Chocolate Almond Coconut Chia Cream (Printable)
Creamy chocolate-chia layers with almond butter and coconut, chilled for a protein-rich, grab-and-go snack.
# List of ingredients:
→ Chia Cream Base
01 - 1/2 cup chia seeds
02 - 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
03 - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
04 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Chocolate Protein Layer
06 - 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
07 - 2 scoops chocolate or vanilla protein powder, whey or plant-based
08 - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
09 - 1/4 cup almond butter
→ Toppings
10 - 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
11 - 2 tablespoons dark chocolate shavings
12 - 2 tablespoons coconut flakes
# Steps:
01 - In a large bowl, whisk chia seeds, unsweetened almond milk, shredded coconut, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until incorporated. Allow to rest for 10 minutes and whisk again to ensure an even mixture.
02 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for no less than 2 hours until it reaches a thick, pudding-like texture.
03 - In a separate bowl, stir together cocoa powder, protein powder, Greek or coconut yogurt, and almond butter until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of almond milk to reach the desired consistency if necessary.
04 - Spoon alternating layers of the set chia cream and chocolate protein blend into serving glasses or bowls.
05 - Finish each portion with toasted sliced almonds, dark chocolate shavings, and coconut flakes as desired. Serve well chilled.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This dessert is practically a health secret disguised as a dreamy chocolate treat.
- You only need a few bowls and some patience while it chills to create something that feels truly special.
02 -
- If you don’t whisk the chia mixture after 10 minutes, you’ll bite into seeds stuck in clumps—I learned this the gloopy way.
- Swapping plant-based yogurt and protein powder makes it vegan without losing the decadence, which was a revelation after much trial and error.
03 -
- Always taste the chocolate layer before assembling—you can adjust sweetness or cocoa for your mood.
- Chill your serving glasses for an hour—they’ll keep your pudding delightfully cool and refreshing right up to the last bite.