If you love Nutella but want a healthier version, then this Dark Chocolate Avocado Spread recipe will satisfy your craving!  It’s luscious and chocolatey, yet much lower in sugar than the original. If you don’t tell, no one will ever know that it’s a mix of avocado and cacao powder. This healthy chocolate dip is perfect for dipping fruit, cookies, crackers, pretzels, and more (or eating straight out of the jar). 

Making this spread couldn’t be easier, and after watching the video tutorial above prepared by Health expert and yoga teacher Lina Zgheib, you’ll agree with excitement. This is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

HEALTH BENEFITS

Here are some health benefits of the ingredients used in this recipe:

• Raw Cocoa Powder

Health benefits of cocoa include decreased inflammation, improved heart and brain health, blood sugar and weight control, and healthy teeth and skin. It’s nutritious and easy to add to your diet in creative ways. However, make sure to use non-alkalized cocoa powder or dark chocolate containing more than 70% cocoa if you want to maximize health benefits.

• Organic Almond Milk

Aside from being dairy-free, almond milk is naturally rich in several vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin E. Although almonds are 50% fat and high in calories, commercial almond milk is a low-calorie beverage. This means that you can drink a lot of it without it causing weight gain. It is also rich in some nutrients relative to its calorie content.

• Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is a popular natural sweetener that is claimed to be healthier and more nutritious than sugar. Maple syrup contains a small number of minerals, such as manganese and zinc. However, it is very high in sugar. Though there are several antioxidants in maple syrup, they don’t offset its high dose of sugar. If you consume it, it’s best to do so in moderation — as with all sweeteners.

• Avocado

Avocados are a great source of vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium. They also provide lutein, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids. Although most of the calories in an avocado come from fat, don't shy away!

• Dark Chocolate

Cocoa is rich in flavanols, which are plant chemicals that are great for health. The unique flavanols in cacao beans are what give pure cocoa a bitter taste. Because cocoa's flavanols have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and free-radical scavenging properties — and dark chocolate has a high concentration of cocoa — it might help to: protect your heart, reduce the risk of diabetes, lower blood pressure, and improve vision.

Ready to make an irresistible dessert?

UTENSILS

You will need:

• Food processor
• 1 jar

You can find all the ingredients listed below on Mint Basil Market.

INGREDIENTS

• Dark chocolate
• Organic almond milk
• Maple syrup
• Cocoa powder
• 1 medium to big sized ripe avocado or two small avocados

DIRECTIONS

Step 1

Before you start, make sure to melt the chocolate you’re going to be using in this recipe and set it aside. You can melt it in your microwave or using the double boiler method. 

Step 2

Cut open your avocado and remove the pit. Prepare your food processor and using a spoon, scoop the inside of the avocado into the food processor.

Step 3

Add your melted chocolate to the food processor, the almond milk, the cocoa powder - for an extra chocolatey taste, and finally, the maple syrup to organically sweeten the bitter taste of dark chocolate.

Step 4

Blend the ingredients until you have a smooth mixture.

You’re all done. Keep it in the fridge and you can eat it with some coconut shavings or fruits. Enjoy! If you tried this recipe or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.