handsome)  It gets all its creaminess from the power food, the avocado.  Do you love avocados?  *If you don't, I'm covering my ears and singing la-la-laaaaa.*  Where were we?  Avocados ... these are some versatile little fruits (they are also known as alligator pears, for their skin, you know?  You learn something new every day - thank you Google for enlightening me.)  Blended with cocoa powder, sugar, and a little vanilla and coffee, avocados become the richest, thickest, fudgiest mousse I've ever eaten.  And I've eaten a lot of it recently, telling myself I'm somehow prolonging my life or something like that.  I hope I get something out of it, because I've (literally) eaten three whole avocados in less than a week.  Just in this recipe.
I've made chocolate avocado pudding, but for this recipe, I omitted the milk and upped the cocoa powder, creating a thicker and firmer texture.  It is almost like cheesecake.  But I can't call it that, because the title clearly states this is a fudgy mousse ... and I created that title, so yeah, consistency is good!
 
 
And the crust is easy peasy.  Simply oats, coconut, almonds, some coconut oil, and honey.  I didn't bake mine, just stuck it in the fridge, but I bet if you stuck it in the oven (probably 350) for no more than 8-10 minutes, the crust would hold together better and have a deeper, nuttier flavor.  As it is, this is my favorite gluten free crust because of all the textures.  It does NOT taste like a pie crust, but it does taste like a delicious tart crust!  The nutty, crunchy, chewy crust pairs so well with the creamy, sweet, and rich chocolate filling.  And the blackberries, don't forget the blackberries!
 
Avocado Chocolate Mousse Blackberry Fudge Tart (dairy free, gluten free)
Recipe Source: The Sweet {Tooth} Life.  Adapted from Fresh Fit n' Healthy
Yield: 2 servings

Crust:
1/2 cup almonds
1/3 cup oats
2 tablespoon unsweetened coconut shreds (sweetened will work as well)
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/3 cup honey

Filling:
1-1/2 avocados
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules

1/4 cup blackberries

For crust:
Pulse almonds, oats, and coconut in a food processor. 
Pour in melted coconut oil. Add honey.
Pulse until mixture forms a ball.
Press into two small tart pans.
Place in freezer for 10-15 minutes.  Or bake at 350 for 8 minutes. 

For filling:
Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth. 

Tart:
Divide blackberries between two crusts, sprinkling over the crust.
Spread filling over the blackberries.
Serve or chill until serving.

 

31 comments:

  1. I love the combination of blackberry and chocolate. That sounds amazing.

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  2. I love that this is dairy and gluten free, but still rich and fudgy. Good job on this one!

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  3. Ooo I love this- especially that chocolate avocado filling! And I can't believe that it is dairy and gluten free- awesome!

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  4. Oh.my.word… this looks unreal. I love all of the ingredients in it, and I love that you used avocado in the mousse. I do hope you stick to baking… not because your poetry isn't lovely, but because your recipes are to die for.

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  5. Wow, I'm impressed! Something that looks delicious while still being gluten and dairy free? And how can you go wrong when there are avocado's involved? Your posts always make me smile, and your pictures always make me hungry. Keep up the great work! You are so good at this whole blogging thing! :)

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  6. Sorry! That ^ was from me, Hannah! :)

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    1. Hey, nice use of ^ ! :) Thank you so much, Hannah! Dairy free/gf is hard! I don't know how you do it every week!

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  7. Love seeing healthy treats on here :) Choco-avo pudding is the best!!!

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    1. Isn't it? I've been eating it like crazy! Thanks Davida!

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  8. Dear Mary Frances, This looks very indulgent, yet so healthy!
    Blessings dear. Catherine xo

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    1. It definitely feels indulgent and fills me up thanks to all the healthy fats in the avocado. Thanks Catherine!

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  9. Love all the healthy ingredients in this recipe. Can't wait to try it!

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  10. What a fabulous dessert!! So healthy and guilt free! Have a wonderful day dear!
    xox Amy

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  11. Yum, this looks so good! The filling looks super creamy. I tried to make a dessert with avocado recently and it didn't turn out. I will have to try this one next!

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    1. The filling is by far the best part! (Not to slam the crust or anything :) Avocados are tricky, I've had my fair share of failed avo cookies! I hope you at least try the filling! Thanks Jenn!

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  12. Wow I can't believe how healthy this is - it looks completely decadent! I love chocolate mousse!

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    1. Oh my gosh ME TOO. Chocolate mousse (especially this one) is the best!

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  13. This is the second avocado mousse tart I've seen (and drooled over) this week. It's a sign ;-) Love that you added the berries!

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  14. I would never have thought to pair up these ingredients -- very original! I also haven't used avocado in a dessert yet, and I hear it's lovely. Decadence without the guilt is always a great thing…it looks delicious!

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    1. Avocado, with the right recipe, is fantastic in desserts! Thanks Marcie!

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  15. Wow!!!! I've never ever made mousse using avocado and now I'm tempted to try! It looks LUSCIOUS!!! That's the only word popping into my mind every time I look at your photos!!!! These look incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Aw thanks Samina! I hope you try it - it is mind blowing (and luscious!)

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  16. Can't believe these are healthy oh wow!! You're a genius Mary Frances!! These are a fabulous idea :D
    I¡m in love with the avocado-mousse filling, and I bet it pairs wonderfully with the blackberries. I need to try this asap, please! <3

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  17. I love avocado's we eat them nearly every day, but I've never baked with them before. Thanks for sharing your recipe on Sweet and Savoury Sunday's we hope you stop by and link up again this weekend!

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