Certified raw food chef, personal trainer, and figure competitor Marisa DiCenso-Pelser considers the Vitamix essential to her lifestyle. “The Vitamix does everything I need to make delicious recipes,” she says, including her favorite raw desserts: Avocado Chocolate Mousse and Strawberry Banana Split Sundae Ice Cream.

Avocado Chocolate Mousse

  • 1 avocado
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 2/3 cup dates, pitted and soaked
  • ½ cup cacao, cocoa, or carob powder
  • 1/8 cup coconut butter
  1. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.
  2. Select Variable 1.
  3. Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.
  4. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  5. Chill for an hour and serve.

Strawberry Banana Split Sundae Ice Cream

  • 1 ½ cups cashew
  • 1 ½ cups strawberries
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • ¼ cup agave or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • ½ cup strawberries, slightly smashed
  • ½ cup bananas, slightly mashed
  • ½ cup, pineapple, chopped very small
  • ½ cup pecans, chopped (optional)
  1. Place the cashews, strawberries, almond milk, agave, coconut oil, vanilla, and salt into the Vitamix container and secure lid.
  2. Select Variable 1.
  3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.
  4. Blend for about 30 seconds, using the tamper to press ingredients into the blades.
  5. Reduce speed to Variable 3. Remove the lid plug.
  6. Add reserved strawberries, bananas, pineapple, and optional pecans through the lid plug opening, and continue to use the tamper as needed.
  7. In about 30 seconds, the sound of the motor will change and four mounds should form.
  8. Stop machine. Do not over mix or melting will occur. Serve immediately.

See more raw food dessert recipes