“Oh, I’m going to pass on dessert. I’m trying to cut back.”
It’s a common phrase I hear often. Far too often. Because, well, dessert is awesome. And life is short. So why pass on the sweet stuff? Instead of giving up the final course of a meal, here’s a better idea: choose a healthier alternative. I’m not talking about plain yogurt with some fresh fruit, which is tasty, I’ll admit. No, I’m talking about a sweet, chocolate-ly indulgent dessert. One that feels like you’re cheating, but is really not bad for you in the slightest. Il’l even go so far as to say it’s good for you. Healthy chocolate monkey pie.
What?!?!
You heard me. A delicious and sweet chocolate dessert that is actually healthy.
When it comes to chocolate and bananas, I feel like there’s not much else that can compete. In a smoothie, frozen on a stick, in ice-cream form, I’ll take it all. And chocolate banana pie? Sign me up! Since I’ve become a bit of a chocoholic since having children, I’m always on a mission to create healthy chocolate treats. I love making up fun and delicious recipes. I was also pretty stoked the other day when I discovered that Gay Lea, a Canadian dairy cooperative, makes a coconut whipped cream in a can. While I love making our own whipped cream from full-fat coconut milk, sometimes you just don’t have the time. This coconut whipped cream is made from pure coconut cream, it tastes amazing, and it’s also lactose-free, dairy-free and gluten-free. Which means it’s vegan-friendly! Due to some dairy intolerances in the family, I often find myself making vegan meals and desserts, so I decided to put this whipped cream to the test by pairing it with my latest creation: healthy chocolate monkey pie. Friends, it did not disappoint. The whole can was gone in one sitting (it was Easter).
Do you want to guess the secret hidden extra healthy ingredient? Avocados. But shhh, don’t tell anyone. Even though this dessert is packed full of nutrients and antioxidants and heart-healthy fats, you can’t even tell. Avocado? What avocado? Don’t tell your little eaters or guests until after they’ve gobbled up every single bite. I haven’t yet met anyone who can even tell there’s avocado in there, it hides so well.
Now, onto the recipe already, right?
Healthy Chocolate Monkey Pie
Ingredients
- 1 prepared Pie Shell or homemade Pie Crust*
- 1 cup Avocado, tightly packed (about 2 medium Avocados)
- 2 large Bananas (or 2 1/2 medium)
- 50 grams Dark Chocolate (bar or chips)
- 3/4 cup Milk of choice (non-dairy to make it vegan – I used almond milk)
- 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp Cacao (I used raw cacao)
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
- 4 tbsp Cane Sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- One can of Gay Lea Coconut Whipped Cream
*You can make this pie completely raw-vegan by using a nut and dried fruit crust just like the one in this raw blueberry pie.
Directions
- Start by baking the pie shell according to directions. Let cool slightly before adding filling.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a double-boiler or in increments in the microwave. Remove from heat when almost all of the chocolate is melted and stir until it is all melted.
- Add all ingredients, including the melted chocolate, into a high-speed blender. Blend until very smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides when needed. It should eventually resemble a smooth, creamy pudding.
- Pour the mixture into the cooled pie shell. Use a spatula to spread it around evenly.
- Place pie in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours. Alternatively, you can freeze the pie for 2 hours. If you’re making this ahead of time, freeze the pie and take out of the freezer about 30 minutes before serving.
- Top with the coconut whipped cream and any extra toppings of your choice. I love adding sliced bananas, strawberries or raspberries. Eat up!
For more sweet treats, come drool withe me over on Pinterest
Disclosure: I am part of the Gay Lea Ambassador Campaign and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.
This looks delicious!