Cocoa Cashew Coconut Chia Indulgence (Printable Version)
Creamy layered cocoa cashew and coconut chia pudding for a healthy vegan indulgence.
# Ingredient List:
→ Base
01 - 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for 2-4 hours, then drained
02 - 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
03 - 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 - Pinch of sea salt
→ Chia Layer
07 - 1/4 cup chia seeds
08 - 1 cup coconut milk
09 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup
→ Toppings
10 - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
11 - 2 tablespoons chopped roasted cashews
12 - 1 tablespoon dark chocolate shavings (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the chia seeds, coconut milk, and maple syrup until well combined. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes, then whisk again vigorously to break up any clumps. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until the pudding is thick and set.
02 - In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, coconut milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Blend on high until completely smooth and silky, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed to ensure an even, creamy consistency.
03 - Once the chia pudding has fully set, spoon an even layer into the bottom of each serving glass or jar. Gently top each portion with the cocoa cashew cream, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon.
04 - Finish each serving with a sprinkle of shredded coconut, chopped roasted cashews, and dark chocolate shavings if desired, distributing evenly across all portions.
05 - Serve immediately, or refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes for a firmer, more set texture before enjoying.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It tastes like a chocolate mousse from a fancy restaurant but comes together with zero cooking and pantry staples.
- The chia layer adds a pudding like texture that makes every spoonful feel layered and intentional, not like you just threw things in a cup.
02 -
- Under soaking the cashews is the number one reason this recipe fails because no amount of blending time can fix hard nuts, so give them a full two hours minimum.
- The chia pudding needs that second whisk after five minutes or you will end up with a lumpy, uneven texture that no amount of stirring later can fix.
03 -
- Soak extra cashews while you are at it because having them ready in the fridge means you can make this again on impulse with zero planning.
- Layering in clear glasses instead of opaque bowls turns a simple dessert into something guests will photograph before eating.