Almond Joy Chia Pudding

  

As a type 2 Diabetic I need to really watch my carb intake. That means that I am not often able to enjoy a lot in the way of treats. I need to watch how much bread, pasta and potatoes I eat and as far as desserts go, I really need to be careful about what I eat there! 

Type 2 Diabetes runs in my family. Even my sister who is stick thin is borderline.  We are all consistently checking our glucose levels and watching what we ingest as far as sugars go.  When it comes to desserts, we are all in the same boat. 

One thing which my sister makes that we all enjoy is this fabulously delicious Almond Joy Chia Pudding!  

 

I first had it at her house and I was so impressed with how very delicious it was.  At first I thought, hmmm . . . chia seed?  But I tasted it to be polite. 

 

I was so surprised! It was fabulous. I went in for a second taste and then I just had to ask my sister for the recipe! 

 

WHAT IS CHIA SEED

I bet you are all familiar with chia seed without even knowing that you are.  If you bought a Chia Pet back in the 1980's (and who didn't!) then you have already had an experience with it.  Yep!  Chia seeds are the same seeds that we used to plaster onto our chia pets and watch sprout and grow! 

Who knew just what a nutritional powerhouse they were!  I didn't, that's for sure!  At best they were a novelty.

These tiny nutrition-packed “superseeds” are now a common staple in many health-conscious households. Thanks to their small size, mild taste, and versatility, it’s also very easy to incorporate chia seeds into your diet.

Filled with insoluable fiber they help to keep you regular, keep you full longer and  deliver healthy fats, protein, and cell-protecting antioxidants, plus a multitude of minerals.

On the diabetic front, Chia seeds may help control blood sugar. A randomized controlled trial published in Diabetes Care determined that adding chia seeds to normal type 2 diabetes treatments improved cardiovascular disease risk and helped to maintain good glucose and lipid control.

In short, they are very, very good for you.  

 

They have a very mild taste, and tend to take on the flavor of whatever you put them with. When added to liquids, such as this pudding, they plump up to several times their size.  In the case of this pudding they help to thicken it without having to use thickeners or cooking it. 

These days they are very popular additions to smoothies, puddings, granola and protein bars, salad dressings,  baked goods and drinks.  

They are becoming more and more available in the shops and can also be readily purchased online, in both whole and ground versions.  

 

They work really well in this pudding which tastes very much like an Almond Joy chocolate bar.  Rich and creamy, this delicious no cook pudding uses only a few basic ingredients and has a lovely coconut, almond and chocolate flavor!

You can use either unsweetened almond milk or unsweetened coconut milk to make it. My sister likes to use the coconut milk.  I like it both ways. 

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE ALMOND JOY CHIA PUDDING

As I said only a very few ingredients are needed to make this delicious, sugar free, diabetic and keto friendly low carb pudding! 

• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) unsweetened coconut milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup (19g) unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup (28g) cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (50g) natural granulated sweetener
• 1 tsp coconut or almond extract
• 1/3 cup (57g) chia seeds

To garnish: (optional)

• unsweetened whipped cream
• sugar free chocolate chips
• toasted flaked almonds

My sister likes to use a monkfruit sweetener and I use Swerve.  Both are completely natural plant ingredients and highly suitable for things like this. 

Make sure you use unsweetened cocoa powder and not chocolate drink mix.  I have seen other people use chocolate almond milk, thereby negating the need to use cocoa powder altogether. Just make sure you use the unsweetened almond milk.

Seriously be prepared to be impressed with just how rich, creamy and delicious this pudding is!!

 

HOW TO MAKE ALMOND JOY CHIA PUDDING

Nothing could be easier, but do be forewarned you will need a blender (or food processor) and you do need to chill it for at least six hours in order for it to set up. 

Combine the almond milk(coconut milk), cream, the coconut, cocoa powder, sweetener and extract in a blender. Blitz until all of the ingredients are well combined. Pour the mixture into a large bowl.

Add the chia seeds and whisk for 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to four serving cups, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least six hours or overnight.

When ready to serve, garnish with whipped cream, toasted flaked almonds and chocolate chips, if desired.

 

As you can see it is lovely and thick and despite the way it looks, it has a very smooth and palatable consistency. It tastes gorgeous.  I am in love with it.

I chose to top it with all three toppings and why not!  Cream, toasted flaked almonds and sugar free chocolate chips.  I toasted the almonds in my air fryer.  About 4 minutes at 375*F/190*C was the charm.

 

If you are not worried about your sugar or carb intake there is no end to the delicious desserts and puddings on offer here on the blog.  Some which you might enjoy are: 

CHOCOLATE PUDDING - A rich indulgent childhood favorite. This is delicious with a thin layer of cream poured over top. 

OLD FASHIONED CUP CUSTARD - Another childhood favorite. Silky, rich and delicious. 

CREAMY RICE PUDDING WITH CINNAMON SUGAR - This lush dessert cooks in the slow cooker. Its the most delicious rice pudding I have ever eaten. No word of a lie.

Have a great weekend! 

Almond Joy Chia Seed Pudding

Yield: 4

Author: Marie Rayner

Prep time: 10 MinInactive time: 6 HourTotal time: 6 H & 10 M

As a diabetic its nice to know that I can enjoy treats like this chocolate pudding every now and then. Its surprisingly delicious! I love it! You will need a blender for this. Also it does need to chill for six hours prior to serving, so plan ahead.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) unsweetened coconut milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup (19g) unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup (28g) cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (50g) natural granulated sweetener
• 1 tsp coconut or almond extract
• 1/3 cup (57g) chia seeds

To garnish: (optional)

• unsweetened whipped cream
• sugar free chocolate chips
• toasted flaked almonds

Instructions

1. Combine the almond milk(coconut milk), cream, the coconut, cocoa powder, sweetener and extract in a blender. Blitz until all of the ingredients are well combined. Pour the mixture into a large bowl.
2. Add the chia seeds and whisk for 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to four serving cups, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least six hours or overnight.
3. When ready to serve, garnish with whipped cream, toasted flaked almonds and chocolate chips, if desired.

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