I love super-healthy desserts that trick everyone into thinking they are falling off the food wagon. And the best part is admitting that it’s so good for them, it’s actually okay to have a (small) second helping.  This one has so few ingredients, that it’s hard to believe how good it is. Plus, it’s a simple, comfort food that reminds me of childhood.

So, who doesn’t love chocolate pudding, right? Yum. But usually it’s made with egg yolks, milk, heavy cream, lots of sugar and it has to be cooked carefully over low heat to prevent scorching and starting all over again. Or you can make it out of the little square box, but that’s a big no-no in my book. Not this recipe. In fact it’s dairy-free, vegan, full of raw ingredients and no cooking necessary! Well, what is it made from? Avocados. But no one will ever know, unless you tell them ahead of time and they’ll swear they do. They’re lying.

RECIPE: Chocolate Pudding in the Raw

• 2 completely ripe avocados
• 6-8 TBSP dark cocoa powder (if you don’t have dark, regular will work fine)
• 1/4 cup agave nectar (or pure maple syrup if you don’t have agave)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 can coconut milk (use everything but the liquid on the very bottom; if using light, only use 1/2 can or it will be too watery)

DIRECTIONS: Scoop out avocado into a food processor. Add cocoa powder, agave & vanilla. Blend until smooth. You’ll have to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times until it becomes the consistency of a super thick pudding and no green avocado flecks remain. Taste for sweetness and add more agave, if you like. I’m not a huge fan of super-sweet desserts, so the agave measurement might be a little less than some people prefer. Also, the ripeness of the avocados can affect the measurements. But taste, taste, taste as you go! That’s the only way to be sure.

In a separate bowl, add the coconut milk and 1 tsp vanilla. Beat with a mixer until smooth. Combine (by hand – not with your hands – using a spoon) the chocolate mixture with the coconut milk to lighten up the texture. Refrigerate for at least an hour. Serve in small bowls and garnish with a mint leaf, if you have it.

This pudding is packed full of omega 3, healthy fats, anti-oxidants, and potassium! So enjoy!