One thing I know that my children could never refuse is dessert for breakfast. Who are we kidding – dessert for any meal will always fly. So when I have something as sweet, decadent, and secretly full of powerhouse nutrients as these Chocolate Berry Chia Pudding Parfaits I feel no shame in serving it up as the first meal of the day.Even better if these end up being dessert because who could guess that these puddings are not only naturally sweetened (you can use honey or maple syrup), but also contain a handful of super food ingredients! Chia seeds are chalk full of vitamins, omega-3’s and fiber.  If you can, use raw cacao powder instead of cocoa powder (though cocoa will turn out just fine!).

Even better if these end up being dessert because who could guess that these puddings are not only naturally sweetened (you can use honey or maple syrup), but also contain a handful of super food ingredients! Chia seeds are chalk full of vitamins, omega-3’s and fiber.  If you can, use raw cacao powder instead of cocoa powder (though cocoa will turn out just fine!).

Makes 2 large puddings or 4 small puddings

• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (I use raw cacao powder)
• Large pinch of sea salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 3-4 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• ½ cup blackberry puree (strawberry or raspberry puree also works great!)
• 6 tablespoons chia seeds
• Blackberries and mint leaves, to garnish

Step 1
Place 2/3 of the can of coconut milk in a mixing bowl. Add the sea salt, vanilla, cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons of the honey. Whisk or stir together until smooth. Taste and add more honey or cocoa powder if desired. Add 3 tablespoons of chia seeds and whisk until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2
In another mixing bowl, add the remaining coconut milk , berry puree and 1 tablespoon of honey. Whisk together until smooth. Taste and add more honey, if a sweeter taste is desired (blackberries have a tendency to be a little bitter, depending on the season, so you may need more sweetener depending on how sweet or bitter your berries are). Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of chia seeds to the mixture and stir in until well distributed.

Step 3
Divide the 2 mixtures between 2-3 small glasses, in alternating layers. Top with fresh blackberries and mint leaves, if desired. Place in the fridge and let chill for at least 1 hour.

Enjoy!