A part of a super healthy breakfast or a guilt-free dessert at the same time, this chocolate flaxseed pudding is every bit as good as it sounds. With nutritious ingredients, which you can easily find everywhere, and a little bit of patience (it takes some time to set, as you’ll find out in the recipe), you can enjoy this delicious treat any time.
This pudding has been part of my daily breakfast routine lately, as it is loaded with fiber and healthy fats to support hormone balance and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Flaxseed Health Benefits
Flaxseeds are packed with nutrients that your body cannot make on its own. These are the famous and essential “Omega 3 fatty acids”. Flaxseed is one crucial source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid critical for keeping your cholesterol levels in check.
Research has indicated that the consumption of flaxseed reduces blood pressure and the chances of a stroke. This further highlights its importance in cardiovascular health. Also, ALA plays an important role in the body’s anti-inflammatory responses.
Flaxseeds are rich in phytoestrogens called lignans. A lignan-rich diet may reduce the risk of certain hormone-dependent cancers and osteoporosis.
The most well-known health benefit of flaxseed is its dietary fiber content. Flaxseed coat has both soluble and insoluble fibers. This fiber is partially broken down by our gut microflora and used for the growth of good bacteria. Soluble fibers have immense water-binding potential, and insoluble fibers have a bulking effect, which helps in combating IBS and constipation.
Flaxseed is a fantastic ingredient I often use in my healthy recipes. Check out my Restore Gut Health Smoothie, the Superfood Salad for Hormonal Balance, or my famous 3 Soups for Liver Cleanse for more details.
How to choose, prepare, and store flaxseed?
Golden vs Brown flaxseeds
Golden and brown flaxseeds are nutritionally identical. Brown flaxseeds have a pronounced nutty flavor. For those of you who prefer an understated nuttiness, choose golden flaxseeds for this pudding.
Ground flaxseed, flaxseed meal, or whole flaxseed
Let’s get one thing out of the way. Ground flaxseed is the same as a flaxseed meal. Since grinding flaxseeds makes them more bioavailable, ground flaxseeds are better for consumption. Ground flaxseed or flaxseed meal is commercially available. You could always buy ground flaxseed and save some time there. Or you could follow my recipe and DIY!
How to prepare ground flaxseed?
Preparing ground flaxseed is not rocket science. All you need is a coffee grinder, a blender, or a food processor. Whichever is available and more accessible. Take a grindable quantity and blend it up into a coarse powder. It is ready for use.
How to store ground flaxseed?
This is an important step. Store-bought or homemade flaxseed meal needs to be stored carefully. As I explained above, flaxseed is rich in fatty acids and proteins. Hence, it goes rancid if you leave it at room temperature. Keep ground flaxseeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use a dry spoon every time you access it. It should stay unspoiled for 2-3 months when stored correctly.
Chia seeds vs flaxseed choice for pudding recipes
Chia seed pudding has become wildly popular in recent years. Everyone who has heard of it has tried it. What a trend!
Tasty, filling, and healthy, too, the holy trifecta for a delicious dessert. So, if you have tried chia, you must give flaxseed pudding a go.
Differences between chia seeds and flax seeds
Both chia and flax seeds are powerhouses of energy. Both are equally abundant in omega-3 fatty acids and have a similar protein content.
Fiber-wise, chia seeds have more fiber and twice the amount of calcium compared to flaxseed. At the same time, flaxseed has a higher value of copper, thiamine, and fats.
Doesn’t matter which one you choose; both are bona fide superfoods!
Tips for making the perfect flaxseed pudding
Always use ground flaxseeds
Human intestines cannot digest the complex coating of flaxseeds. This reduces the availability of the nutrients of flaxseeds. To get the maximum benefit from flaxseeds, they need to be ground.
Give enough time for the pudding to set
Remember, the proof is in the pudding. And setting takes at least a couple of hours. It works best when it is left overnight in the refrigerator.
Adjust the consistency to your liking
Everyone has a preferred pudding thickness. After the pudding sets and it is too thick, dilute it with the milk of your choice.
Add dried fruits for additional sweetness
If you have a sweet tooth, add a handful of dried fruits for natural sweetness. Dates, raisins, dried cranberries, and berry mix work wonderfully well with this recipe.
Portion it before setting
For making individual dessert bowls, once the mixture is ready, portion it into the serving bowls or mason jars. Then, cover the pudding and allow it to set in the refrigerator as per the recipe.
Variations of the pudding for specific diets
For the whole360 diet
Substitute maple syrup with mashed banana for a whole360 diet.
For keto diet
All you need to do is get a zero-carb maple syrup or an artificial sweetener in its place. The rest of the ingredients are already keto-compatible.
For no dietary restrictions
If you have no dietary restrictions, you can indulge in making the pudding with animal-based milk. For a decadent experience, add some fresh cream on top.
Topping suggestions for flaxseed pudding
Add some texture
The pudding has a soft, rich texture. Add some texture with toasted coconut, toasted almonds, and chocolate chips. They complement the flavors of this flaxseed pudding beautifully.
Make layers with jam
This will take your pudding to a next-level dessert. In a small mason jar, make layers with flaxseed pudding, jam, and berries. Repeat until you fill the jar. Top it with some banana slices and grated chocolate for a stunning presentation.
Drizzle with different nut butters
If you love nutty desserts, do not hesitate to add a drizzle of almond or hazelnut butter to your pudding. It goes well with the chocolate and flaxseed flavor.
Storage suggestions for flaxseed pudding
To enjoy premade flaxseed pudding, put it in an airtight container. Store the pudding in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and enjoy it at leisure.
FAQs
What do flaxseed and flaxseed pudding taste like?
Flaxseed has a distinctive nutty flavor. The same flavor translates into pudding. However, because of vanilla, coconut milk, and cinnamon, the nuttiness is dialed down.
Are linseed and flaxseed the same?
Yes, linseed and flaxseed are the same. They may be sold under different names depending on where you’re buying from.
Can you make whole flaxseed pudding?
No, you cannot make a whole flaxseed pudding. Flaxseeds have a brown coat that is impermeable. The gelling properties of the flaxseed are only active once you expose the insides of the seeds to liquid. This is crucial for achieving pudding consistency.
Can you combine chia and flax seeds in a pudding?
Yes, you may combine the two seeds. When taken in equal proportions, ground flaxseeds and chia seeds make a great pudding. The taste profiles complement each other and are suitable to pair.
How many calories does flaxseed pudding have?
One serving of flaxseed pudding has approximately 563 calories with coconut milk and 533 calories with almond milk.
Is flaxseed pudding good for constipation?
Yes, flaxseed is rich in dietary fibers- soluble and insoluble. The insoluble fiber from flaxseeds adds volume to the stool such that bowel movements become easy and regular.
Is flaxseed gluten-free?
Yes, flaxseed is gluten-free.
Flaxseed Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole flaxseed
- 1 &2/3 cup light coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- To serve: raspberries fresh or frozen, banana slices, grated chocolate
Instructions
- Add the flaxseed into a high speed blender and process until coarsely ground.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cacao powder, maple syrup, vanilla, salt and cinnamon powder.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons coconut milk and mix, then gradually add the rest of the milk and mix until smooth.
- Add the ground flaxseed to the chocolate milk and mix well to incorporate.
- Cover the bowl with a plastic foil and let set in the refrigerator, for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, place a few raspberries in the serving jars and crush them with a fork.
- Stir well the pudding before evenly divide it into the serving jars.
- Top with raspberries, banana slices and grated chocolate, and serve chilled.
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