As I stood in my kitchen, reminiscing about the numerous dessert failures I experienced in my early culinary adventures, I realized how far I had come. It was during these moments of reflection that I decided to create a dessert that not only dazzled the palate but also provided nourishment. This Superfood Chocolate Avocado Roulade is a testament to that journey, marrying indulgence with health, and it never fails to impress my friends and family.
### Ingredients
– 3 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
– 1/2 cup raw cacao powder
– 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/4 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup ground almonds (or almond flour)
– Fresh berries for garnish (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
– Optional: Shredded coconut and cacao nibs for topping
### Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15 inch baking tray with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
In a food processor, combine the ripe avocados, raw cacao powder, honey or maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
Add the ground almonds to the mixture and pulse gently until just combined. The batter should be thick and glossy, reminiscent of a rich chocolate mousse.
Pour the batter onto the prepared baking tray, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges begin to pull away from the sides and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the roulade to remain moist.
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and allow the roulade to cool slightly, about 5 minutes. While it’s still warm, place a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and sprinkle it lightly with powdered cocoa or confectioners’ sugar.
Carefully flip the roulade onto the towel, peeling off the parchment paper. Starting from one end, gently roll the roulade with the towel, creating a log shape. Let it cool completely while rolled in the towel—this helps maintain its shape.
Once cooled, unroll the roulade and spread a layer of fresh berries on top. You can also add a layer of coconut cream or a simple yogurt if you desire extra creaminess.
Roll the roulade back up without the towel, and place it seam side down on a serving platter. Dust with shredded coconut and cacao nibs for a decorative touch.
Slice the roulade into thick pieces and serve with additional fresh berries on the side. Each bite is a delightful mix of rich chocolate flavor and creamy avocado goodness, making this dessert not just a feast for the eyes, but also a nurturing treat that nourishes the body and soul.
As I serve this roulade at gatherings, I always share the story of its creation, reminding everyone that a healthy lifestyle can indeed be sweetened with creativity and love. Enjoy!