Cocoa Almond Coconut Chia Cream (Printable Version)
Velvety cocoa chia cream with toasted almonds and coconut for a nourishing plant-based treat.
# Ingredient List:
→ Base
01 - 1 can (13.5 fl oz) full-fat coconut milk
02 - 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or agave syrup)
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - Pinch of sea salt
→ Chia Mixture
06 - 5 tablespoons chia seeds
→ Crunch & Topping
07 - 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
08 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
09 - Fresh berries or dark chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt until completely smooth and well incorporated.
02 - Stir in the chia seeds, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution and prevent any clumping.
03 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Stir once after 30 minutes to redistribute the seeds evenly throughout the mixture.
04 - Once the mixture has thickened to a creamy, pudding-like consistency, stir once more and divide evenly among serving glasses or bowls.
05 - Garnish each portion with toasted sliced almonds, shredded coconut, and fresh berries or dark chocolate shavings if desired. Serve chilled.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It tastes like a chocolate mousse you would order at a restaurant, but it comes together with zero cooking and pantry staples.
- The chia seeds do all the thickening work while you relax, so there is almost no hands on effort involved.
02 -
- Skipping that thirty minute stir is the fastest way to ruin the texture because the chia seeds will settle into a dense layer at the bottom of the bowl.
- Toasting the almonds and coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat for two to three minutes takes this from good to unforgettable, but walk away and they burn in seconds.
03 -
- Shake the can of coconut milk vigorously before opening because separated fat and water will give you an uneven texture in the final cream.
- Taste the base before you add the chia seeds because once they start absorbing liquid the sweetness level locks in and you cannot adjust it easily after that point.