Cocoa Almond Coconut Chia Parfait (Printable Version)

Creamy layers of cocoa chia pudding with toasted almonds and coconut for a healthy breakfast or dessert.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chia Pudding

01 - ¼ cup chia seeds
02 - 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
03 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup
05 - ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 - Pinch of fine sea salt

→ Parfait Layers and Toppings

07 - ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
08 - ½ cup sliced almonds
09 - 1 cup coconut yogurt
10 - ½ cup fresh mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries)
11 - 1 tablespoon dark chocolate shavings

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the chia seeds, almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and free of cocoa lumps.
02 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Stir once after 30 minutes to prevent clumping.
03 - While the pudding chills, toast the shredded coconut and sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate and let cool completely.
04 - In parfait glasses or jars, layer the cocoa chia pudding, coconut yogurt, toasted coconut, toasted almonds, and fresh berries. Repeat the layers as desired to fill each glass.
05 - Finish each parfait with a generous topping of extra coconut, almonds, berries, and dark chocolate shavings. Serve well chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes genuinely indulgent but every single ingredient is doing your body a favor.
  • The chilling time is the longest part so you barely have to lift a finger.
02 -
  • That thirty minute stir is not optional because once chia seeds settle into clumps they stubbornly refuse to separate no matter how hard you whisk later.
  • Toasting the coconut and almonds in the same pan works but watch them carefully because the coconut browns faster than the almonds.
03 -
  • A fork actually works better than a whisk for breaking up chia clumps because the tines catch the sticky seed clusters more effectively.
  • Letting the assembled parfaits sit for about ten minutes at room temperature before eating softens the yogurt slightly and makes the flavors bloom.

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