Easy, Protein-Rich, No-Cook Chocolate Pudding
It’s back-to-school time, and while it’s no secret that I get all moony and melty and bittersweet this time of year, that doesn’t mean there isn’t energy for charging into making wholesome back-to-school snacks! Rich, creamy, and reminiscent of those tempting pudding cups parceled into many a childhood, this silky treat is a superb after-school pick-me-up. It’s also a protein-packed, deceptively indulgent post workout snack–one of my favorites post long runs, blissful dessert, and general all-around answer to satisfy any chocolate fix. Best of all, it’s so simple to prepare. Only a handful of simple ingredients and no cooking required– it’s as easy as one, two, three, blend.
Unsurprisingly to anyone who knows my recipes, Medjool dates provide the rich sweetness here, melding beautifully with the deep chocolatey richness of cacao powder. The creamy bulk of this pudding comes from silken tofu, the smooth silkiness of which I enjoy just on its own.
Certainly people tolerate soy products to varying degrees, and not everyone cares for it. That said, soy has been unfairly vilified in recent years. A staple in Asian cultures for thousands of years, the presence of isoflavones–plant compounds resembling the hormone estrogen–and the processing of soy products have created storms of controversy. An ever-increasing body of research, including numerous meta-analyses of human intervention studies, however, counter the fears that swirl around soy emphatically.
Multiple clinical trials show no adverse effect of soy intake on markers or indicators of breast cancer risk–a common association that has been perpetuated. In fact population studies conducted in China, Korea, and the U.S. show that post-diagnosis soy intake may even reduce recurrence and improve the survival of breast cancer patients. Even stronger evidence suggests consuming soy can help protect against heart disease, support metabolic health, alleviate menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms and more.
All research aside, though, this is by far my favorite go-to chocolate pudding. But don’t just take my word for it. Felix and Dave heartily approve, too–in the context of “yummy snacks”, not “healthy snacks”, mind you. If you want to pack in a little extra nutrition, take a leaf from my friend Insta friend Julie Stewart nutritionrition.com/ and add some avocado, too. I love it straight from the blender, chilled, garnished with cherries or berries, or topped with a dollop of coconut whip and a sprig of mint. Do whatever speaks to you, and enjoy!
Just blend for chocolatey bliss!
Easy, Healthy, No-Cook Chocolate Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce package silken tofu
- 10 Medjool dates, optimally soaked in warm water ten minutes
- 1/4 Cup caco powder
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth and creamy. Chill and enjoy!