by Stacy Whitman

In my house, we love dessert, but indulging in cookies and other sweets filled with sugar, white flour, heavy cream, butter, or unhealthy oils every night is asking for trouble.

Enter “treats with benefits” – healthier dessert options such as raw vegan chocolate pudding that satisfy sweet cravings while nourishing your body.

This recipe gets its creaminess from puréed cashews, which are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Make it in minutes with a high-speed blender.

Cool, creamy and satisfying, it will be your new family favorite!

Raw Chocolate Vegan Pudding

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked 8 hours or overnight

1/2-3/4 cup water, or more as needed

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2.5 tablespoons real maple syrup

4.5 tablespoons raw cacao powder

 

OPTIONAL ADD-INS

Protein powder such as Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal
Pure mint extract

Orange rind, grated

Unsweetened shredded coconut

 

DIRECTIONS

Rinse soaked cashews and place in high-speed blender. Add ½ cup water, vanilla and maple syrup. Blend until combined, adding water as necessary, until very smooth. Add raw cacao and blend until fully combined. Place pudding in a glass bowl or storage container. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours or until chilled. Serve plain or topped with fresh berries and a dab of regular or coconut whipped cream.