Healthy Chocolate Protein Pudding
Whenever I say the word pudding, I can’t help but think of Seth Cohen’s impersonation of the word in my all time favorite episode of The O.C. Anyone?! “Pudding, pudding, puuuudding!” I don’t know why but it’s one of the most delicious and satisfying sweets. I set out on making a protein pudding that was healthy enough to eat for breakfast, meaning not full of sugar, and something to keep you satisfied as your first meal of the day. Personally am a huge fan of Greek yogurt, the thickness and consistency just does it for me, but after taking dairy back out of my consumption, I am left missing all things with that pudding like texture.
After some testing, this is what I landed on. Chocolate mousse like pudding, healthy enough for your breakfast bowl and with NO protein powder. Check out the details below; I hope you enjoy!
Dairy free. gluten free, refined sugar free, added sugar free, nut free
Yield: ~2 servings
Ingredients
1/2 of a 14 oz block of firm tofu
1 medium, overripe banana
3 T cacao powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
sprinkle of sea salt
1/4 cup + 2 T total liquid: for a richer chocolate taste, use 1/4 cup coffee, cooled or chilled, in addition to 2 T unsweetened nut or coconut milk**
optional for a thicker mousse like texture: 3/4 T chia seeds
optional toppings: cacao nibs, hemp hearts, crushed nuts/nut butter, roasted cinnamon sweet potato/squash or coconut whip cream if enjoying as a dessert
**for a caffeine free option, use all nut/coconut milk or a mix of milk and water to total the called for liquid volume
Directions
In a high speed blender, add all ingredients and blend until smooth. you may need to stop every 10 seconds or so and scrape down sides to prevent blender from overheating. I use the small blender attachment with my Vitamix, and it works great
Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge overnight for breakfast the following day (or a snack/lunch/ anytime your heart desires!) Will last in the fridge up to 3 days
