The secret ingredient to this recipe will shock you - have you ever thought about eating avocado with chocolate? Believe it or not, avocado can be a great substitute for butter when baking. Not only does it contain healthy fats but the benefits of eating avocado are great. It is called an “anti-obesity” food by scientists; the avocado is jam-packed with nutrients and antioxidants, and although it is rich in monounsaturated fats, studies suggest that eating avocado regularly will help you avoid gaining weight.
These treats are made up of two layers - a chewy date and nut base, topped with a creamy chocolate frosting (that's where the avocado hides!). Now we're not saying these treats are for everyday indulgence - with dates being one of the main ingredients, although it is all natural, they contain a fair amount of sugar.
However, these chocolate date tarts are a great raw food treat to kick that sweet tooth craving and definitely one to impress guests with - see if they can spot the avocado.
This recipe makes 6 servings and you'll need 6 cupcake cases.
For the base:
5 pitted medjool dates
100g Cashew/almond/pecan nuts (whichever you prefer or a mixture)
1/4 tsp of salt (just a sprinkling)
1 tbsp agave nectar
1 tbsp of good quality raw cacao powder or organic cocoa powder (such as Green & Blacks)
For the chocolate frosting:
Half a medium sized avocado
1 tbsp of good quality raw cacao powder or organic cocoa powder (such as Green & Blacks)
1 tbsp agave nectar
3 pitted medjool dates pre-soaked in cold water for 15 minutes
A handful of nuts to decorate
1. For the base, mix together in a food processor the nuts, salt and cacao/cocoa powder until fine.
2. Add the dates and agave and you'll see the mixture thicken and start to stick.
3. Spoon out the mixture evenly into the cupcake cases, pressing down to create a mini base in each tart.
4. Place these in the freezer to set whilst you make the frosting.
5. For the frosting, add the avocado, cacao/cocoa powder, drained dates and agave to a food processor and blend together until you have a smooth consistency. You'll have to stop and scrape down the sides down a few times to ensure all of the ingredients are mixed in.
6. Once you have a smooth mixture, taste test the frosting and if you can still taste a little bitterness from the avocado (this usually depends on how ripe it is), add a little more agave.
7. Take the tart bases out of the freezer and spoon over a layer of frosting on to each. It's best to place them back in the freezer for another 20 minutes as this allows the frosting to set.
8. After 20 minutes take the tarts out of the freezer and store in the fridge until you're ready to serve. Before serving take each tart out of its case and add a couple of nuts on the top for an extra crunch!
