The word “pudding" does not do this recipe justice. The texture is more fluffy and decadent than any pudding I’ve ever had. It’s not quite mousse though, because there’s no air whipped into this mixture. Really, there’s very little effort required at all to make this Spiced Cocoa Chia-Flax pudding.

To be honest, it’s taken me a long time to come around to chia seeds. (Yes, hi, hello, I’m a nutritionist and I don’t love chia seeds.) I had tried them off and on in overnight oats and smoothies, but I just couldn’t get past the slimy, tapioca-like texture of hydrated chia seeds. I had a bag of chia seeds in the pantry, unopened, for a while, until I was inspired to create this recipe based on one shared by one of my students in the winter term. I was skeptical, but after the first bite, my mind was changed!

The chia and flax absorb the coconut milk mixture to become tender, creamy, and smooth. I love chocolate spiced with cinnamon and cayenne (inspired by Mexican chocolate dishes), and the spices send this pudding over the edge. This Spiced Cocoa Chia-Flax Pudding is a dessert, but thanks to the chia and flax seeds, along with the coconut milk and cacao, it’s nutrient-dense and a fun way to incorporate more healthy fats and fiber into your day! These are fairly high in fiber, which is why I offer a range of serving sizes. This recipe makes 6 small portions, perfect for a light dessert and a satisfying taste. You could make more generous serving sizes in 4 portions, but that may be a lot of fiber if you're not accustomed to a high-fiber diet.

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Original publication date: April 29, 2021