Learn how to make healthy chocolate frosting with just three ingredients! The not-so-secret ingredient: AVOCADO. It’s rich, decadent and fudgy and it certainly doesn’t taste like avocado. Ready in under five minutes and can be made in a blender or with an electric whisk.
Something I’ve always found interesting is how different people are. In terms of chocolate cake: some people like thick layers of chocolate frosting, and others scrape the frosting off their cake. Bizarre. I’m one of the former – I like a 1:1 ratio of cake to frosting.
I think the reason why some people remove the frosting from their cake is that it’s too sickly or sweet and distracts you from the actual cake itself. I can promise you, however, that no one will be removing this healthy chocolate frosting from their cake. In fact, they will probably be licking their plate clean whilst asking for a bowl of frosting.
I can kind of understand why people dislike chocolate frosting – it can be sickly and also not very nourishing. Chocolate frosting is usually made from butter, confectioner’s sugar and cocoa. Whilst it is a good treat every now and then, it shouldn’t be eaten very often. This chocolate avocado frosting, however, can be eaten every day if you want (and you most probably will want to).
Why you need to make this healthy chocolate frosting
If for some reason you need a bit more convincing to make this chocolate avocado frosting, here you go:
- It’s made with nourishing, natural ingredients.
- Naturally dairy-free and vegan.
- Filled with healthy fats.
- It’s ready in under 5 minutes.
- You only need three ingredients.
- Refined sugar-free
- Paleo-friendly.
- It’s fudgy and delicious!
Now please go make it.
Ingredients
*Please see the recipe card for the full ingredients list and measurements.
As mentioned, this healthy chocolate frosting only requires three ingredients. You can also add a few optional extras to adjust the flavours to suit your taste.
- Avocado: This substitutes the butter typically used in chocolate frosting, making it healthier and more nutritious. It is best to use ripe avocadoes as the frosting will be smoother and creamier, and unripe avocadoes have a bitter taste. You can use avocadoes that are overripe and almost brown as the cocoa will disguise this and no one will ever know! So, no more throwing away brown avocadoes.
- Cocoa Powder: You can use natural cocoa powder, Dutch-processed cocoa powder or even cacao powder. Just make sure to use one that is unsweetened.
- Liquid Sweetener: Maple syrup, agave, honey, coconut nectar or any other similar liquid sweetener will work. You can even use a sugar-free sweetener to make this frosting keto!
Optional Extras:
- Salt: This will enhance the chocolate flavour, make it richer and counteract any bitterness. Just don’t add too much, a pinch will be enough.
- Vanilla Extract: This is another way to enhance the flavours! Add 1 teaspoon.
- Orange: Chocolate orange frosting to go on a Chocolate Orange Fudge Cake, perhaps? Add 1 teaspoon orange extract, two tablespoons of fresh orange juice or fresh orange zest.
- Coffee: Add one or two teaspoons of espresso powder to your frosting to make a healthy mocha frosting.
Step-by-step instructions
You can make this healthy chocolate frosting in a few different ways to suit the equipment you have.
#1 – with an electric whisk
This is my personal favourite method as it almost feels like you’re making “proper” buttercream frosting. Firstly, add the avocado flesh to a bowl and then slightly start to mash it with the whisk heads (the whisk should be off). Once the avocados are lightly mashed, you can turn the whisk to medium speed and whisk until smooth. Next, add in your cocoa powder and maple syrup and whisk until fully combined. Once combined, taste the frosting and add in any extra flavours if you want. *Please note that this method may result in a lumpier texture, if you prefer a smooth frosting you should use method #2.
#2 – in a blender or food processor
All you need to do is remove the skin from the avocado flesh, add the avocado along with the cocoa powder and maple syrup to a high-speed blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You may need to stop the blender and scrape down the edges a few times until you get the right consistency. If your blender is having some trouble, add in a splash more sweetener or milk. Once blended, taste the frosting and add in any extra flavours if you want.
#3 – with a fork or potato masher
This should be your last resort. If you don’t have an electric whisk or blender you can use a fork or potato masher. Make sure your avocadoes are very ripe and soft otherwise this will be very tricky. Simply add all of your ingredients to a bowl and mash with a fork or a potato masher until combined. Please note that your frosting may end up being very lumpy, but it will still be delicious.
Expert tips
- The frosting will set and become even fudgier after a few hours in the fridge.
- If you prefer a thicker frosting similar to chocolate fudge, you can use less avocado.
- If you prefer a smoother, fluffier frosting similar to buttercream you can add a splash of milk or coconut yoghurt.
- This frosting is easier to spread right after you’ve made it. If you are making it to use later, store it in the fridge and then right before using, give it a good mix with a fork.
Storing and Serving
As this healthy chocolate frosting is made using avocados instead of butter, the lifespan is a lot shorter.
Always keep this frosting in an air-tight jar or container in the refrigerator, and once you have spread it onto your baked goods, store it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to five days. The colour and texture may change after a few days, but that’s totally expected.
To freeze this frosting, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. You can leave it to thaw for a few hours in the fridge before using it.
Use this to frost cakes, cupcakes, brownies or anything else your heart desires. You can also eat it straight from the bowl, no one’s judging you!
This healthy chocolate frosting pairs perfectly with:
- Easy Chocolate Orange Fudge Cake (healthy!)
- Healthy Chocolate Cake
- Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Healthy Banana Brownies (with oat flour)
- Easy Vanilla Cupcakes (vegan)
Hey! If you make this recipe, I would love it if you could leave me some feedback and a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the comment section at the bottom of the page! Also let me know on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your photos!
healthy chocolate frosting (made with avocado!)
Equipment
- Electric Whisk see notes on alternative methods.
Ingredients
- 1.5 Medium Avocadoes around 250g
- ⅓ cup Cocoa Powder
- ¼ cup Liquid Sweetener
- pinch of salt and vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Scoop the avocado flesh from the skin into a mixing bowl.
- Lightly mash the avocadoes with your whisk heads and then turn it to medium speed. Whisk until almost smooth.
- Add in your cocoa powder and liquid sweetener and whisk until fully combined.
- Test the taste and texture of the frosting and adjust any of the ingredients if needed (see notes).
- Add in any extra flavourings if you want (see notes).
- Spread onto cakes, cupcakes, brownies or eat straight from the bowl.
Video
Notes
- The frosting will set and become even fudgier after a few hours in the fridge.
- If you prefer a thicker frosting similar to chocolate fudge, you can use less avocado.
- If you prefer a smoother, fluffier frosting similar to buttercream you can add a splash of milk or coconut yoghurt.
I love avocado and chocolate but never thoight to combine the two – the results look amazing and I can’t wait to try it with your chocolate orange fudge cake!!!
The avocado makes the chocolate frosting so so creamy! I can’t wait for you to try it, either – let me know how it goes, Suzanne!