Looking for a simply awesome and yummy dessert that actually has beauty benefits? And that your kids/hubby/friends will actually also enjoy? Well I have just the recipe for you- my crowd-pleasing Chocolate Chip & Coconut Chia Pudding!!
Let’s Start With The Chocolate…
I often talk about how I’m a huge dark chocolate lover…but hey, aren’t we all!? I created this recipe to nourish you while taming your chocolate cravings, and without the refined sugars, dairy, preservatives and fillers that are often included in commercial chocolate bars.
The Theobroma cacao tree is grown in various parts of the world, and is where the cacao beans are harvested from. They are roasted and ground to produce cocoa. Take it a step further in the processing, and you are at the basis of chocolate. ;)
However, once the beans are dried at a low temperature, they are called raw cacao beans. These beans can be consumed whole, broken down to little cacao nibs (kinda bitter but earthy-tasting), or ground down into a fine raw cocoa powder. The latter is what we’ll be using in our yummy recipe today.
Whichever way you like to consume it, chocolate has been known to stimulate serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter in your brain, and is rich in natural antioxidant compounds with many health benefits. It also contains resveratrol, antioxidants, and is a good source of magnesium.
Note: Make sure the chocolate you eat is 72 percent or higher cacao, dairy-free, and organic.
Why use Coconut Nectar?
First off, it’s a naturally sweet and nutrient-packed “sap” that exudes from the coconut blossoms when the actual coconut tree is tapped. Because the coconut sap needs to be hand-harvested, it’s extracted by people skilled at climbing coconut palms (not a job I’d want, but we certainly appreciate those that don’t mind heights every day!).
Coconut nectar is a rare sweetener that actually has benefits- it contains 17 amino acids, vitamin C, broad-spectrum vitamin B, minerals and is known for having nearly neutral pH.
As I talk about in Beauty Detox Foods, you want to be sure you choose your sugars carefully.
Since The Glycemic Index (GI) is the standard measurement used to rank how fast blood sugar levels rise after we drink or eat a particular type of beverage or food over a 2-3 hour period of time, raw coconut nectar is a great choice to use as a sweetener. Glycemic Load (GI), which takes into account portion size, is actually a more accurate measure of how sugars affect our body (but let’s save all the details on that for another day!).
Agave, for instance, has a low GI but is high in fructose. So still a no-no. GI is not everything. Fiber is also important, as in fibr-rich whole fruits. But alas, I digress! Back to the recipe :)…
Coconut Secret is one brand that ensures their coconut nectar is made in small batches- being low glycemic, enzymatically alive and minimally evaporated to remove excess moisture- keeping it at it’s purest and most raw form.
There’s more treats in the recipe: calcium-rich dates, vanilla, pops of flavor from the shredded coconut, and need I say, MORE chocolate chips sprinkled on top, for the added crunch and natural sweetness. YUMMY!!!
Prepare your ingredients for the Chocolate Chip & Coconut Chia Pudding
Blend together the almond milk, dates, raw cacao, vanilla and coconut nectar.
Stir in the chia seeds.
Cover and move into the fridge, allowing to set for a few hours until firm.
Top with shredded coconut and chocolate chips.
This recipe is packed with antioxidants, brain-nourishing omega 3 fatty acids, and complete protein and minerals. It’s so easy to prepare and pack that you’ll find yourself whipping up this tasty pudding as your go-to kid-friendly (and adult-friendly), treat! ;)
This extra yummy but healthy treat will make no one miss that “regular” pudding. So let’s get blending!
How to Make the Chocolate Chip & Coconut Chia Pudding…
Chocolate Chip & Coconut Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond or hemp milk
- 3 pitted dates
- 2 1/2 teaspoons raw cacao powder
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 Tbs. coconut nectar or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 3 Tbs. unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 Tbs. mini non-dairy chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Blend together the almond milk, dates, raw cacao, vanilla and coconut nectar.
- Add to a container and stir in the chia seeds. Cover and move into the fridge, allowing to set for a few hours (this can be made the morning or night before your picnic).
- Stir again after a few hours to mix evenly, then move into a BPA-free container to pack for your picnic.
- Top with shredded coconut and chocolate chips.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was on Instagram!
Enjoy and let me know how your do!!
Sending love and wishing you all my best,
Kimberly
What brand of chocolate chips do you recommend? I am always unsure if it is better to use the enjoy life even though they have cane sugar or the sunspire carob chips which have barley malt. Thanks so much!
Hi Danae…Thanks for checking out my pudding. When I buy my chocolate chips I make sure the chocolate is 72 percent or higher cacao, dairy-free, and organic. I always encourage my Beauties to ask their local Health Food Market what they carry and if they can supply chocolate chips that will fit your needs. This will ensure you’re able to always find them when needed.
This is so delicious!!! I didnʻt have dates and it was still delicious!!!
Hi Beauty! I am so happy you enjoyed it ;) Thanks for stopping by and sending you lots of love xx
Seems like 2.5 tsp is VERY light on the cacao for something to satisfy a dark chocolate craving, no? Is it supposed to be 2.5 tblsp?
Hi KG…thanks for taking a look at my recipe and for your interest. Cacao tends to be very rich in flavor so I suggest trying the recipe with the measurements listed and if you still feel it needs more cacao, feel free to add some in small increments. Hope you like it! ;)
This is so good Kimberly! Thank you for sharing this wonderful dessert. I ran into your blog today and I absolutely love what you are doing – you are so inspiring <3 Can´t wait to try more of your wonderful recipies :D
Hi Stefania….thanks so much for checking out my blog and for your kind words. Let me know what you think of the recipes and if you have a favorite…Sending lots of love! ;)
This is a fantastic recipe to curb your sweet tooth. Has just enough sweetness !! Thank you for sharing
Thanks for trying out the recipe, Beauty! Sending you lots of love. xx
You said to soak the chia seeds.
Do you soak them before adding them to this recipe?
Hi Beauty! Since this recipe involves letting the entire pudding sit and soak before it’s ready, there’s no need to soak your chia seeds before adding them in. They will have enough time to swell as part of the mixture. Happy cooking! xx
Hi! This recipe is so good! I have a question regarding texture – is there supposed to be some crunch still from the chia seeds or is it supposed to be completely smooth?
Hi Christian! Yes, this pudding will still have a soft, seedy texture from the chia seeds. Thanks for trying out this recipe and enjoy! xx