No one can deny that the good old store bought pudding cups were delicious (at least that’s how I remember them) but talk about a non-Paleo-friendly food! Dairy, loads of sugar, and processed to death. So you might be wondering… how can we possibly make an equally yummy, chocolate banana pudding and have it still be Paleo?
Well, let’s start with the creamy texture. Instead of thickened milk, this recipe uses avocado and a banana. Whip those two up together in a blender, with a bit of almond milk to thin it, almond butter to make sure it sticks together (and you get some of that all-important protein in there too!), some honey as a sweetener and you’ve got your pudding texture all set.
Now for the flavor… a deep, rich, chocolatey flavor. Instead of using milk chocolate, which has loads of added sugar and also contains dairy, both Paleo no-no’s, this recipe uses unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder. This is simply the ground up cacao bean, so it’s real chocolate, close to the original source.
Cacao powder has an even richer and slightly coffee-like flavor, but is through and through chocolate goodness. And remember – the sweetness comes from honey, which you added to the avocado and the rest in the blender the first go around. So no added white sugar!
My favorite topping for my chocolate banana pudding is chopped, toasted hazelnuts, like you see in the pictures. I love the crunch they add and the added hazelnut flavor in every bite reminds me an awful lot of Nutella – that’s never a bad thing! But of course, there are plenty of other toppings you can use.
When I serve this to guests I like to give them a few options. I love seeing who chooses what – and there’s always one person who does a little bit of all the toppings. And of course you can always eat it plain – it’s certainly yummy enough to do that.
This is of course a classy and delectable dessert to serve to guests after a friendly dinner. But I say: why wait for guests?! And why wait for dinner?! I put a serving in a container and keep it in the fridge overnight so I can enjoy a chocolate pudding treat after lunch, just like I used to. I grab a spoon, pop the top off the container, and savor every bite.
And now, in addition to enjoying my post-lunch pudding, I know I’m doing something good for my body at the same time, which makes it doubly enjoyable. And I still won’t trade my chocolate banana pudding for anything! Now, if I could just figure out how to bring back naps and recess, I’d be all set!
You may also like: No-Cook Overnight Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 large avocado, pitted and flesh scooped
- 1 medium ripe banana
- 2 tbsp almond milk
- 1/3 cup raw cocoa or cacao powder, unsweetened
- 3 tbsp almond butter
- 3 tbsp honey (or more if you prefer sweeter)
- For topping (optional)
- chopped toasted hazelnuts, frozen berries, sliced almonds, cocoa nibs
Directions
- Add the almond milk, avocado, banana, almond butter and honey in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Add the cocoa or cacao powder and blend until combined.
- Divide the pudding between 4 small glasses, cover with plastic wrap and chill for a few hours, or overnight.
- Serve topped with chopped hazelnuts or any other topping of your choice if using.
Absolutely loved this recipe! I was a but skeptical as I was putting avocado and banana in the food processor at the same time, but turned out wonderfully!! Thank you!
Hi Abby,
Thank you so much. I’m really happy you like it 🙂
I made this recipe tonight and I can’t tell you enough how this makes me happy. I don’t have to give up dessert being on Paleo. Thank you!
Hi Daniella,
That’s awesome, so happy you loved it! . 🙂
Absolutely loved this. Have given the recipe to many of ladies to try.
Thank you Anna, so happy you enjoyed it. 🙂
What do you do to enjoy your recipies if you have severe allergy to all forms of nuts?