Chocolate Coconut Almond Berry Chia (Print Version)
Creamy chocolate-chia layers topped with toasted coconut, almonds and fresh berries, protein-rich and chilled.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Chia Cream Base
01 - 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
02 - 1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
03 - 1/2 cup chia seeds
04 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
05 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
06 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of sea salt
08 - 1 scoop (about 30 g) chocolate or vanilla protein powder (plant-based or whey)
→ Toppings
09 - 1/2 cup fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
10 - 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, toasted
11 - 1/4 cup roasted almonds, chopped
12 - 2 tablespoons dark chocolate shavings (optional)
# Step-by-step Instructions:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond milk, coconut milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, sea salt, and protein powder until completely smooth and no lumps remain.
02 - Add the chia seeds to the liquid mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes at room temperature, then stir again to break up any clumps that may have formed.
03 - Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight until the mixture thickens to a rich, pudding-like consistency.
04 - Give the chia cream one final stir to ensure a uniform texture, then divide evenly among 4 serving glasses or bowls.
05 - Garnish each portion with fresh mixed berries, toasted coconut flakes, chopped roasted almonds, and dark chocolate shavings if desired. Serve immediately while chilled.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It tastes like dessert for breakfast but quietly packs protein and omega threes into every spoonful.
- The chia cream base is endlessly adaptable, so you will never get bored no matter how often you make it.
02 -
- Skip the second stir after ten minutes and you will find a solid brick of clumped chia seeds at the bottom that no amount of whisking can fix later.
- Toasting the coconut flakes in a dry pan over medium heat for about two minutes takes them from chewy cardboard to fragrant golden perfection.
03 -
- Mix the chia seeds in gradually rather than dumping them all at once and you will avoid the frustrating battle against floating clumps.
- Layer the toppings in different orders for each glass so everyone at the table gets a slightly different experience with their first bite.