Chocolate avocado mousse tortilla cups became our go-to comfort food after my kids kept asking for “something crispy and warm” every afternoon. Armed with just a few ripe avocados, flour tortillas, and pantry staples, I set out to create something special without breaking our tight grocery budget. What started as a desperate attempt to use up overripe avocados turned into our family’s most requested dessert – and at just $1.85 per serving, it’s become my secret weapon for impressive treats that don’t drain our weekly allowance.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse Tortilla Cups
Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Food processor or blender
- Pastry brush
- * Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 6 small flour tortillas
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a muffin tin.
- Brush each tortilla with melted butter and press into muffin cups to form bowls.
- Bake tortilla cups for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- In a food processor, blend avocados until completely smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add cocoa powder, honey, vanilla, and salt to avocados. Blend until silky smooth.
- Allow tortilla cups to cool completely.
- Fill each tortilla cup with chocolate avocado mousse.
- Top with mini chocolate chips and serve immediately.
Notes
Tortilla cups can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Mousse can be refrigerated for up to 3 days
For dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
Ingredients with Cost Breakdown:
- 6 small flour tortillas ($1.50)
- 2 ripe avocados ($2.00)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder ($0.75)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup ($1.00)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ($0.25)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter ($0.50)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips ($1.25)
- Pinch of salt ($0.05)
Total Recipe Cost: $7.30 (serves 4, approximately $1.85 per serving)
Equipment List:
- Muffin tin
- Food processor or blender
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Tortilla Cups
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a muffin tin. Brush each tortilla with melted butter, then gently press into muffin cups, creating cute little edible bowls. The key is working quickly before the tortillas stiffen up.
Creating the Perfect Mousse Base
In your food processor, blend the avocados until completely smooth – this takes about 2-3 minutes of processing. Add cocoa powder, honey, vanilla, and that crucial pinch of salt that makes everything pop. Blend until the mixture is silky and rich.
Baking the Tortilla Cups
Bake your tortilla cups for 8-10 minutes until they’re golden brown and hold their shape. They’ll continue crisping as they cool, so don’t overbake them.
Final Assembly Magic
Once cooled, pipe or spoon the chocolate avocado mousse into each tortilla cup. Top with mini chocolate chips for that extra crunch my kids absolutely love.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The secret to these chocolate avocado mousse tortilla cups lies in the unexpected combination of textures and flavors. The avocado provides incredible creaminess without any weird aftertaste, while the cocoa powder transforms it into something that tastes like expensive chocolate mousse. The crispy tortilla adds a delightful crunch that makes each bite interesting. According to the American Heart Association, avocados are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, making this dessert surprisingly nutritious.
Make It Your Own
Nutty Variation: Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter or almond butter to the mousse mixture for extra richness and protein.
Tropical Twist: Replace vanilla with coconut extract and top with toasted coconut flakes instead of chocolate chips.
Spicy Mexican Style: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warming kick.
Berry Blast: Top with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and tartness that balances the chocolate.
What to Serve With
These chocolate avocado mousse tortilla cups pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a complete dessert spread, try serving alongside my Nutella Oreo Tortilla Dessert for variety, or keep it simple with fresh berries and mint leaves. A glass of cold milk or coffee makes the perfect beverage companion.
Money-Saving Tips
Buy Avocados in Bulk: Purchase avocados when they’re on sale and let them ripen on your counter. They freeze beautifully for smoothies and desserts like this.
Make Your Own Tortillas: If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade tortillas cost about half the price of store-bought ones.
Substitute Sweeteners: Use whatever sweetener you have on hand – brown sugar, agave, or even mashed banana works perfectly.
Double the Recipe: These freeze well for up to three months, so making a larger batch saves both time and money.
Shop Your Pantry First: Most of these ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, making this an incredibly budget-friendly last-minute dessert.
From My Family to Yours
Every time I make these chocolate avocado mousse tortilla cups, I’m reminded of how the best recipes often come from necessity and creativity rather than expensive ingredients. My grandmother always said that the most memorable meals come from making do with what you have, and these little cups prove her wisdom right. They’ve become our family’s go-to for everything from weekend treats to impressive dinner party desserts, and I hope they bring the same joy to your kitchen table.
FAQ Section
Is avocado chocolate mousse actually good?
Absolutely! When properly prepared, avocado chocolate mousse is incredibly creamy and rich, with no detectable avocado flavor. The avocado provides the perfect base for chocolate, creating a luxurious texture that rivals traditional mousse made with cream and eggs. The key is using ripe avocados and balancing the cocoa with the right amount of sweetener.
How long will avocado mousse last in the fridge?
Chocolate avocado mousse will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the mousse before refrigerating. While it’s safe to eat after 3 days, the texture and flavor are best within the first 48 hours.
How do you make avocado mousse?
The secret to perfect avocado mousse is starting with very ripe avocados and blending them until completely smooth. Add your cocoa powder, sweetener, and flavorings gradually while blending. The mixture should be processed for at least 2-3 minutes to achieve that silky, luxurious texture that makes this dessert so special.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! The tortilla cups can be baked up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container. The mousse can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated. However, for the best texture and crispness, assemble the cups just before serving.
For more creative ways to use avocados in desserts, check out my Scrambled Cookie Dough recipe for another unexpected sweet treat. If you’re looking for more budget-friendly family desserts, don’t miss my Vegetarian Taco Skillet which shows how versatile tortillas can be in both sweet and savory applications.
Related Recipe Recommendations
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like:
- Nutella Oreo Tortilla Dessert – Another creative tortilla-based dessert that’s sure to impress
- Scrambled Cookie Dough – An innovative sweet treat that uses common pantry ingredients
- Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa – More creative ways to use avocados in unexpected dishes
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with friends looking for budget-friendly family dessert ideas!
