Orange Chocolate Mousse Cake

Have you missed me? I’ve been off gallivanting my way through New York, and it is definitely time for me to take a break from it all to share a new recipe with you.

It’s funny how many more culinary temptations I experience in my home town than anywhere else. I usually allow myself one indulgence per allurement (there’s not that many!) during my yearly visit to the States. And this year I have noticed the incredible repercussions even more so than in the past. Going raw has really caused my body to detoxify. So much so that I happily choose fresh veggies over the bad-for-you foods I enjoyed in the past. Pretty cool.

And so, since this is my first time as a raw vegan here, I have a whole new crew of people to try my raw recipes. I like to start with my raw lasagna for any newcomers (always a favorite) as well as a dessert. Everyone likes dessert, and my raw desserts are pretty awesome – if I do say so myself.

This Orange Chocolate Mousse Cake is quite possibly my best yet. It has been given rave reviews by everyone that’s tasted it, and no one has guessed it is made out of avocado! It comes together quickly, and it is best after spending a day or two in the fridge so the flavors can marry. Use organic oranges since the recipe uses the peel as well as the fruit.

Orange Chocolate Mousse Cake

Crust
1/2 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup raw walnuts
1 cup pitted dates
1 tsp coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla powder

• Process nuts in food processor until broken down into a crumbly consistency.
• Pulse in coconut oil and vanilla.
• Add dates one at a time until well combined and mixture can stick to itself when pressed.
• Press into the bottom of a spring-form pan and set aside.

Mousse
3 avocados
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup cacao powder
1 orange, fruit and zest
1/2 cup pitted dates

• Process avocados, coconut oil, and cacao in food processor until combined.
• Zest the orange and remove fruit from pith. Add all but the pith to the mixture and pulse until mixed.
• Add the dates one at a time while the processor is running. Process 2-3 minutes or until dates are completely broken down and mixture is light and fluffy.
• Spread on top of crust and refrigerate at least 2-3 hours before serving.