mini gluten-free chocolate cupcakes with avocado chocolate mousse

I know what you're thinking. Avocado chocolate mousse? Right?! I had my doubts at first too since I've made this mousse before. Sadly it didn't go well topped on the butter-and-sugar chocolate cupcake I'd made. Tried it again and it somehow magically and nicely paired with the gluten-free chocolate cupcakes :) the raspberry too.

The avocado and chocolate pairing is kind of an acquired taste. I was a bit skeptical in revisiting this recipe, but this time I found the subtle avocado flavor rather pleasant and just different. Though the distinctiveness of the cocoa and of the avocado offsets the palate at first taste, the flavors marry and becomes a smooth creaminess that just simply...works. Yay for healthier chocolate fixes :)

Mini Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes

adapted from The Healthy Chef
yields 12 mini cupcakes, 6 regular-sized cupcakes

Ingredients:

3/4 cup almond meal
1/8 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 cup olive oil (recipe calls for macadamia oil but I used olive oil and they turned out fine)
1/8 cup almond milk (soy, rice, plain milk, etc.)
1 tbsp honey

Directions:

- Preheat the oven to 325° F and line a cupcake tray with liners.
- In a medium bowl, combine the almond meal, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Then add in the egg, oil, milk, honey, and vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners and bake for 13-15 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove, let cool and serve!


Avocado Chocolate Mousse

adapted from The Healthy Chef
yields about 1/2 cup (depending on avocado size)

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado
1/8 cup honey 
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 cup cocoa powder

Directions:

- Cut the avocado into smaller chunks for easier blending. Put all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender, starting with the honey, avocado, vanilla extract, and lastly cocoa powder, and blend at high speed.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy and there are no visible chunks of avocado.
- Put in the refrigerator to let it set, and serve mousse as is or use it as frosting over cakes and cupcakes.