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A chocolate dessert that doubles as a healthy snack or breakfast: my High-Protein Chocolate Pumpkin Pudding! It is vegan, gluten-free, and 8.5 g protein per serving!
I love undulaterated chocolate much of the time. For example, a slice of my Mom’s very chocolate Bundt cake, a mug of hot cocoa on a chilly day, or a square of dark chocolate at the end of a great meal.
But more often than not, I prefer my chocolate tempered with other flavors: lush caramel, exotic spices, and tart fruits top my list. The truffle options at Vosges chocolate make me giddy. It horrifies my purist friends, but they are nonetheless tempted by my unusual pairings, so I must be doing something right.
Chocolate Pudding with Health Benefits
The chocolate pudding on today’s menu has a dual function: satisfying my desire for a luscious bit of chocolate goodness and proding a major hit of nourishment.
I haven’t been hungry for much more than soup and popsicles for the past week (recovering from the flu), but today I am ravenous. And weak. I’ve been eating protein and protein, whole grains and greens like nobody’s business and now it’s time for dessert, namely one that is as restorative as it is delicious.
Pumpkin: The Not so Secret Superfood Ingredient
The choice of pumpkin in combination with cocoa was obvious. I am a canned pumpkin fiend; I add it to pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, curries, whole grain risottos, protein bars, and just about anything else I can think of. When there was a pumpkin shortage two years ago, I literally cleared out any remaining cans at a dozen supermarkets (Kevin said nothing; he accepts me for who I am :)).
Pumpkin is a superb ingredient pick when recovering from a cold because it is loaded with immunity-boosting vitamin A, not to mention a velvety, mellow flavor and loads of fiber.
In this easy chocolate pudding, the pumpkin also adds body and richness with no more effort than pushing a button and wielding a rubber spatula. The flavor does not read “pumpkin,” just chocolate comfort. I feel more powerful already.
More Healthy Chocolate Recipes to Try:
4-Ingredient Coconut Oil Chocolate Bark
Clean & Lean 70 Calorie Brownies {vegan}
1-Bowl Chickpea Flour Chocolate Cake {vegan, grain-free}
100% Flax Chocolate Cookies {vegan, grain-free}
High Protein Chocolate & Pumpkin Pudding
A chocolate dessert that doubles as a healthy snack or breakfast: my Healthy Chocolate Pumpkin Pudding! It is vegan, gluten-free, and high in protein (8.5 g per serving)!
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce (435 g) can unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1/3 cup (75 mL) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) plant-based vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- 3 tablespoons (45 mL) virgin coconut oil, melted
- 3/4 cup (175mL) plain nondairy milk
- 3 tablespoons (45 mL) maple syrup
Instructions
- In a blender (I used a Vitamix) or food processor, process all of the ingredients until well blended and smooth, stopping once or twice to scrape down the sides of the processor bowl or blender pitcher with a spatula.
- Scrape into a big container or into individual jars or ramekins. Cover and chill at least 2 hours for it to thicken and for the flavors to blend.
Notes
Storage: Store the pudding, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size 1/2 cupAmount Per Serving Calories 156Total Fat 8.7gSaturated Fat 6.5gCholesterol 0mgSodium 109.2mgCarbohydrates 14.9gFiber 3.9gSugar 8.3gProtein 8.5g
Hi everybody! I have a problem, i did this recipe but it ferment in just two days.. 🙁 how can i preserve it for more time??