Here is one of my favorite chocolate vegan and gluten-free dessert recipes containing 1/2 tablespoon of organic raw coconut oil per serving. This Chocolate Chia pudding dessert recipe is a nutritional powerhouse delivering antioxidants, fiber, calcium and iron from the cocoa and chia seeds, and plenty of energy from the medium chain fatty acids in the coconut. Enjoy this delicious raw , vegan and gluten-free chocolate pudding as a dessert or pre-work out fuel.
This recipe is strangely addicting! It takes less than 5 minutes to assemble. The ancient Aztec chia seed is one of the richest natural whole food sources of Omega 3 fatty acids and dietary fiber. Two tablespoons deliver 5 grams of omega-3s- (well above the recommended daily amount of 3 grams) for reducing: inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis; evaluated triglycerides levels; and high blood pressure. Click here to learn more.
And talk about fat as fuel – every serving contains 10 grams carbohydrates (as fiber), 6 grams of protein, and 9 grams of fat (all omega 3 fatty acids and medium chain fatty acids which are quickly absorbed into the blood and used as energy). Don’t be afraid of fat- I have been eating this pudding all week and have not experienced any weight gain! In fact, this pudding is just what my body craves before a key athletic training session or game of tennis after a long day at work. Other times, it is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up and make-me-feel-good with a cup of green tea. Enjoy and feed your body royally!
(Serves 4)
- 2 cups unsweetened organic coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons raw coconut oil
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder or organic unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon raw honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Combine all ingredients in a container; whisk well and cover tightly. Place covered container in fridge 2-3 hours or overnight. Chia seeds will plump up. Serve with fresh seasonal fruit (such as berries, diced peaches, sliced bananas, or pomegranate seeds).
Looks delicious!!
Looks amazing! I'd sub agave nectar or brown rice syrup to make it vegan, but yay, cocoa and chia!
How is this vegan when it has honey? :0)
Hi Bunny,
Thanks for weighing in. I totally respect your position not to eat honey but honey is from insects not animals. Insects are killed daily in the production of vegan products, organic or not so this topic has many sides. Please substitute your favorite sweetener in place of honey and enjoy the recipe in good health.
Sincerely,
Claudia
Hi April,
Great substitute ideas. I love maple syrup as a sweetener too.
Sincerely,
Claudia
[...] reading… [caption id="attachment_823" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Coconut Oil contains over 50% ...atty Acids." width="300" height="225" [...]
[...] Tarts: press a Hail Merry Macaroon into a mini cupcake tin. With a small ice cream measure, scoop Chocolate Chia Pudding into macaroon-lined tin. Chill for 30 minutes and then drizzle with Chocolate Mocha Glaze before [...]
Where do I find the Chia seeds? This looks good. I am always looking for gluten free recipes for my sons who are hyperactive.
Suzanne, look for chia seeds in either the natural foods section of a traditional grocer, health & beauty section of many specialized grocers or with the gluten-free grains in natural foods grocers. They are worth the hunt- so healthy with lots of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
How do you add the coconut oil? Do you melt it first, or leave it room temperature so it is solid? Thanks!
Which type of coconut milk does this recipe require? The canned type or the milk substitute found in a carton?
Either will work- the one in the can is more concentrated and caloric. I prefer the carton.
I melt it first and then mix it in.
In regards to the honey comments/questions, as a vegan, here is what I think: The honey is a by-product of pollen, not actually part of the bee, unlike milk from animals. But, a bee is from the animal kingdom, even if it's an insect, and should still be regarded as such.
more on why honey is not vegan.. http://www.vegetus.org/honey/honey.htm chia pudding is delicious even without it, though.
Maple syrup or another favorite sweetener can be substituted for the honey.
you can make coconut milk with organic dried coconut, water and a high speed blender, then strain. Use the fiber for some other recipe...Thanks for the wonderful recipe!
Hi Laurey,
I would only use fresh coconut to make the milk. Dried coconut will not have the same fresh flavor.
[...] 4. Chocolate Chia Pudding: [...]
Specifically what store, Claudia? I've found nothing at Tom Thumb or Kroger?
Specifically what store, Claudia? I've not found any at Tom Thumb, Kroger, or Walmart.
Hi Norma,
You can find the chia at Sprouts, Whole Foods Market, Central Market or any natural grocer.
I found the coconut oil does not work well in this recipe. Once it is chilled, the coconut oil ended up in tiny little balls of hardened coconut oil (which I ended up picking out). The recipe would be much better without the coconut oil...Maybe put some shredded coconut on top if you want.
Hi Regina, you may need to more thoroughly blend the melted coconut oil. It should not form tiny balls if completely mixed with the other ingredients. Love the shredded coconut on top suggestion! Thanks
You left out the Tequila!!
I like this recipe, but the pic was misleading, I actually thought it was a pic of the pudding in the recipe, but then saw the same photo on a different website and it is actually the avocado pudding