Name: Cacao Chia Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 130 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp chia seeds; ½ cup water; 2 tbsp maple syrup (more if desire); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1½ cup dairy-free yogurt; 2½ tbsp cocoa powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp chili powder ((optional)); 2 pc ripe bananas; 1 tbsp cacao nibs

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Cacao Chia Pudding recipe is a heavenly combo of rich chocolatey goodness and the health-packed power of chia seeds! It’s loaded with nutrients that’ll make your body thank you. And guess what? You can have it ready in just 10 minutes!

Chia seeds have a rich history dating back to the Aztecs and Mayans who valued them for their ability to provide sustainable energy, so much so, “chia” is the ancient Mayan word for “strength.” These tiny seeds were so valued that they were even used as currency at one point!

Fast forward to today, we blend them with cacao, which was equally treasured by ancient civilizations as the ‘food of the Gods’ for its nutritional benefits and luxurious taste.

This pudding is smooth, it’s creamy, and it’s got that chocolatey depth that will satisfy even the most intense dessert cravings. Best part? It’s super adaptable! Feel like tossing in some fresh raspberries or a dollop of whipped cream? Go for it! The possibilities are endless.

CACAO CHIA PUDDING – WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

It’s a great way to get everyone enjoying a healthy dessert.
It’s perfect for those busy days when you need a quick sweet fix.
It’s vegan and can be easily adjusted to include whatever sweetener or toppings you prefer.
Made thick with chia seeds that expand to form a pudding-like consistency. It’s like eating a cloud of chocolate!
Both kids and adults will love the chocolate flavor, and you can make a big batch to last several days in the fridge.
Cacao and chia seeds are both considered superfoods due to their high levels of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
The fiber in chia seeds can help regulate cholesterol levels and maintain heart health, while cacao is known for improving circulation and reducing heart disease risk.
This pudding is ideal for a pre-workout snack or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up thanks to the protein and good fats in chia seeds.

INGREDIENTS

This recipe yields 1-2 portion | Preparation time: 10 minutes.

2 tbsp Chia seeds
1/2 cup Water
2 tbsp Maple syrup
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 1/2 cup Dairy-free yogurt
1 1/2 cup Almond milk
2 1/2 tbsp Cocoa powder
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Chili powder (optional)
2 pc Ripe bananas
1 tbsp Cacao nibs

HOW TO MAKE CACAO CHIA PUDDING

1. In a small bowl, mix chia seeds with hot water. Leave for 5 minutes.

2. Add salt, vanilla, maple syrup, yogurt, almond milk, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, and chili (optional). Mix.

3. Fill a glass or jar with half of the chia pudding. The next layer is sliced bananas. Then more pudding.

4. Decorate with bananas and cacao nibs, let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and serve cold. Enjoy!

Note: If the mixture is lumpy, you can use a immersion blender to blitz it up.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Breakfast and Brunch Ideas

Vegan Yogurt Parfaits: Layer vegan yogurt, granola, and fresh fruits alongside your cacao chia pudding for a wholesome and satisfying breakfast.
Oatmeal: Serve cacao chia pudding with a side of oatmeal raisin cookies that have been flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, or a touch of maple syrup for additional layers of texture and flavor.
Whole Grain Toasts: Offer a selection of whole grain breads with nut butter, avocado, or vegan cheese as a hearty side.

Dessert Pairings

Fruit Platters: Create a colorful fruit platter with sliced melons, kiwi, pineapple, and berries. The fresh, tangy flavors of the fruit complement the rich chocolatey taste of the pudding.
Nut and Seed Mixes: Offer bowls of mixed nuts and seeds roasted with a hint of sea salt or sweet spices to add a crunchy texture.
Coffee or Herbal Tea: Serve your cacao chia pudding with freshly brewed coffee or a selection of herbal teas. The warmth of the beverages contrasts beautifully with the cool, creamy texture of the pudding.
Mini Pastries or Biscotti: Include small pastries like croissants, scones, or biscotti for dipping into the pudding or to enjoy on the side.

Light Lunch or Snack Options

Vegan Cheese Board: Pair the pudding with a modest vegan cheese board featuring a variety of vegan cheeses, from creamy to sharp, along with some crackers for a savory contrast.
Finger Sandwiches: Prepare a selection of finger sandwiches with mild fillings like cucumber and cream cheese, which won’t overpower the delicate flavor of the pudding.

Beverage Pairings

Sparkling Water: A glass of sparkling water with a squeeze of lime or lemon can cleanse the palate between bites of the rich pudding.
Iced Beverages: Serve iced coffee or iced herbal tea as a refreshing complement to the creamy texture of the pudding.

TIPS, VARIATIONS, AND SUBSTITUTIONS

🍮 Cashew milk or full-fat coconut milk – While the recipe uses almond milk, feel free to swap it out with any nut milk you prefer, such as cashew milk or even full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture.

🍮 Coconut sugar, monk fruit sweetener, or agave – If maple syrup isn’t your go-to, try coconut sugar, monk fruit sweetener, or even a little agave. These are fantastic for adjusting the sweetness to your liking while keeping it healthy.

🍮 Cayenne or salt – The chili powder is optional, but you can also experiment with a pinch of cayenne or even a pinch of salt to bring out the chocolate flavors more intensely.

🍮 Almonds or cashew – For extra crunch, or if you don’t have cacao nibs, top the pudding with toasted nuts such as almonds or cashew pieces instead.

🍮 Strawberries or berry fruit compote – Other than bananas, incorporate layers of fresh fruit such as sliced strawberries or berry fruit compote. These additions provide a lovely burst of fresh flavor and can be a great way to use up any leftover fruits.

🍮 Overnight transformation – To develop the flavors and achieve a thick and creamy consistency, cover and refrigerate overnight. This not only saves time in the morning but also enhances the texture of chia seeds as they soak up the flavors.

🍮 Big batch makers – This recipe scales up beautifully. Make a big batch at the start of the week, and enjoy stress-free, healthy breakfasts or desserts. Just remember to increase the ingredients proportionally and cover the bowl while it sets in the fridge.

🍮 Cacao powder – Swap out the cocoa powder for cacao powder for a different type of chocolate flavor that’s still in keeping with the theme of the dish.

HOW TO STORE YOUR CACAO CHIA PUDDING

Refrigerate Properly: Transfer the pudding into an airtight container to maintain freshness. This simple dessert can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Feel free to use glass jars for individual servings which make it easy to grab and go.
Whisk Before Serving: Sometimes, the chia seeds may settle a bit or the mixture might separate slightly. Just give it a quick whisk together or add a little stir before serving to restore its creamy texture.
Serve Chilled: This chocolate chia seed pudding is best enjoyed cold. Remove it from the fridge just before you’re ready to eat it.
For Longer Storage: Although best enjoyed within a few days, if you need to extend its life a bit longer, you can freeze the pudding. Freeze in a covered airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before eating.
Add Toppings Before Serving: To keep toppings crunchy and fresh, add chia seeds and whisk them in if they’ve settled, or sprinkle toppings like coconut flakes, cacao nibs, or your favorite nuts right before serving to maintain their texture.
Make Adjustments: If the pudding thickens too much upon setting, simply add a little more dairy-free milk or oat milk and mix well to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add chia seeds and let it sit for an additional hour to thicken.
Sweeten to Taste: If you find the pudding less sweet than you’d like upon tasting, you can sweeten it with an extra tablespoon of maple syrup, or for a sugar-free option, use a sweetener like monk fruit sweetener.

MORE PUDDING RECIPES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS CACAO POWDER THE SAME AS COCOA POWDER?

They’re similar but not the same. Cacao powder is made by cold-pressing unroasted cocoa beans, keeping the enzymes intact and removing the fat. Cocoa powder is raw cacao that’s been roasted at high temperatures. Cacao powder tends to have a more bitter flavor and is higher in nutritional value than cocoa powder, making it a healthier choice for this chocolate pudding.

HOW CAN I MAKE MY CACAO CHIA PUDDING EVEN CHOCOLATIER?

If you’re a real chocolate lover and want to enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding dark chocolate shavings or a tablespoon of extra cacao powder to your pudding. You can also try melting some dark chocolate into the milk instead of the pudding mixture before mixing it with the chia seeds.

CAN I USE SOMETHING OTHER THAN MAPLE SYRUP TO SWEETEN THE PUDDING?

Yes, you can use various sweeteners to adjust the taste according to your preference. Agave syrup or coconut sugar are great alternatives. You might need to adjust the quantity slightly, as each sweetener has a different level of sweetness.

IS THERE A WAY TO MAKE THIS PUDDING WITHOUT ADDED SUGAR?

Absolutely! For a no-added-sugar version, omit the maple syrup and rely on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas or add unsweetened applesauce. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to taste.

HOW CAN I MAKE SURE MY CACAO CHIA PUDDING TURNS OUT PERFECT EVERY TIME?

For best results, ensure you whisk together the chia seeds thoroughly with the liquid to prevent clumps. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then stir again before refrigerating to help distribute the seeds evenly. Measure your ingredients accurately, especially the chia seeds and liquid, to maintain the right ratio for perfect pudding consistency.

Cacao Chia Pudding Recipe

CACAO CHIA PUDDING – WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

HOW TO MAKE CACAO CHIA PUDDING