Chocolate Cherry Maca Chia Pudding
There really isn't anything better than ice cream. Also read: there really isn't anything better than chocolate ice cream.
As a kid, chocolate ice cream of any type was my favorite thing. I would spoon it into a bowl and melt it in the microwave because I loved the soup-y, goopy texture combo of half melted ice cream, half solid. I didn't get this treat a lot (my mother was very good about limiting our sweets!) but summertime was a bit of an exception.
It's getting really hot here in Los Angeles... and my favorite way to cool off is with some good old fashioned vegan Banana Ice Cream (recipe for banana ice cream here). My favorite thing to eat besides smoothie bowls are chia pudding jars. I love taking a dip of each layer and eating it slowly, enjoying each and every bite.
Adding chia pudding to this parfait cuts the sweetness a bit and offers some protein for dem muscles. I've been actively trying to incorporate more protein into my diet as of late, and chia seeds are a great way to get some in.
Chocolate Cherry Maca Chia Pudding
3 frozen bananas
1 tbsp maca powder (organic)
1 cup almond milk
4 tbsp chia seeds
3 tbsp raw cacao powder
1 tsp vanilla bean
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp sea salt
Coconut Yogurt
Toppings: coconut chips, cherries, and raw peanut butter dough bites
First, make your chia pudding. Combine the chia seeds, vanilla, maple syrup, salt & almond milk in a mason jar. Stir vigorously for 20 seconds until well mixed. Let sit for 2 minutes. Stir again for another minute, then set in fridge for 30 minutes or overnight.
When your chia pudding has set, start making the ice cream. Combine frozen bananas, maca powder, raw cacao powder, and a small splash of almond milk in a high speed blender or food processor. Behold, chocolate maca ice cream!
Spoon chia pudding into mason jar. Add a layer of your chocolate ice cream. Add a layer of coconut yogurt (or any sort of yogurt you wish!) Finish your mason jar with more chia pudding, and then another layer of chocolate ice cream. Top it with cherries, coconut chips, and an energy bar for that extra kick if you wish.
Enjoy!
