Chia Pudding SHOWDOWN: Which Recipe Reigns Supreme? (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert)

Ingredients

• 1 cup Almond Milk (Beginner level; can substitute any dairy‑free milk)
• 2 teaspoons Maple Syrup (Beginner level; adjust sweetness to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Beginner level; optional cinnamon instead)
• 1 pinch Sea Salt (Beginner level; enhances flavor)
• 4 tablespoons Chia Seeds (Beginner level; can increase to 5 tbsp for thicker texture)
• 1 cup Coconut Milk (canned, full‑fat) (Intermediate level; provides rich texture)
• 0.5 cup Cocoa Powder (Intermediate level; unsweetened)
• 4 tablespoons Maple Syrup (Intermediate level; adjust sweetness)
• 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Intermediate level)
• 1 pinch Sea Salt (Intermediate level)
• 4 tablespoons Chia Seeds (Intermediate level; can use 5 tbsp for thicker pudding)
• 1 cup Blueberries (fresh or frozen) (Expert level blueberry layer)
• 1 cup Dairy‑Free Milk (Expert level blueberry layer; any plant milk works)
• 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup (Expert level blueberry layer)
• 0.25 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Expert level blueberry layer)
• 1 pinch Sea Salt (Expert level blueberry layer)
• 5 tablespoons Chia Seeds (Expert level blueberry layer)
• 1 cup Raw Cashews (Expert level lemon cashew cream; can be soaked for smoother texture)
• 0.5 cup Dairy‑Free Milk (Expert level lemon cashew cream; any plant milk)
• 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup (Expert level lemon cashew cream)
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Expert level lemon cashew cream; freshly squeezed preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (Expert level lemon cashew cream; adds bright flavor)
• 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Expert level lemon cashew cream)
• 1 pinch Turmeric Powder (Optional; adds yellow color to cashew cream)
• 1 pinch Sea Salt (Expert level lemon cashew cream)

Instructions

1. Beginner Chia Seed Pudding – Mix

   In a mixing bowl combine 1 cup almond milk, 2 tsp maple syrup, ½ tsp vanilla extract, a pinch of sea salt, and 4 Tbsp chia seeds. Stir vigorously until the mixture is uniform.

   Time: PT5M

2. Beginner – Chill

   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, until the pudding thickens.

   Time: PT0M

3. Intermediate Chocolate Pudding – Whisk Cocoa

   In a clean bowl whisk together 1 cup canned coconut milk and ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder until no dry pockets remain.

   Time: PT3M

4. Intermediate – Add Remaining Ingredients

   Stir in 4 Tbsp maple syrup, ½ tsp vanilla extract, a pinch of sea salt, and 4 Tbsp chia seeds. Mix well, then let sit 5 minutes and stir again to break any clumps.

   Time: PT5M

5. Intermediate – Chill

   Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until mousse‑like.

   Time: PT0M

6. Expert – Blueberry Layer Blend

   In a high‑powered blender combine 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup dairy‑free milk, 2 Tbsp maple syrup, ¼ tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Blend until smooth.

   Time: PT3M

7. Expert – Add Chia to Blueberry Blend

   Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl, stir in 5 Tbsp chia seeds, mix thoroughly, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

   Time: PT5M

8. Expert – Lemon Cashew Cream

   Place 1 cup raw cashews, ½ cup dairy‑free milk, 2 Tbsp maple syrup, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, ½ tsp vanilla extract, a pinch of turmeric (optional), and a pinch of sea salt in the blender. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy (2‑3 minutes).

   Time: PT5M

9. Expert – Chill Cream

   Transfer the cashew cream to a container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to firm slightly.

   Time: PT0M

10. Expert – Assemble Layers

    In serving glasses, spoon the chilled blueberry chia pudding as the bottom layer. Gently dollop the lemon cashew cream on top. Garnish with fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

260

Protein

6 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

11 g