Chocolate Coconut Almond Chia Cream (Printable)

Protein-rich chocolate chia cream layered with berries, toasted almonds and coconut - a make-ahead breakfast or dessert.

# List of ingredients:

→ Chia Cream

01 - 1/2 cup chia seeds
02 - 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk (carton or canned)
03 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
04 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 - 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder (plant-based or whey)

→ Berry Layer

06 - 1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
07 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
08 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)

→ Almond & Coconut Topping

09 - 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
10 - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted
11 - 2 tablespoons dark chocolate shavings or chips

# Steps:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the chia seeds, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and chocolate protein powder until smooth and well combined. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes, then whisk again to break up any clumps and ensure even hydration.
02 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until the mixture thickens to a rich, pudding-like consistency.
03 - In a small bowl, gently toss the mixed fresh berries with lemon juice and maple syrup if using. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
04 - Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and shredded coconut, stirring frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
05 - Spoon a generous layer of chocolate chia cream into the bottom of each serving glass or bowl. Add a layer of the prepared mixed berries, then top with another layer of chia cream.
06 - Finish each serving with toasted almonds, shredded coconut, and dark chocolate shavings or chips. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like a layered chocolate mousse dessert but quietly packs protein and omega threes into every spoonful.
  • No cooking required, which means you can throw it together half asleep and still impress anyone who sees it in the fridge the next morning.
02 -
  • Skip the second whisk after five minutes and you will find concrete lumps of chia at the bottom of your bowl that no amount of stirring can fix later.
  • Frozen berries work in a pinch but thaw and drain them first, because excess water turns your beautiful layers into a muddy soup.
03 -
  • Taste the chia cream before chilling and adjust sweetness, because protein powders vary wildly in how sweet they already are.
  • Toasting the coconut takes about thirty seconds less than the almonds, so add it to the skillet partway through if you want both perfectly golden.

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