Dark Chocolate Pudding Cups

OMG...I'm freaking out a little bit over this one!  It's so easy, the "pudding" is raw and healthy (with a hidden vegetable!), and the taste is way better than it even looks...and let's face it...it looks pretty dang impressive!  Do you love rich, chocolatey desserts?  Do you like easy, no fuss preparation?  Do you like eating desserts that you don't have to feel guilty about?  Well what are you waiting for?  Let's get started!

The crust:

15 Newman's Own Dairy Free Wheat Free Cookies*
1 T soft coconut oil

*This is enough to make 4 cups...if you want to make more, just remember, that every 15 cookies makes 4 cups!

Process the cookies in your food processor until it had the texture of sand

Add:

Coconut oil and mix with a spoon until well incorporated.  You should be able to pinch the mix between your fingers and have it stay together.

Take 1/4 c of the crust mixture and pour it into a greased muffin tin (I actually used the extra large ones...there are 6 rather than 12 per tin.)

*If you don't have the large ones, you can use the smaller ones, you'll just have to use less mix...probably about 1/8 c.

Press the mixture into the tin, forming a cup.  (I just pressed the measuring cup into the center, and it was the perfect size)

Stick in the freezer to set up.

The Pudding:

3 avocados
1 T. coconut oil
1 c Hersey's Special Dark Cocoa Powder (regular would also work, or even cacao powder)
1 t. vanilla
1/2 c. pure maple syrup*
pinch of sea salt

Put all of this in your food processor and process until you have a creamy, rich pudding.  (I know...it's really that simple!)

*Using 1/2 c. of maple syrup gives you a "dark chocolate" feel, in that it's not super sweet.  If it's not sweet enough for you, add a bit more...just remember that to crust is awfully sweet and you'll need a balance for that!

*You will have WAY more pudding that you actually need for this dessert (this recipe only makes 4), however, I like to have this on hand to cure my chocolate cravings, or to have for the kids to give as a special treat.  Chop up strawberries and throw in some chia seeds, and you'll have a nutritious alternative to a regular pudding cup! (and way better tasting!)

Remove your "cups" from the freezer, and gently run a sharp knife along the cup to release it from the pan.  They should pop right out.

Fill with the pudding, and top with strawberries, raspberries, caramel and nuts, toasted shredded coconut, or coconut whipped cream!  The possibilities are endless...the results will be incredible...your guests will be speechless!