Chocolate Coconut Almond Berry Cream (Printable)
Protein-packed chocolate chia cream layered with coconut, almonds, and mixed berries for a nourishing sweet treat.
# List of ingredients:
→ Base
01 - 1 can (13.5 fl oz) full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
02 - 4 tablespoons chia seeds
03 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Chocolate Layer
05 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
06 - 1 scoop (about 1 oz) chocolate protein powder
→ Almonds
07 - 1/3 cup (about 1.4 oz) roasted almonds, chopped
→ Berry Layer
08 - 1 cup (about 5.3 oz) mixed fresh or frozen berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries)
→ Topping
09 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
10 - Extra berries and almonds for garnish
# Steps:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, chia seeds, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
02 - Divide the mixture equally into two separate bowls.
03 - To one bowl, add the cocoa powder and chocolate protein powder. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated with no lumps remaining.
04 - Cover both bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and the mixture to thicken to a creamy consistency.
05 - Once set, gently fold half of the chopped almonds into the chocolate chia mixture.
06 - In serving glasses or bowls, spoon a layer of the vanilla coconut chia mixture at the bottom. Add a layer of mixed berries over it. Spoon a layer of chocolate almond chia cream on top. Repeat the layers as desired.
07 - Top with the remaining berries, chopped almonds, and shredded coconut. Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to enjoy.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The layered presentation looks like it came from a cafe display case, but you never once turn on the stove.
- Chia seeds do all the thickening work while you sleep or run errands, so the texture turns velvety without any cooking magic.
02 -
- Whisk the chia mixture a second time about fifteen minutes after the first stir to prevent a solid clump from forming at the bottom of the bowl.
- Frozen berries release more juice as they thaw, which actually creates a gorgeous natural syrup that seeps into the chia layers and makes everything taste more cohesive.
03 -
- Shake the can of coconut milk vigorously before opening, as the cream and water often separate during storage and you want both incorporated.
- A pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the final layer sounds strange but pulls every flavor into sharper, more addictive focus.