Chocolate Hazelnut Berry Protein Bowl (Printable)
Creamy chocolate chia pudding topped with toasted hazelnuts, fresh berries, and protein boost for a satisfying breakfast.
# List of ingredients:
→ Chia Pudding Base
01 - 4 tablespoons chia seeds
02 - 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
03 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
05 - 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder
06 - ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt
→ Toppings
08 - ½ cup fresh mixed berries such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries
09 - 2 tablespoons toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon dark chocolate shavings or cacao nibs
11 - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt, optional
12 - 1 tablespoon hazelnut or almond butter, optional
# Steps:
01 - Whisk together chia seeds, almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, protein powder, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined and smooth.
02 - Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then whisk vigorously again to break up any clumps and ensure even distribution of seeds.
03 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until the pudding reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
04 - Stir the chilled chia pudding well and divide evenly between two serving bowls.
05 - Arrange mixed berries, toasted hazelnuts, chocolate shavings or cacao nibs, and a dollop of yogurt if using on top of each bowl.
06 - Drizzle with nut butter if desired and serve immediately for a refreshing, protein-rich breakfast.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It tastes like eating chocolate mousse for breakfast but fuels you like a complete meal
- The overnight prep means zero cooking on busy mornings
02 -
- The pudding will seem too thin when you first mix it, but chia seeds need time to work their thickening magic in the fridge
- Fresh berries can make the pudding watery if added too far ahead, so add them right before serving
03 -
- Toast hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, watching closely so they don't burn
- Use a mason jar to shake everything together instead of whisking, then just store it in the same container