Sunday evening is my little meal-prep moment, and these chocolate chia cups are always on the list. Five minutes of whisking, a couple of hours in the fridge, and I have dessert ready for the next four days. Greek yogurt makes them extra creamy and gives a nice protein boost, cocoa makes them taste like chocolate mousse, and the chia seeds turn everything into a spoonable pudding. I top them with berries or a spoon of peanut butter depending on my mood.
Servings: 4 · Prep: 10 min · Cook: 120 min
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) milk (dairy or unsweetened almond)
- 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup (80 g) chia seeds
- 3 tbsp (15 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup (125 g) fresh raspberries
- 1 tbsp dark chocolate shavings
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk the cocoa powder with about 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the milk until it forms a smooth, lump-free paste. This step keeps you from getting dry pockets of cocoa.
- Whisk in the rest of the milk, the Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla and salt until smooth.
- Add the chia seeds and whisk well for 1 minute so they do not clump together.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, then whisk again. This second stir is the trick to an even pudding with seeds spread throughout.
- Divide between 4 jars or glasses, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, until thick and spoonable.
- Before serving, stir each cup, add a splash of milk if you like it looser, and top with the fresh raspberries and the dark chocolate shavings.
Tips and variations
- For a silky, mousse-like texture, blend the finished pudding for 30 seconds before dividing it into jars.
- Add 1 scoop (30 g) of chocolate or vanilla protein powder with the cocoa and an extra 1/4 cup (60 ml) of milk if you want even more protein.
- The cups keep 4 days in the fridge; add the fruit topping just before eating so it stays fresh.
- Try a fall version with 1/4 cup (60 g) pumpkin purée and 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice instead of the berries.
A little jar of chocolate waiting in the fridge makes every weekday better. I hope you love it as much as I do. Enjoy!
