So much easier than dairy-based pudding!

Cherries are plentiful in the summer, and they’re one of my favorite fruits. When I’m not eating them by the handful, I’m dreaming of creamy cocoa cherry chia pudding. Because vegan puddings are ten times quicker and easier to make than dairy-based ones, they’re a summer staple in my house. Plus, chia seeds pack a nutritional punch as a food source that delivers several nutrients simultaneously.

Photo bySkinny Ms.

This Vegan Pudding Is Rich In Omegas

The very word, “chia” means “strength” in Maya culture because of their energy load. As the the richest plant source of omega 3 fatty acids, chia-seeds provide a great dose of healthy fats. In particular, they keep the arteries smooth and free of damage. They also help create a sense of fullness due to their high-fiber content.

Chia seeds may benefit those with high blood pressure. If you or someone you love has been recently diagnosed with high blood pressure, consider asking a doctor more about chia. To fully reap these benefits, try switching from full fat ice cream to a cocoa cherry chia pudding.

Beyond nutrition, another great part about eating chia pudding is its novel texture. Fully hydrated seeds combine with the creaminess of good fat coconut milk to create overall yumminess. Just one bite will convince you that replacing ice cream with vegan pudding isn’t really a true sacrifice.

Chia Seeds Swell When Hydrated

Food nerds galore love how chia seeds gel and expand. In fact, most vegan bakers use gelled chia seeds as an egg replacement in baked goods. As chia seeds become hydrated, they grow in volume and become almost alien-like in their transformation. The resulting taste is sheer delight when combined with a creamy product like coconut milk.

Chia seeds, like tofu, are flavorless but have the ability to take on the other flavors of a recipe. Because of this phenomenon, you’ll find an endless variety of possible flavor combinations. All that’s needed need now is an excellent recipe base.

Dissolve Cocoa In Cherry Chia Pudding

Cocoa is the ideal replacement for high sugar manufactured chocolate. Why? Well, a quarter cup of unsweetened cocoa powder contains:

• Calories: 49
• Carbs: 12 grams
• Fiber: 7 grams
• Protein: 4 grams
• Fat: 3 grams

Conversely, the same amount of bittersweet chocolate contains 201 calories, 26 grams of carbs, and 23 grams of sugar.

However, the most infuriating trait of powdered cocoa lies in its inability to dissolve. We’ve found the best method of turning cocoa powder into a liquid is turn it into a paste first. Start by dissolving two tablespoons of cocoa powder into three tablespoons of very hot water. You can now easily add this cocoa paste to any recipe, be it vegan pudding or homemade hot chocolate.

After making the cocoa paste, you’ll want to add the milk of your choice. Coconut milk has a high amount of fat, which we think is crucial for a sweet treat. That said, you can use any other alternative milk to keep it vegan. We haven’t tried using heavy cream, but combining chia seeds with cream seems genius if you’re following a keto diet.

From there, you’ll add the cherries, chia seeds, maple syrup, and optional seasonings, and it’s all about patience. It can take up to four hours for chia seeds to fully bloom and reach their full capacity of hydration. As much as we hate to wait, we fully recommend it.

When the pudding is ready, try adding more fresh cherries, some cocoa nibs, and possibly some whipped coconut cream. Your taste buds and body will thank you.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons hot water
• 1 1/3 cup coconut milk light
• 1/4 cup cherries
• 1/3 cup chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper optional
• 1 pinch cinnamon optional

Get all the directions here!