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Black Forest Chia Pudding
Updated: Apr 18
Chocolate, whipped cream and cherries are the classic flavours of a black forest cake - sweet, rich and creamy. Inspired by these flavours this chia pudding is a healthier dessert option, yet delicious and satisfying.
BLACK FOREST CAKE INSPIRED
When I think of black forest cake I can't help but think of my dad. It is one of his favourite cakes but as fresh cherries are rarely available in their part of the world my mom would use canned cherries in syrup to make her black forest cake.
My mom is one of the best bakers I know and when she does bake a black forest cake it is absolutely wonderful! Always hoping that she had to cut off the top of the cake to even it off, so that I could have a pre-taster of the cake soaked in a bit of cherry syrup, but sadly this didn't happen often enough in my opinion.
That flavour of the rich dark chocolate sponge, with a light whipped (not too sweet) cream and the juicy cherries was just heaven. Dark, almost bitter, fresh, sweet and rich flavours. There is something very comforting about this cake and the longer the cake stands, the better it gets.
Since we can't really have cake everyday I used the flavours of the cake to create a healthier chia pudding.
It's so easy, healthy and satisfying.
CHIA SEEDS
This dessert is made with chia seeds which are packed with essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber. They are also high in quality protein, calcium, magnesium phosphorus and are gluten free. Chia seeds are among the healthiest foods on the planet, so even more reason to eat this dessert.
Chia seeds are often used as 'egg replacements ' for vegan recipes as they have a thick, gel-like or tapioca like consistency if mixed with a liquid. If you are not a fan of this texture, try blending it to give it a smoother finish like I have done in this recipe.
CHERRIES
I prefer using frozen cherries in this recipe as they go a bit "jammy" when heated on low. Fresh will also work, but it will not have that cherry "juice" to spoon on top.
Another option is to use a stick blender to chop the cherries for a jam like texture.
TIP!
For an extra creamy 'cream' layer, mix in a tablespoon of plain or vanilla yoghurt.
OTHER HEALTHY DESSERTS YOU MIGHT LIKE
BLACK FOREST CHIA PUDDING
A healthy take on a classic. Easy and delicious.
Serves: 2
Time: 40 min
INGREDIENTS
1 cup almond milk
4 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp maple or agave syrup (or to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 heaped tbsp cacao powder, unsweetened
10 - 12 frozen or fresh cherries, roughly chopped
Chocolate chips or shavings (optional)
OPTIONAL, TO SERVE
plain or vanilla yoghurt
chocolate chips or shavings
additional cherries
INSTRUCTIONS
Add the almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to a high speed blender and blend for 1 – 2 minutes. OR if you don't have or want to blend the mixture, simply mix all the ingredients in a small bowl.
Take about ¼ of the mix out and put aside. This will be the ‘cream’ layer.
Add the cacao powder and a pinch of salt to the remaining mixture and blend (or mix) again until well incorporated.
Divide the chocolate mix between 2 small serving glasses.
Gently spoon the ‘cream’ layer evenly over the chocolate layer.
If you are using frozen cherries, roughly chop the cherries and heat them on low for a few minutes to soften. Remove and let it sit to cool for a few minutes. If you are using fresh cherries, remove the pits and roughly chop the cherries.
Spoon the cherries over the cream layer and sprinkle with a few cacao nibs or chocolate chips.
Let set in the fridge for at least 30 min before serving.
HAVE YOU MADE THIS?
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