Introduction
The Almond Joy candy bar is a beloved classic, featuring the irresistible combination of chocolate, coconut, and almond. This Almond Joy Overnight Chia Pudding transforms that decadent flavor profile into a healthy, make-ahead breakfast or guilt-free dessert. Chia pudding is incredibly versatile and requires zero cooking, making it the ultimate solution for busy mornings. By using rich coconut milk and high-quality cocoa, we achieve a pudding that is creamy, satisfying, packed with fiber and Omega-3s, and completely vegan and gluten-free. It truly tastes like dessert for breakfast!
Ingredients
- Chia Seeds: 1/4 cup (approx. 60g)
- Coconut Milk: 1 cup (240ml) – Full-fat canned coconut milk is recommended for maximum creaminess, but cartoned light coconut milk also works.
- Sweetener: 2 tablespoons (30ml) Maple Syrup or Agave Nectar (adjust to taste)
- Cocoa Powder: 1 tablespoon (15g) Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Almond Extract: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml)
- Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml)
- Salt: A small pinch (enhances the chocolate flavor)
- Toppings (Optional): 1 tablespoon shredded unsweetened coconut, 1 tablespoon sliced almonds, dark chocolate chips.
Step-by-step Preparation
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a jar or airtight container (a mason jar works perfectly), combine the chia seeds, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir these ingredients thoroughly with a spoon or whisk until the cocoa powder is evenly distributed.
Tip: Mixing the dry ingredients first prevents the cocoa powder from clumping when it hits the liquid. - Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the coconut milk, maple syrup, almond extract, and vanilla extract.
- Initial Stir: Secure the lid tightly and shake the jar vigorously for 30–60 seconds, or stir well with a spoon, ensuring no chia seeds are stuck to the bottom.
- The Crucial Second Stir (5 Minutes): Let the mixture rest on the counter for 5 minutes. During this time, the chia seeds will begin to absorb the liquid and swell. Open the jar and stir or shake again aggressively.
Tip: This second stir is essential! It breaks up any lumps that might have formed, ensuring a smooth, uniform pudding texture. - Refrigerate and Chill: Place the sealed container in the refrigerator. The pudding requires a minimum of 4 hours to set, but overnight (8+ hours) is highly recommended for the best texture. There is no cooking time or temperature required.
- Layer and Serve: When ready to serve, the pudding should be thick and gelled. If it is too thick, stir in a splash of extra coconut milk. Top the pudding with shredded coconut, sliced almonds, and a few dark chocolate chips just before serving to maintain the crunch and freshness.
Nutritional Information
This recipe is a nutritional powerhouse. Per serving (without excessive toppings), this pudding contains approximately 350-400 calories. It is exceptionally high in dietary fiber (which aids digestion and promotes satiety) and healthy fats, particularly Omega-3 fatty acids from the chia seeds. Chia seeds are also a complete protein source. The use of cocoa powder adds beneficial antioxidants, making this a much healthier alternative to the traditional candy bar while satisfying those chocolate cravings.
Storage
Almond Joy Overnight Chia Pudding is excellent for meal preparation. Store the pudding base (before adding the crunchy toppings) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 5 days. Do not freeze chia pudding, as freezing and thawing will compromise the texture, turning it watery and mushy. Always add the sliced almonds and shredded coconut immediately before eating to ensure they remain crunchy.
Conclusion
This Almond Joy Chia Pudding is the perfect solution for anyone seeking a delicious, convenient, and nourishing breakfast. It’s a wonderful foundation for experimentation. For a variation, try adding a tablespoon of protein powder before chilling for an extra boost, or substitute the almond extract with a hazelnut extract for a Nutella-inspired twist. Enjoy this easy, decadent treat that proves healthy eating can be truly joyful!