Foodie Friday: Creamy Banana & Cacao Pudding (Dairy-Free / Vegan recipe)

I've been having some major chocolate cravings this week and after a quick look in my fridge, I decided to whip up this Creamy Banana & Cacao Pudding which is a tasty way to use up any overripe bananas that you may have laying around. 

This pudding couldn't be simpler to make and if you're into healthy eating, you'll probably have most of the ingredients in your fridge or kitchen cupboard already. If not, you can easily pick them up from any large supermarket and many of the budget discounters such as Aldi and Lidl now stock products like Cacao Powder - just make sure that you buy a 100% raw version that doesn't contain any other ingredients. Alternatively, high street shops like Holland and Barrett and TK Maxx have an excellent selection available, or you can purchase it online.

Cacao Powder is made from unroasted cocoa beans and as a result, retains all of its essential nutrients such as Magnesium and Copper so you get a good health boost from it, as well as a delicious, rich chocolate flavour. Both the Bananas and Avocado in this recipe give the pudding additional vitamins, minerals, and a source of healthy fats for a truly guilt-free dessert to enjoy after dinner. I highly recommend sprinkling over some Pomegranate Seeds and Cacao Nibs for further health benefits, flavour and a yummy crunch!

Ingredients: (makes two standard ramekin-sized puddings)

• 2 overripe fairtrade Bananas
• 1 ripe Avocado
• 200ml Coconut Milk (from a tin)
• 2tbsp Cacao Powder (I used Bioglan)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 2 tsp Maple or Agave Syrup
• Pomegranate Seeds & Cacao Nibs (optional, to serve)

Method:

• Slice up the Bananas and chop up the Avocado into chunks. Place in a food processor and then add in the Vanilla, Cacao Powder, and Maple/Agave Syrup. Blitz until smooth.
• Give the tin of Coconut Milk a good shake and then measure out 200ml. Switch the food processor back on and pour it in whilst blending. Whizz until you have a thick, creamy and pudding-like consistency.
• Divide the mixture into two ramekins and pop them in the fridge for half an hour if you want them to set a little more, otherwise, sprinkle over some Pomegranate Seeds and Cacao Nibs if using and dig right in! 

Are you a fan of healthy puddings?

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