Okay, gave you Chocolate Mousse with ginger crust, a dessert with traditional ingredients. You’ll have fun trying this whether you eat a vegan diet or not. British brother-in-law Howard (check out his music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKO24MPVF7c) made it for us last summer, twice in fact, because it was so popular! Trust me, it is rich and delicious enough to become a favorite. Last night I texted the recipe to son Nathaniel who reported it was “insanely good.” I smiled when I checked the text to write this: my iPhone had autocorrected one of the ingredients: 1 Tablespoon vanilla “extravehicular.” And so:
Vegan Chocolate Tart
7-9” tart pan with a removable bottom, lined with a circle of parchment paper. The width of the pan will determine the thickness of the tart. Straight sides work better than fluted.
INGREDIENTS
Crust:
8 oz. pecans, walnuts or almonds
6 oz. pitted dates
1/8 teaspoon sea salt (more or less to taste.)
Filling:
3 ripened avocados – peeled and cubed (should have bright yellow-green flesh, not over ripe.)
½ cup agave nectar
3 Tablespoons Coconut oil
1 Tablespoon GF vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt (Howard’s recipe calls for “Pink Himalayan Salt”)
1½ cup very good unsweetened cocoa powder – splurge on this.
DIRECTIONS:
Crust
- Pulse the pecans, dates, and salt in a food processor until the consistency of (rolled oats). Press firmly into the prepared pan. Chill whilst preparing the filling.
Filling:
- Puree the avocados, agave nectar and coconut oil, vanilla and salt in a food processor or blender until creamy smooth. Add a splash or two of water to help if the mixture is too thick to move.
- Add the cocoa powder and pulse to blend completely.
- Spoon the chocolate “mousse” into the prepared crust, spreading evenly. I like to use a “Lazy Susan”: place the tart in the center, spin with one hand whilst spreading from the center with the other.
- Chill for 2 hours or overnight. Serve with vegan whipped topping or if you’re not a purist, whipped cream.
P.S. December 31, 2012, New Year’s Eve: We’ve made 5, FIVE, vegan chocolate tarts since Christmas Eve, having fun experimenting with variations as it’s become the go to dessert for family and friends. For one we added a tablespoon of ground cinnamon to the chocolate mixture. For another we substituted honey for the agave syrup. We added the zest of a whole orange to another. Our favorite is “Mocha Chocolate Tart”, substituting 3 tablespoons of very, VERY strong coffee for the vanilla. (If you don’t want to brew the coffee make a syrup of instant espresso.) Next up: 1. Substituting maple syrup for the agave with the possible addition of a teaspoon of ground cinnamon in the crust, and 2. Substituting almonds for the walnuts in the crust and replacing the tablespoon of vanilla with a teaspoon of almond extract plus a tablespoon of water. The only issue is that my “taste testers”, our sons, will return to California next week, leaving us to figure out how to share a lot of Vegan Chocolate Tart! There are bigger problems in 2013!
Note: this is a perfect recipe to substitute Stevia for agave or maple syrup or honey! http://www.stevia.com/Stevia_Article/Frequently_asked_questions_FAQ/2269
Another note: historically one has been urged to steer clear of coconut oil as an unhealthy additive. Use the following link to read more:http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html. If you’re still curious, read what Dr. Oz has to say: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/surprising-health-benefits-coconut-oil
Lastly, more than one person has asked what can be used as a vegan alternative to coconut oil. My best recommendations are to omit the coconut oil and add a little moisture (1-2 tablespoons of water, orange juice, coffee… depending on the flavor direction you’re going in.) Another option is to replace it with Earth Balance Spread. If the idea Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache appeals, try replacing the coconut oil with creamy peanut butter and making the crust from roasted peanuts and dates.
Good luck – Enjoy!
Gluten Free Gus 
Definitely looks insanely delicious! I love all your photographs 😉
Yummy! Looks delicious 🙂
MMMMM! I already knew that avocado’s with chocolate are insanely tasty! Yummy yum!
Avocados? Wow! Definitely need to put this on the “to try” list.
That looks INCREDIBLE!
This looks great. I will try it and comment back. Thanks for sharing!
Looks amazingly smooth and silky, must try this out! Thanks for sharing.
Okay, I have to make this.
yum! am going to try this!
That tart looks amazing!
Ah, now you’ve given me the perfect GF dessert to make for valentines day! Thanks!
Perfect! Please let me know how it goes.
Wow! It was fantastic and I can see why you make it constantly–so easy yet delicious and actually pretty healthy. One of my avocados was bad so I substituted tofu and that worked great as well. Tell Uncle Howard his recipe is going global! Thanks!
Mmmm, this looks so good, I’ll have to try your Uncle Howard’s tart! There’s an Uncle Howard in my family too – but he was more known for his BBQ chicken, I think! I’ve made a similar avocado chocolate mousse that is divine! Thanks for stopping by my blog and following!
Mmmmm! I’m going to have to try your Uncle Howard’s tart! We have an Uncle Howard in my family, too, but I think he was know more for his bbq chicken! I’ve made an avocado chocolate mousse before that was delicious!
Thanks for stopping by my blog and following my adventures!
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The crust sounds delicious. I’ve never made a vegan mousse with avocado – it is a bit out of my comfort zone does it keep well or do you have to eat it immediately. Thanks for stopping by and following my blog.
It was out of our comfort zone until a gathering last summer. “Uncle” Howard had diligently made a version of this recipe in advance of extended family rolling in on Friday from hither and yon for a weekend of before-breakfast-swims, beach volleyball, and wonderful meals. Not everyone was apprised of the ingredients, but we all loved it! The original was delicious, but I felt it needed a little tweaking, still all the credit goes to Howard (watch his youtube video to see how he walks the line!) IF it’s not eaten in one sitting, it lasts remarkably well – better than guacamole. “How” even froze a second tart for another weekend…. I encourage you to throw caution to the wind and give it a go: you’ll be amazed! The only question: whether or not to reveal the (secret) ingredient!
Gonna have to try this. Looks like yummy fudge. And could easily be made raw vegan.
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This looks so good! Have to try this!
This tart looks absolutely mouth-watering. I never would have thought about combining avocados and chocolate — into a tart no less. I love the spiral design as a finishing touch; simple yet not boring.
Looks great! Shared on fb 🙂
This looks totally amazing! I will have to try this.
I will try this sometime tooooooooooo.
Seriously yummy!! Got to try them this weekend!
This looks sooooo good!!! Can’t wait to try it out! Always looking for new chocolate desserts 🙂
avocado and chocolate?! i need to try this!!!
This looks fantastic. I will try this for sure. A chilli chocolate version would probably be really nice, with lots of warm spices. 🙂
Great idea! Served with cinnamon whipped cream… maybe the spiciness is in just the crust…. Thank you for expanding on the theme!
Wow…this is great 🙂 I like your blog and healthy recipes
What an unusual combo – chocolate and avocado but looks good and yes, healthy so why not! Thanks too for visiting/following my blog.
This looks so goooooood! We are going to try it next dessert session.
Thank you for checking out my blog. Here’s to learning more good stuff.
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Interesting, I make an avocado pudding that is very similar. I’ll be sure to try your version out one of these days. Thanks for posting.
This looks amazing! I have to try out this recipe!
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that’s a spectacular looking chocolate tart… ABSOLUTELY MAKING THIS!!
Looks great! And I’m very happy to have found my first GF blogger – thanks Gus!
Reblogged this on CAPITOL BLONDES and commented:
Stumbled upon this blog via http://triathlonobsession.wordpress.com/ and wanted to share it. The recipes look absolutely amazing, and we just can’t wait to try them out.
Looks awesome – does it work to use honey instead of the agave?
Absolutely! I hope you didn’t wait for my reply to try it. Enjoy!
Hi thanks for following me – Im doing the same your recipes look YUM! can’t wait to try 🙂
Intriguing I might have to give it a go, fascinated by the idea of using avacados. Does it have to be coconut oil, or could I replace this? I think I’m asking if it’s important for the flavour?
Give Uncle Howard’s Ganache Tart a try and prepare to be amazed! Coconut oil imparts a little flavor, and helps with the body of the chocolate mixture. You can try substituting smooth almond or peanut butter, especially if you use the corresponding nuts in the crust. Good luck!
Fabulous! I have actually been some shape or form of a vegetarian/pescetarian for (blush) almost 40 years so this falls particularly close to my heart. I LOVE my veggies and to combine them with cocoa???!! Yowza!!! Thanks for following my blog! So appreciate it!
Thanks for checking out my blog! This looks wonderful and will definitely go on FB for vegan and paleo alike. Thanks!
Thanks for stopping by my blog. So glad you did…now I know your blog too. It’s great. Love this tart. Will definitely try it out this weekend.
Hi, never knew you could use avocados in this way – will have to try it. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Reblogged this on Angel wings and Unicorns.
What a GLORIOUS looking dessert. I can’t wait to try it! Yum yum yum!
Thanks for following my blog!! And seriously, this looks INCREDIBLE! I can not wait to try it. I’m so into avocados lately. MAN! Yes, I’m salivating…
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WOW that does look amazing and Gluten Free!
I can’t have agave nectar and was wondering what you would suggest I could substitute? Maple Syrup? Organic pure virgin honey?
Maple syrup and honey are excellent substitues for Agave Nectar. You could also make a “simple syrup”, boiling (organic) sugar and water. Don’t know if you have made (or can have) the Citrus Olive Oil Cake from our blog, but the syrup that is a by-product of the recipe would make an excellent sweetener if you like orange and chocolate together. The ganache tart would be beautiful with some candied orange peel on top! Let me know what you do!
G’day and big thanks for that! I like the “simple” method, but would substitute Xylitol for sugar. I have bookmarked both of your recipes and follow your site, so am sure something will jump out to me to make sometimes soon too! Appreciate your time and reply too!
Cheers! Joanne
This looks amazing! I’m going to try this. Is there a substitution for coconut oil? I don’t usually have that ingredient. Thanks for stopping by my site!
I recommend you purchase some! One can find it at most well stocked grocery stores, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s (great price.) It’s useful for vegan baking (see our recipes for Vegan Banana Bread.) In lieu of coconut oil I’d try peanut or almond butter, especially if you like those flavors with chocolate. For the crust substitute the corresponding nut for the walnuts. Let me know the results.
Great post! I will SO be making these!! I absolutely LOVE raw deserts.. yum! Thanks for sharing : )
That looks delicious! And I have an avocado and lots of chocolate waiting to be used…
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This recipe looks very interesting! I would not have though of adding avocado to the mousse. And it would be perfect to try for a friend that is deathly allergic to dairy products.
Fantastic. I’m so curious about the taste, as I haven’t used avocado in a dessert yet. It’s also really fun to slip healthy foods that stubborn people otherwise won’t eat (i.e. tofu) into desserts. Lil nefarious but for their own good 😉
Bookmarking this recipe…
This looks awesome! I can’t wait to try it!
OH WOW…. I am so trying this. Thanks for posting!
What a lovely tart. Sounds delish. You know you have a great dish when you make it over and over.
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This is a perfect recipe for Stevia! Make it asap and prepare to be amazed!
http://www.stevia.com/Stevia_Article/Frequently_asked_questions_FAQ/2269
~ Gus’s Mom
I’m a chocoholic and this looks like something I will love. I just hope I don’t gorge on it too much so my love handles will not take over the planet 🙂
This recipe looks sinfully delicious! I am a self-proclaimed chocoholic and this is going on my list of things to make for the next family function (if I can wait that long).
Looks great! I love the spiraling you put on the top of the cake! Beautiful
I hope you make Uncle Howard’s Ganache Tart – think you’ll be pleased with every aspect!
Definitely going to try this!
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This recipe is definately going to be on my to-make list – this looks amazing!
Hi! Thanks for enjoying my recipes 😉 I adore the look of this one! Will definitely be on the ‘to do’ list 🙂
We made it last night. I can’t wait to dig in! I am trying to control myself and having a proper sausage breakfast☺
Thinking you’re in the UK if you had a “proper sausage breakfast.” Dessert is right around the corner! Hope you like the Ganache Tart as much as we do!
That looks so decadent! Yum.
Mary
http://balancingitblog.com
This is absolutely heavenly! May I post a link to your website on my blog. I know my students and followers would love this vegan tart.
Thank you very much for sharing.
Trisha
Absolutely! Share and link! This would make the perfect dessert for April 1st! Buy some avocados today so they’ll be ripe enough for you to surprise your students on Monday!
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Wow, I’m not vegan but I would definitely make this! I’ve wanted to pair up chocolate and avocade for ages! Nice bloggin’.
We don’t eat an exclusively vegan diet either, but this recipe is a revelation! Easy, delicious, healthy, a little indulgent. I think you’re really going to like it!
~ Gus’s Mom
Reblogged this on Smile, Love, and Be Happy and commented:
I love vegan food (especially desserts!) and this Chocolate Ganache Tart looks absolutely amazing. I can’t wait to be home so that I can try it. Maybe this weekend!!
i like the idea of making something GF for april fools and tricking people!! 🙂
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Beautiful! I am definitely going to try it. Thanks for the recipe. I see you are using your blog to post recipes. So I am definitely your new follower!
Wow! Great job. Looks so good.
I have baked many gluten-free breads, pies, candies and desserts since being diagnosed as gluten-intolerant, but this is the first one I have seen using healthy avocados. I must try this one for sure..
This looks beautiful! I’m not vegan, but I’ve found many vegan desserts are a great addition to my cooking repertoire (I’ve been addicted to raw brownies lately!). The presentation of this is so gorgeous it would be a great party contribution. Thanks for sharing!
We’re not “Vegan” either, but this decadent dessert is a consistent crowd pleaser. Go for it!
Will give it a try!!
Think you’ll amaze yourself and guests! Delicious, easy, satisfying… healthy! Enjoy!
Thank you for stopping by my blog HappinessHeals and liking my post Affirmation, Gratitude and Gluten, Dairy, Egg Free. Gratitude Dance. Your blog post is making me hungry! I love raw desserts! They are easy and fabulous! Thanks for making me hungry! Thank you for sharing your truth too! :~)
This looks awesome. I plan on trying it out this weekend.
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I just made this using macademia nuts as the base for my husband’s upcoming birthday. I can’t believe how incredibly easy this was to make! Can’t wait to share it and surprise everyone with the fact that it’s vegan, soy-free and gluten-free. AMAZING.
Delighted you appreciated the amazing qualities of this dessert: delicious, satisfying, healthy, and easy. It doesn’t get better than that. Oh, yes it does: chocolate! I’m glad you splurged and substituted macadamia nuts. Try the Vegan Banana Cream Pie with blueberries – if you like tropical flavors, you’ll be equally pleased.
~ Gus’s Mom
I made this yesterday and we just ate it today for my daughter’s 20th birthday.
I substituted the agave for maple syrup and used veg. Shortening as I find the taste of coconut oil too strong.
I finished it off with piped fresh cream on top!
This tart was a huge success, thank you very much.
I meant to add that one of my sons that has celiac also has T1D and this tart calculated out to 37 carbs per slice (I divided it into 8 slices). This is quite low for such a rich chocolate dessert. So it was a double hit!
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Yuuuuummy! I have recently discovered the joy of chocolate mousse made out of avocado! I love it! And this ganache tart sounds incredible, I will definitely be adding this to my to bake list 🙂
Another great recipe… and I think I will try this today 🙂
You’ll be hooked! Thanks for being bold enough to try it.
~ Gus’ Mom
Hi. I made this and it’s gorgeous!! I had tried chocolate/avocado fudge so I thought this would be good 🙂 I did mine with honey. Do you mind if I reblog?
Glad you liked it! Share with whomever you like.
~ Gus’s Mom
Thank you 🙂
Reblogged this on quarteracrelifestyle and commented:
I made this (very un)sinfully delicious tart yesterday. For a taste of something decadent without the horror ingredients I’d urge anyone to try this 🙂 Made with walnuts, avaocado, coconut oil, cocoa, dates and I used honey as a sweetener – topped with a wee bit of cream it’s perfect.
Blissful – oh my!
Vegan alternative to coconut oil?!!! Am I missing something here? Is coconut oil no longer vegan?!!! If it’s just because some vegan’s don’t want to use coconut oil have they tried nut/seed butter as a sub? Love this recipe hugs to uncle Howard for the share 🙂
As far as we’re concerned coconut oil is the vegan alternative to coconut oil. Make this and prepare to be amazed (that goes for all your guests, vegan and/or GF, and otherwise!)
~ Gus’s Mom
Cheers Gus’s Mom, it’s amazing how convoluted we vegans can get when we are trying to eliminate EVERYTHING from our diets ;). Just thought that I had best check in to the stream before I got drummed out of the vegan confraternity…again… 😉
When you posted this, I knew I wanted to try it, but just got around to making it this week. It is insanely rich and delicious. People I’ve served it to cannot believe the base is from avocado. Crazy good!
Thanks for trying it: a winner in more ways than one! We’re posting a recipe for conventional GF ganache tart (with a twist) next month. In taste-testing the recipe it was evident that the finished products are remarkably similar. Eat more avocado!
~ Gus’s Mom
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Hi, thanks for liking my posts. This recipe looks divine!
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