Chocolate Avocado Chia Pudding

November 1, 2013

Chocolate Avocado Chia Pudding

We’ve all been there, just home from the Farmers’ market, fresh produce in hand, then comes the tedious first-world problem of having to store everything in your fridge.
That’s about when you realize you went overboard buying too much food. You couldn’t resist getting 2 pounds of Tuscan kale, 2 pounds of spinach, 2 pounds of heirloom tomatoes, 3 cauliflower heads, apples, grapes, berries and 7 avocados (yes, 7, one for each day of the week!)
You start what feels like a big game of tetris: piling tomatoes, aligning zucchini, bending kale, and filling the gaps with onions.
But no matter how good you are, by the end of the process half of the produce is still sitting on the kitchen table, and you’ve somehow grown a disdain for your mother for not having shown you how to do it — except that she had two fridges (at least) and maybe two freezers, and she didn’t really needed any logistical skills in this department.
So now you are left with but one option, and that is start cooking. Unless - of course - you own a flock of sheep or a herd of cattle, then you can feed the animals and you’re pretty much good to go. However, most of us don’t have that option, so we’re back to square one: cooking.

Chocolate Avocado Chia Pudding 
That was me a couple of hours ago. Having to face the consequences of my Farmers’ market shopping greed.
I started by cooking all the spinach and made an awesome Greek style quinoa casserole with it — which you will hear all about in due course.
With some of the avocados, I made this delicious raw/vegan/paleo chocolate chia pudding.

Chocolate Avocado Chia Pudding
Now you might argue that I have an obsession with raw chocolate puddings/mousses.
I’ll concede you that. It’s no secret that I already whipped up a Raw Chocolate Pudding and a Chia Chocolate Mousse. However, both those dudes are made with banana. This one is different, in that it has avocado (and coconut oil) in it.
The texture and the taste are quite different from the others. Just as awesome though.
My sis - very skeptical at first about using avocado in a chocolate pudding - is now totally into this super silky, smooth and velvety pudding. Trust.

Chocolate Avocado Chia Pudding
Chocolate Avocado Chia Pudding                                                                         Print this recipe!

Ingredients
Serves 4

2 very ripe avocados (I used Hass avocados)
⅓ cup / 4 oz / 113 gr raw organic honey (or maple syrup)
⅓ cup / 1.4 oz / 40 gr cocoa powder
3 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground chia seeds

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and silky. You might need to stop the blender and mix with a spoon to make the blending easier.
Divide pudding among ramekins/cups and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving (this allows the chia to thicken).
Sprinkle with chopped almonds, walnuts, cocoa nibs or top with some whipped cream or Greek yogurt before serving.

Nutrition facts

One serving yields 339 calories, 26 grams of fat, 35.7 grams of carbs and 3.75 grams of protein.

97 comments:

  1. Looks sumptuous and delicious Mike!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hahaha Mike, this post cracked me up. I have the same issues with storing food in the fridge. I normally push everything in and just hope for the best (which never happens!)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow another very inviting recipe, these look so good and I bet a great chocolate fix!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Looks amazing, although I'm going to try it sans the coconut oil.
    Tomatoes taste better when stored outside of the refrigerator, BTW.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why no coconut oil? You don't like it?
      So true that tomatoes taste better when stored outside of the fridge, unfortunately I bought some very ripe ones so it's better if I keep 'em in the fridge...

      Delete
  5. Oh my. Chocolate fudge or brownies in a liquid form. Yummy. Avocado with chocolate = slow guilt free death. Any time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yup Olena, nothing better than avocado + chocolate!

      Delete
  6. Chocolate goodness, yummy. I've wanted to try avocados in desserts for a while now, I have no clue why I haven't, intrigued, I guess.
    Looks like a great dessert.

    ReplyDelete
  7. LOL, you've accurately described my Farmers Market shopping trip this weekend - I came home with massive bags of cavolo nero and purple kale. Most of which ended up in minestrone soup.
    These puddings & the previous brownies do look amazing and I will definitely try them both.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That minestrone sounds amazing Nesa!
      Is cavolo nero the same Tuscan kale? A friend of mine calls it dino kale...which makes things even more confusing!

      Delete
    2. That's the stuff - Cavolo nero (also known as black cabbage, Tuscan Cabbage, Tuscan Kale, Lacinato and dinosaur kale)

      Delete
    3. So many names for one awesome veggie...

      Delete
  8. Hahaha! This SO sounds like me when I return from the market! I always get carried away and go WAY overboard then I have a hard time fitting everything in the fridge. And there's only one of me, you know... I think I tend to forget that! But put me in the presence of beautiful fresh produce and I get just like a kid in a candy store. I totally lose all sense of self-control.

    It’s probably a good thing that I’m shopping alone and only for myself. I can’t even imagine how ugly things would get if I got to shop with someone who shared my craze. I think we’d need to buy a truck just so we could get our precious cargo back home!

    And seriously, Mike, you ONLY got 7 avocados? Where's the rest of them? ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A pick-up truck would probably do the trick but then what to do with all that produce?
      I guess cooking for a week would be the only foreseeable option...

      About the avocados, next time I'm going to buy 10. Bam. Right there! ;-)

      Delete
    2. Haha! I think I just beat you! I just bought a whopping TWENTY of them! They were on sale, at 50 cents a piece. Surely, I wasn't gonna let such a great opportunity pass by. Now I *think* I see a lot of avocado pudding in my immediate future...

      Delete
    3. Sonia, girl, you're a such a show-off!
      ;-)

      Delete
  9. can you do this withought the chia seeds or no?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chia seeds work as a thickening agent that gives a pudding-like consistency; if you don't use them expect a less thick pudding (just as good though!)

      Delete
  10. Hi there! Just found your blog for the first time via Mommypotamus/Facebook. Looking forward to poking around. :) And... DEFINITELY making this! Thanks for sharing the recipe. --Dawn

    ReplyDelete
  11. OK, this is amazing! My only regret is I didn't make a double batch. I had to add a little milk to make it work in my blender, as it was too thick....what wonderful yumminess!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh no Dori, make sure to make a double batch next time!

      Delete
  12. I'm a confessed chocoholic and this sounds like heaven to me!
    Never used avocados in sweets before but I can very well imagine the rich smoothness it adds.
    Very clever idea to use the chia seeds to thicken the pudding.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Avocado + chocolate = marriage made in heaven. You should totally try this Daniela!

      Delete
  13. Do you think it would be possible to use flax seed meal instead of ground chia seeds? I have the whole chia seeds, but not ground! This looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Emily, use whole chia seeds - as long as you're not bothered by them (I'm certainly not). Otherwise leave them out it will still be awesome!

      Delete
  14. I'm not fond of coconut so I've avoided purchasing coconut oil, but I really want to try this recipe. Can you recommend anything that I could sub for the coconut oil?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can replace it with butter, but just 2 tablespoons, instead of 3.

      Delete
  15. So good! What do yo think? Four servings? It's hard to stop eating this stuff. I'm going to have to portion it out in order to not over indulge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! It's difficult to not over indulge with this pudding, once you taste it there's no stopping!

      Delete
  16. BTW, I have this down to 3T of xylitol for sweetener, and it is still very satisfying. Trying to avoid sugar though I know raw honey is awesome too because I made that way first.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not into sweeteners, but I'm glad that subbing xylitol for honey worked for you :)

      Delete
  17. You fu****g hero! Can't wait to make this :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Mike, do you find this to be a little sugary at times? Maybe my avocados weren't big enough, but I feel like the maple syrup ended up being the dominant flavor.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey MK, it does depend a lot on the avocado size. Sometimes Hass avocados are so tiny you need to use 3 instead of 2.
      Btw, have you tried it using honey? I definitely prefer it over maple syrup.

      Delete
    2. I haven't yet, but I am definitely going to try this again with adjustments. The texture is insanely good; I can tell it's worth a little trial and error til I get it perfect. :) Thanks!

      Delete
    3. Just tried it again with all the right ingredients and it's amazing. Will be making this at least once a week. Thanks muchly for the recipay :)

      Delete
    4. That's awesome MK! I have just perfected a new version of this pudding using orange, I'm going to post it this weekend. Stay tuned!

      Delete
  19. Quick question - can you use raw cacao powder instead of the cocoa powder? Will this change the taste/flavor?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You absolutely can; the flavor might change a tad but I don't expect anything too drastic!

      Delete
  20. I would love this!

    ReplyDelete
  21. This is a great recipe - I eat a version of this for breakfast every now and again - the version I eat has a lot more Chia seeds in.
    I had it once after a hard training session and found that I felt better - so it is great as a recovery meal/ treat.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I did not have avocados so I used bananas instead. Not as smooth but still very good and no one knew the Chis seeds were in the mix. That is until after they eat all of it.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thanks for the awesome pudding recipe. FINALLY - a pudding with no nut milk or bananas! Yeah.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Awesome recipe!! I love avocados with chocolate! Avocado dark chocolate chip cookies are amazing if you haven't tried them. Oh and Avocolada is one of my faves =)... avocados, coconut milk, and pineapple with whatever sweetener you like...soooooo good!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Question-what is different about putting chia seeds straight in the blender vs the ground seeds? does it work just as well?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Grounding the seeds first will give to the pudding a smoother consistency, but if you don't it will be just as good. I promise! ;)

      Delete
    2. thank you! It's interesting I've found chia is ok to eat without "soaking" or letting sit, however many claim for chia recipes to let them sit overnight, etc. What is your take on chia and soaking? thanks and stay healthy :)

      Delete
  26. Was sad to see that this recipe is high in carbs, and no fiber content listed. As a type 2 diabetic, I look for recipes that I can make and still eat a bit of some sort of dessert. As a person who avoids all simple carbs and pays attention to the total carb (complex) count and does the math (subtract fiber from carb total and you have the actual carb load), I would have appreciated a fiber and sugar count. But, oh well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know I am late to the party, but according to running the ingredients through the sparklepeople. com recipe nutrition calculator, this recipe (I put in 2 large hass), based on a 4 serving count, numbers are PER serving.
      Calories 319,
      Carbs 30.5, with dietary fiber of 6.3 g
      Fat 23,
      Sodium 37,
      protein 2,
      sugars 21.3
      potassium 385.3 mg

      According to Avocado central, 1/2 large avocado is 1.5 servings and contains 5 grams of dietary fiber and 0 sugar (Total carbs is 6 grams.)

      I hope this helps someone.

      I don't have diabetes myself, but cook for someone who does.

      Delete
  27. This is now my favorite dessert! A healthy chocolate pudding - it is an awesome recipe!! Thank you for posting it.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Wow made this it was awesome. I extended it with some low fat Greek Yoghurt and added more Chia seeds. Amazing how this thickens up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a great idea to add Greek Yogurt, I might need to try it myself!

      Delete
  29. I am thinking if making this recipe for my kid, as it contains 3 of my faves for his diet: avocado, coconut, and chia seeds! I was wondering if you had any recommendations/thoughts re: substituting carob for cocoa and agave for the honey. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't see why not. Subbing agave for honey should cause no prob. As to carob, I'm not the biggest fan of its flavor but it should work as well!

      Delete
  30. My first batch I used 50/50 cocoa to carob. Not great. The second batch... toooooo die for. I had to stop myself from licking the bowl so there was enough to dish up into our ramikins!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's awesome Y! As I mentioned in the comment above, I'm not the biggest fan of carob so I would just stick to cocoa, but still I'm glad you find the right balance! :)

      Delete
  31. I've made this last night, it's so freaking delish!

    ReplyDelete
  32. OMG, thank you so much for this recipe. It's beyond delicious. I'm going to make this again and again and again

    ReplyDelete
  33. I know this was super successful as a rich, unctuous dessert, because I spent the whole evening beating myself up for "cheating" on my healthy eating plan- had to keep reminding myself that all i'd had was avocado and banana (we only had 1 1/2 avocados, so subbed the remaining half with a banana- worked like a charm!)!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha Ryan, it's almost too good to actually believe it's good for you!

      Delete
  34. I am in love with your blog! I just found it today and am sooo mega happy:) I can't wait to try this and ALL your other recipes hehe:)

    ReplyDelete
  35. I added a bit of milk and a ripe banana. My avocados were pretty small. Super delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  36. My first time working with avocado and chocolate together... It was awesome! My mum liked it too:) Thanks a lot!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Oh, yum! This sounds wonderful, and I love the idea of sneaking avocados into my husband's diet without him knowing… Now, if only I had an avocado tree! I grew up and spent a good part of my adult life around people with avocado trees, which spoiled me rotten. The quality of the avocados in my local grocery stores is not predictable. But I will try this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so with you on having an avocado tree, I want to move to Florida just to have one. Ha!

      Delete
  38. Look how creamy this is! I cannot wait to try this out...I love adding avocados to desserts. So many healthy fats and so dang delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hi, I just recently discovered your blog and would love to give this recipe a go - in fact I just went out and bought a blender so that I can!
    I was wondering though, how long would this keep for in the fridge, and can you freeze it? I'm sure I'd love to eat it all in one go, but I'm trying really hard to be good and shift some unwanted kilos...
    Thanks for the blog - it's awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Just plain YUMMY! I have made twice and does not last more than 5 days in the refrig before it is devoured.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Just plain YUMMY! It does not stay in the refrig more that 5 days before I devour it.

    ReplyDelete
  42. The second time I made it I whipped up some egg white and turned it into a souffle. MMMmmm, now we're talking. The original recipe is also great as an icing

    ReplyDelete
  43. I can keep them in the fridge for 2-3 days?
    Thank you :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hi!
    Just wondering...it will be ok to frozen the pudding?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Frozen it tastes like a fudge sickle! So yummy!

      Delete
  45. Replies
    1. Frozen it tastes like a fudgesicle.

      Delete
  46. Just started cutting dairy, gluten, and processed sugar last week... this was AMAZING! Super rich and creamy!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Amazing! Instead of cocoa powder I used 2 bars of dark chocolate (melted) and cut down on honey. That gave the pudding a very creamy texture and a super bust of chocolate flavor.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Awesome recipe, I added some natural pb and some coconut milk and it made quite the difference!

    Keep these great recipes coming man!

    ReplyDelete
  49. I just bought 5 avocados so now I know when some of hem are going. Apples and onions should never be stored in the fridge. Tomatoes and avocados in the fridge only if they are very/over ripe. That should free up some room for you.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I don't have a blender or many electric appliances -- any suggestions on how I can make this?? I've been wanting to try it for so long! Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. This makes awesome popsicles! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  52. A great recipe for texture-reasons: It is importantly smooth!
    Many people don't like the 'tapioca-like' texture of unblended chia pudding, and so stay away because the 'seedy' texture of most people's recipes. This, and the commented ideas that follow (coconut milk, PB or AB, etc) are all great recipe ideas to get people past the texture hurdle & into healthier dessert options.

    ReplyDelete
  53. I just made this and it's delicious. A great way to use up my avocados which I bought too many of and hate to waste since they're pricey. Next time, I'll try it with honey since you liked it better that way. I made it with bourbon barrel maple syrup this time.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Love it! Our favorite for the last few years. Much easier with the immersion blender. 😋

    ReplyDelete