I was a kid who liked to read the cereal boxes. For me it wasn't all that interesting considering I really only ate Special K and usually it was the same old story about the Special K challenge but even still, I read it every morning. I could probably have recited it along with the nutritional information, ingredients and customer care number.
I'm still big on reading packets and sometimes come across the odd recipe - they're the best packets in my mind. My chicken yaki soba is straight off the noodle packet and my crunchy noodle salad is inspired by the bag too.
Actually I read quite a lot and I always try to stay informed about all things food. After doing quite a bit of reading up on Paleo eating, I wanted to do some experimenting baking with coconut flour, coconut sugar and coconut oil.
Guess what I found on the back of the coconut flour bag? You guessed it - a recipe and one for chocolate slice no less. The slice whipped up nicely (recipe coming tomorrow) and smelled fantastic but when I took it out of the tin it looked a little glum. It really needed some pizzaz. My first instinct was to dust it with icing sugar but seeing as the slice was Paleo, I wanted the icing to be too.
After some Googling and a bit of experimenting, rich chocolate paleo vegan icing was born. The avocado provides the essential creaminess of a fudgy icing, the cocoa the richness, the honey (or maple syrup for vegan), the sweetness and the vanilla, the amazing flavour boost.
At first I thought this was going to be a disaster. I tried just avocado mixed with cocoa and it was awful, really nothing like chocolate icing but as I added a little honey and a little vanilla it started to change. It started to sweeten and the flavour really began to shine. It was so good I could have eaten it like pudding and it wouldn't be so bad would it? It's just avo after all. You could spread it on toast for a sweet treat or use it as a naughty dipping fudge.
It would be just as lovely sandwiched between two biscuits or just eaten by the spoonful. How does it compare to regular icing? I served it to two boys and neither of them guessed that there was avocado in it. Enjoy!
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 avocado
- 1 tablespoon organic cocoa
- 1 tablespoon honey maple syrup for vegan
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth and glossy.
- Spread on a cake (or eat it on its own like pudding!).
Stephen says
do you have a book out? love to pick up a copy!!
Claire says
Oh Stephen I wish I did!
JJ - 84thand3rd says
I combine avocado and chocolate all the time - it even forms the base of my fave ice cream. Welcome to the secret club ;D
Claire says
Thank you! I'm glad to be a part of it!
Nic@diningwithastud says
Love avocado and chocolate :) such a great combo!
Hotly Spiced says
That's such a beautiful looking icing. I could swear there was cane sugar in there somewhere. It's so rich and glossy looking xx
Claire says
I know it looks like it doesn't it?!
The Café Sucré Farine says
Fabulous Claire, just fabulous, if only spoons (or fingers) could reach into the computer! :)
Claire says
One day Chris, one day!
Marika says
Avocado and chocolate is a magic combination. I'm gluten intolerant and the combinations are endless when you start looking into it. I have a smoothie I make with avocado, rice milk, cocoa, banana and honey and it's so delicious and filling. Add a few chilli flakes (as I'm a chilli/chocolate nutter) fo a little kick in desserts. Enjoy! :)
Claire says
I haven't added it to a smoothie yet but I imagine it would make it lovely and creamy! One of my favourites is frozen banana with cocoa, ice and a little water. Tastes just like ice-cream! Love the idea of adding a kick!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
That looks really good Claire! And not like it is based on avocado at all-it looks thick, rich and chocolatey! :o
Claire says
Thanks Lorraine!
Stephanie @ henry happened says
I pinned this before I even read it, haha :) So are you going totally paleo? I've wanted to try it! If I get to eat this, then I'm totally down with it!
Claire says
Oh no not at all Stephanie I'm just trying out a few recipes! We pinned each other today!
Christine @ Cooking Crusade says
I've recently cut out gluten and dairy so this is a very welcome recipe! I love how glossy and rich it looks - hard to believe it's paleo and vegan!
Claire says
It is perfect for you Christine!
The Life of Clare says
I love the addition of avocado to chocolate mousse, so I imagine this icing would be divine! I love the idea of Paleo, but love wheat baking too much.
Claire says
Oh me too Clare I couldn't be quite that restrictive.
Jessica says
I'm so curious about all of these avocado chocolate combinations, but this is the first icing I've seen. It really does look beautiful, and the texture seems perfect - you're right that you would never know there's avocado in there. P.S. I'm sitting here drinking my morning lemon water (from lemon juice in an ice cube) thanks to your great advice!
Claire says
I saw a mousse a little while ago that I've been meaning to try but I reakon you could eat this like a mousse quite easily.
Yay to the lemon water! My other tip I forgot to mention... drink it through a straw so the acid doesn't hurt your teeth.
Jennifer (Delicieux) says
That icing looks SO good Claire! Who would guess it's made from avocado!
I've been experimenting with coconut flour and sugar too. Some experiments have been more successful than others. It's definitely fun playing with new ingredients though.
Claire says
I certainly wouldn't have if I hadn't known Jennifer!
There is a lot of trial and error isn't there but it's lots of fun.