Cherry Chocolate Avocado Pudding is a healthy dessert that you’re going to love. It calls for just a handful of all-natural ingredients, is naturally sweetened with fruit, and can be whipped up in no time!
Cherries and chocolate make a delicious pair, and I love how the tart cherries totally mask the avocado flavor. (This is important if you’re like me, and don’t love avocados on their own.)
The avocado adds creaminess, but otherwise goes unnoticed in this cold and creamy pudding.
7 Reasons Why You’ll Love It
This avocado pudding is:
- Dairy-free
- Nut-free
- Rich and creamy (without tasting like avocado)
- A good source of fiber, folate, and vitamins C and E
- Loaded with heart-healthy fats
- Fast and easy to prepare
- Fruit-sweetened
And it’s totally delicious! I love how the frozen cherries totally hide the avocado flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Avocado. Make sure you pick one that’s ripe, so it gives slightly when you press on the outside. Keep in mind that each avocado will vary in flavor and size, so I’ve included weights in the recipe below, and be ready to tweak the flavor slightly to taste. Some avocados taste stronger than others, so sometimes I need to add an extra tablespoon of cacao powder, or a tablespoon of maple syrup, to help hide the taste.
Dates. I use dates to keep this recipe fruit-sweetened, but it really works best if you have a high-speed blender to totally break them down smoothly. The dates add fiber and nutrients to every bite! If you don’t have a strong blender, you can swap the dates for maple syrup instead. In that case, I’d start with a 1/4 cup maple syrup, and use only a 1/4 cup of water, instead of the amount called for in the recipe below. You can always add more maple syrup to taste, as needed.
Cacao Powder. I use cacao powder because the beans have been minimally processed and not roasted, but you can use more traditional cocoa powder, if that’s what you have on hand. I think either flavor works well here. Cacao, both powdered and in dark chocolate form, may help to lower blood pressure and it may also lower the risk of a heart attack.
Frozen Cherries. I use frozen cherries because I don’t want to remove the pits from fresh ones! The frozen fruit also chills the pudding instantly, so you don’t have to place it in the fridge to make it cold for serving. I imagine frozen raspberries would also be delicious as a swap.
Almond Extract. This is optional, but I really love the combination of almond extract and cherries together. This does make the recipe not “nut-free” though, so you can swap it for vanilla extract, if you prefer.
How to Make It
- Blend the avocado pudding first. Add the avocado, cacao powder, dates (or you can use maple syrup), almond extract, and water to the blender. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides, as needed.
- Add water. If the pudding is too thick, add more water, just a tablespoon at a time, until things are blending easily.
- Time for frozen cherries! When the pudding looks smooth, add in the frozen cherries and blend again. You might need to add more water to help thin-out the pudding, so feel free to add it, as needed.
- Taste test. Now, it’s time to taste-test! At this point, you can add in an extra tablespoon of cacao powder or maple syrup, to taste. Sometimes it’s perfect as-is, and other times you might have a strong-tasting avocado that needs a little help. (I think the almond extract + cherry combination really helps, though.)
- Serve! Serve the pudding cold right away, or store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Storage Tips
This avocado pudding will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It will likely separate in the fridge, but you can just stir it again right before serving.
For another storage idea, freeze your leftover pudding into popsicle molds. They will turn into cherry-flavored fudgesicles! Frozen popsicles will keep for up to 3 months, as long as you keep them tightly covered.
Cherry Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado , pitted (~6.5 ounces, or 1/2 cup mashed)
- 1 cup frozen cherries (127 grams)
- 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder (10 grams, or more to taste)
- 1/2 cup water (4 ounces)
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 4 or 5 Medjool dates (85 grams; or 1/4 cup of maple syrup)
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender, combine the avocado, cacao powder, dates, water, and almond extract, if using. Blend until smooth. (Note: If your avocado is smaller than 6 ounces, use only 1/4 cup of water to start with. You can always add more, if you need to!)
- Once the avocado pudding looks smooth, add in the frozen cherries and blend again. Taste and adjust any flavoring, as needed. You can add another tablespoon of cacao powder for a richer chocolate flavor, or a tablespoon of maple syrup for more sweetness.
- The pudding should be cold from the frozen cherries, so it's ready to serve right away. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze in popsicle molds for a frozen ice pop later.
Notes
Nutrition
Reader Feedback: What’s your favorite easy dessert? Let me know if you have any other requests?
I love that pic of the frozen cherries — that is one of my favorite snacks and I love using them in smoothies.
For headaches I usually need a little nap, or it is lack of water or caffeine. But usually for me it is lack of sleep or proper rest and that is the only thing that will help my head!
mmm aroma! i really loved the chopped salad i had there the other night.
I just tried the choc-cado blueberry chip pudding for the first time tonight and I HEART IT!! 🙂 Definetly going to need to try the cherry chocolate bomb next!!
I’m kind of a sissy when I get headaches, but I agree that caffeine as well as a nap helps! You could also try putting a cold, damp washcloth on either your forehead or your eyes while you rest! Hope you feel better!! 🙁
What an awesome work out buddy you have! And I totally agree. Larabars are getting SO. MUCH. SMALLER. It’s so disappointing!
You are so creative with all your raw recipes! Love it.
Sorry about the spill. 🙁 Makes me giggle that you ran and got your camera before you cleaned it up. I would so do the same thing. Bloggers are a unique breed, eh? 🙂
That pudding looks delicious! We love Kristen’s cherry bomb smoothie and now as a pudding that is even better 😉
My workout buddy is a bride to be…nothing like “Want to look great in my dress” motivation to keep a gal active huh??
aw bummer, i cant believe you lost your coffee to the kitchen floor! is that aroma the one in the valley? if yes, it’s one of my absolute favorite spots!!! i love their tofu wild rice bowls 🙂
thats my one beef with larabars! they are so small. 4 bites and you are done!
It is most def dehydration! You know me, I am a water freak and yes this causes headaches!
The funny thing is people may drink boat loads of tap water thinking they are hydrated but because tap water (and most other crappy bottled waters) have so many toxins in them that the body doesn’t absorb all the good water that well. PHEW! There is my speech for ya 😉
I think you are being a wonderful brides maid over there!! I can’t wait to see pics 🙂
xxoo
Ever since I saw a recipe for raw chocolate mousse pie made with avocado I’ve been meaning to make an avocado dessert. That looks amazing!
Usually when I have a headache it means I’ve either been staring at my computer screen for too long or haven’t had enough caffeine. I don’t even drink that much caffeine, but if I don’t have my one cup in the morning I’ll usually get one! If it’s caused by the computer it’s easy enough to cure as long as I’m not at work. It’s impossible to get away from it at the office.
I get dehydration headaches pretty often. I usually drink a little coconut water or gatorade followed by tons of water and it helps. If that doesn’t work, I try stretching. Sounds weird but it usually works for me to release some tension and stretching is perfect for that!
thanks for all your support and comments the past few 🙂
i havent tried the cherry bomb yet but the fact that you pudding-ized it..nice 🙂
YUM!
have a great weeekend hon!
I totally would pay to go to that wedding to see you hubs in a dress! LOL
I’m totally getting a vita mix thanks a lot to you. I’m actually not a smoothie girl but I love me some pudding! headaches? well in yoga we learned about certain poses that relieve the blood flow to you head like shoulder stand. Also, I find that having a green apple always works, and yes, it has to be a green one. Something about the skin is supposed to help relive the pain. Sometimes, I think we are just tired and all we need is a good nap.
I’m pretty sure I just fell in love. With the pudding. I’ve been loving the smoothie version, but pudding always wins.
Frozen fruit is truly one of the secrets to a great smoothie. I used mango today- mmm.
My condolences to your husband for his loss. But wearing a taffeta dress should cheer him right up!
Hi! The recipe for the cherry chocolate pudding sounds great! Can’t wait to try it.
Before you get another headache, see if you can find a good aromatherapist. Mine mixed up an all natural headache oil for me and I rub some on my hands and just breathe it in. I’m sure the deep breaths don’t hurt either. If you can’t find someone, I’m sure Lisa would be happy to mail some to you. lissettemassage.com She also made me a wake up oil that I sniff in the morning if I’m really having trouble waking up. I’ve been using it more since I quit coffee, which I know you are trying to do!
Wow that was amazing pudding! I couldn’t help myself though, I used agave after going back and forth between that and organic maple syrup. My husband will go for the stevia I’m sure. As for the headaches I’ve heard rubbing a good pure Peppermint essential oil like Young Living on your temples and back of neck may help. I also have my family inhale it from the bottle when they are nauseated or headachey.
YUM!!!!!!! Your pudding sounds absolutely AMAZING!!!!
Tried the pudding and used half frozen cherries and half frozen blueberries. It was da [berry] bomb 🙂 Thanks 4 sharing.
This looks sooo good! I eat avocados practically everyday and I love finding new ways to prepare them! Also – I just stumbled on your site and I am in love with it! I have been eating clean for about 5 months now (not really needing to lose weight, I just wanted to feel better and most importantly, gain energy to keep up with my 15 month old daughter!). Every single recipe I’ve found on here sounds great and is so unique. I’ve tried a few and they’ve all been great, this one is next on my list! Again, thank you so much! People really need to know that eating well can be easy AND delicious! LOVE your blog : )
OMG! This cherry/avocado/chocolate-mousse is like the best thing I’ve ever tasted! Ususally before when I tried to make chocolate mousse with avocado I could always feel the taste of it which bothers me, but not this time! 😀
My tip is to add some raw cacao nibs at the end to give it some crunch!
Does anyone use a Blendtec?
I made this tonight. So delicious!
Ok I just made this in my new food processor and just cleaned the entire thing with my spatula. Holy cannoli. The frozen cherries in this make it perfectly cool and delicious! I went the liquid stevia route and did roughly 10 drops. As I write this review, I’m having a hard time not eating the sample that I set aside for my partner. Brilliant work!
I had to remark about this FANTASTIC recipe. Last week I decided to go gluten and dairy free for a few weeks to see how my body reacts. I always have loved pudding and love something sweet and chocolate after my lunch or dinner that was healthy and satisfying. Let me tell you, this is the perfect dessert or at anytime. It helps my cravings, healthy and perfect for dairy-gluten free lovers. This will be (and is now) made on a permanent basis. Thank you so much!!!
This was amazing, with cherries or frozen blueberries!!! 😀
Unfortunately I’m allergic to avocados, tree nuts and bananas! Is the a substitute for avocado?
There’s a gluton-free chocolate pudding made with coconut milk. Very similar but you have to cook it.
I love the smoothness of avocado mousse! Unfortunately, I tried making this with frozen TART cherries…which made it very…well…TART! So, I had to use a lot more sweetener than would have otherwise been necessary! In hindsight, throwing in a banana probably would have done the trick wonderfully! Oh, next time! Meanwhile, my husband and son are eating this for lunch with strawberries 🙂
Checking the recipe again it says to use tart cherries. Maybe the 1 T maple syrup alternative simply wasn’t enough to equal the stevia option? (no stevia on hand) Anyhow….
This avocado pudding looks great but I can’t eat fruit or berries due to a fructose allergy. Any suggestions for a substitute? Also do you have any idea how many calories might be in this dessert or any of your others? Looking for some healthy, low cal desserts for my husband. He is following a strict diet right now along with exercise to lose weight and get healthy and every time I make a treat for him he worries about the calories he is getting.
You can omit the fruit, and just blend the avocado and cocoa powder with a sweetener of your choice. I don’t calculate nutrition information, but you can do it yourself using a free website like FitDay.com or MyFitnessPal.com.
I LOVE THIS RECIPE!!! Just tried it and I can’t believe how much like real pudding it tastes. My only thing is that I can eat the whole dessert in one sitting and isn’t one avocado really fattening?
I eat at least one whole avocado a day pretty regularly. 🙂
Wow….is all I have to say…just made this and it tastes exactly like regular chocolate pudding but healthy!
I still can’t believe it!
Thanks for sharing your amazing recipes!
Absolutely delicious! My husband and 21 month old love it too 🙂 thanks for all of the great recipes! Can’t wait for your book.
I love this recipe. I have wanted to make something like this for the longest time and just happened to have the right ingredients this morning. I wasn’t sure what to expect but the pudding tastes just like regular pudding. I will definitely be making this again.Thank you.
I tried making this today. I did not have almond extract, but made it anyway. I followed the recipe and was not impressed. The avocado taste was SO strong (and I love avocados normally). It needed much more sweetener, and it still had a very unpleasant after-taste. I ended up adding a lot more sweetener, more cacao powder, and much more vanilla. It is now, OKAY. I wouldn’t say I love it, or even really like it. But my daughter does and that’s the important part anyway. Maybe the almond extract kills the unpleasant aftertaste.
Delicious! At first I was worried that it would be too avocado-y. But it was amazing. I used syrup instead of dates. The only suggestion I would make would be to take it easy on the coco powder. Suuper easy, fun and healthy!
Not sure where you got your calorie count from but it’s way off.
Amazing!!!
I made this recipe with a bullet type blender and the dates did not get completely broken down leaving chewie chunks in my pudding. This is my favorite way to make this recipe now.
I will make this now
I know your ingredients will make thee best tasting pudding
for my toddler grandson and me
What is your favorite cacao powder to use?
This looks totally delicious, will be trying tomorrow as I have all the ingredients on hand. I love the short wide glasses you are serving the pudding in, where might I find some like that. Thank you, Anna.
I either found them at Sur la Table or Crate and Barrel. I bought them nearly 10 years ago, so I don’t remember which! I only have 3 of them and would love to have more, too. 🙂
I’m a long time follower and rarely ever comment, but this was SO good, I had to! As soon as I made it, I told my mom, sister, and two friends to make it ASAP! It may be my new favor rite dessert! If you’ve ever made avocado pudding and wasn’t a fan, you HAVE to try this! The cherries and almond extract make a huge difference.
I absolutely love this recipe! I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve made it. It’s my favorite to satisfy my sweet tooth. I have always made it as is, except today because I didn’t have any cherries and really want to make this. I used frozen raspberries instead (and maple syrup in place of the days) and – oh my goodness, it’s SO good that way too! It tasted like raspberry mousse. 10 stars!
Absolutely love it !!
It does come out different every time though as I haven’t been using exact measurements provided but always so delicious 😋
Thank you !!
I had migraines for 30 YEARS! A few years ago my daughter told me about the daith earring for headaches. I went to a very good and clean tattoo parlor and had it put in. The cartilage is pierced and I think it must be in an acupressure point because it ended my migraines. Also, the young people think I am “cool” now but I’m just an old lady with no more migraines!!!
Unbelievably decadent AND healthy! Holy guacamole! It benefited from a pinch of salt.