Kuchnia

Cake Batter Chia Pudding with Coconut Whipped Cream

6 tablespoons chia seeds
1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (plus more for blending)
6-8 medjool dates, pitted + well-chopped
1/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup gluten-free rolled oats
1 1/2 tablespoons cacao nibs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
for the topping:

1 can full-fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight
2-4 teaspoons pure maple syrup
1/2 – 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Stir chia seeds with the milk in a bowl and add the dates, almond butter, and oats. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours (3-4hrs preferred, or overnight).

Scoop the mixture in your blender with the cacao nibs, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon almond extract. Add a splash of milk and blend until fully smooth and creamy. Add more milk as needed (slowly) to keep the pudding as thick as possible.

Taste and add 1/2 teaspoon more vanilla extract if desired and few more small drops of almond extract (a little goes a long way!). For more sweetness blend in more chopped dates (soaked for easier blending). Refrigerate in a sealed container until chilled. Mixture will thicken a bit more as it sits.

While chilling, open the can of coconut milk and scrape off the solid white layer (about 1/2 way into the can). Avoid scooping any of the liquid. Place in a metal mixing bowl and beat with 2 teaspoons maple syrup and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until fluffy. Add more maple + vanilla if desired. Chill until ready to use and whisk before serving.

Serve the pudding with coconut whipped cream on top and sprinkling of cacao beans.

Keep extra sealed in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Notes: If you have a high-powered blender you probably won’t need to chop the dates. I don’t recommend sweetening the chia pudding with maple syrup or honey because it takes over the “cakey” flavor. I prefer medjool dates but any sticky and plump dates should work here. If you don’t have cacao nibs, simply leave them out or add 1 1/2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder, or 1 1/2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips. Be sure to use full-fat coconut milk. Sometimes the solid part doesn’t rise to the top, which is why I always have 2 cans in the fridge just in case!