Vegan Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding Cups Recipe

Indulge in the creamy richness of these vegan chocolate-peanut butter pudding cups. Perfect for dessert lovers, these cups are filled with the goodness of avocados, coconut milk, and raw cacao, sweetened naturally with maple syrup. The decadence of peanut butter and the whipped coconut cream top up the delight. Not to forget, the crunch of almonds and freshness of strawberries making it a perfect treat.

Photos of Vegan Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding Cups Recipe

Most ingredients for this vegan chocolate-peanut butter pudding cups recipe are common pantry items. However, some may not be readily available in your kitchen. Raw cacao powder, for instance, might require a special trip to the supermarket. It's different from the commonly available cocoa powder as it's less processed and has a stronger flavor. Additionally, you might want to pick up a can of full-fat coconut milk as it's essential for making the vegan whipped cream.

Ingredients for Vegan Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding Cups

Coconut milk: A dairy-free substitute that adds a creamy texture to the pudding and is also used to make the vegan whipped cream.

Almond milk: Used for its light, nutty flavor and dairy-free properties.

Avocados: Gives the pudding its creamy, rich texture.

Raw cacao powder: Offers a rich chocolate flavour and is a healthier alternative to processed cocoa.

Pure maple syrup: Used as a natural sweetener.

Peanut butter: Adds a distinct, nutty flavor to the pudding.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the pudding.

Almonds or peanuts: Adds a crunchy texture to the smooth pudding.

Strawberries: Adds a fresh, tangy flavor and beautiful garnish to the dessert.

One reader, Jacenta Rousseau says:

This vegan chocolate-peanut butter pudding cups recipe is a game-changer! The combination of creamy avocado, rich cacao, and smooth peanut butter creates a decadent treat. Topped with coconut whipped cream and fresh strawberries, it's a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, it's so easy to make! I'm in love with this dessert.

Jacenta Rousseau

Techniques Required for Making Vegan Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding Cups

How to make coconut whipped cream: Chilling the coconut milk overnight is essential to solidify the cream. Once solidified, carefully scoop out the thick cream from the top of the can, leaving the liquid behind. Whip the cream with sugar and vanilla until light, fluffy, and soft peaks form.

How to make the pudding: Combine almond or coconut milk, ripe avocados, cacao powder, maple syrup, peanut butter, and vanilla in a blender. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, ensuring all the ingredients are well incorporated.

How to assemble the pudding cups: Divide the prepared pudding into serving glasses, then top each with sliced almonds or peanuts and a layer of sliced strawberries, if desired. Finish by adding a dollop of the prepared coconut whipped cream on top. Remember that the pudding cups should be assembled just before serving to prevent the avocado from oxidizing and changing color.

How To Make Vegan Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding Cups

They may be vegan, but these pudding cups are still lusciously delicious. Avocado is used to add creaminess and the whipped topping is made with coco milk.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking:

Chill Time: 8 hours

Total: 8 hours 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Coconut Whipped Cream:

14ozfull fat coconut milk
1tbspsugar
1tspnatural vanilla extract

For Pudding:

⅓cupalmond milk,or other dairy free milk, unsweetened
4mediumripe avocados,pitted and peels removed
¾: 5px; letter-spacing: 2px”>¾cuppure maple syrup
¼cupsmooth peanut butter
1tspnatural vanilla extract

To Serve (optional):

½cupalmonds,or peanuts, sliced raw
2cupsfresh strawberries,sliced lengthways, or other berries

Instructions

The night before making this dessert, chill the unopened can of coconut milk (standing upright) in the fridge for at least 8 hours until solidified.
When ready to make the coconut whipped cream, chill the bowl of your stand mixer or a large mixing bowl for 15 to 30 minutes until cold to prepare to make the whipped cream.
Gently (without tipping or shaking) open the can of coconut milk. With a spoon, scrape out the firm thickened cream from the top of the can, and stop when the liquid layer is reached. Transfer this thick cream to the mixing bowl. (Reserve the liquid for smoothies and other recipes.)
With the whisk attachment of a stand mixer or electric hand beaters, whip the cream on high for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s light, fluffy, and soft peaks form. (Be careful not to overbeat.) Add the sugar and vanilla, and beat just a few more seconds until combined. Transfer to the fridge to keep chilled while making the pudding.
Combine the almond or coconut milk, avocado, cacao powder, maple syrup, peanut butter, and vanilla into a blender. Blast on high for 30 to 60 seconds until smooth and creamy.
(If you have a high-speed blender, use the tamper to guide the ingredients through the blades. If you have a conventional blender, you will need to stop the machine and use a spatula to redistribute the ingredients.)
Divide the pudding between four martini glasses, cocktail glasses, or dessert bowls. Top each pudding with 2 tablespoons sliced almonds or peanuts and a layer of sliced strawberries, if using, followed by a dollop of whipped coconut cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 952.78kcal
Fat: 70.53g
Saturated Fat: 26.77g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 31.78g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.53g
Carbohydrates: 85.77g
Fiber: 24.11g
Sugar: 46.89g
Protein: 17.20g
Sodium: 55.54mg
Calcium: 230.67mg
Potassium: 1917.95mg
Iron: 8.01mg
Vitamin A: 14.83µg
Vitamin C: 65.78mg

Technique Tip for Perfect Vegan Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding Cups

When making the coconut whipped cream, it's important to chill the bowl you're using. This helps the cream whip up better and hold its shape. Also, remember to not overbeat the cream as it can turn grainy. For the pudding, ensure your avocados are ripe and soft, this will give your pudding a smooth and creamy texture. If your avocados are not ripe enough, place them in a brown paper bag for a day or two to speed up the ripening process.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Vegan Pudding Cups

Prep ahead: Make the coconut whipped cream and pudding a day in advance and store them in the fridge. This will save you time on the day you plan to serve the dessert.

Use a high-speed blender: Using a high-speed blender will ensure that the pudding ingredients are blended smoothly and quickly, saving you time and effort.

Organize your ingredients: Before you start making the recipe, organize all your ingredients and tools to streamline the cooking process.

Chill the serving glasses: Place the serving glasses in the refrigerator ahead of time so that they are chilled and ready when it's time to assemble the pudding cups.

Pre-slice the strawberries: If you plan to use strawberries as a topping, pre-slice them in advance to save time during assembly.

Substitute Ingredients For Vegan Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding Cups Recipe

coconut milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can provide a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor to the coconut milk, while also being a suitable dairy-free alternative.
avocados - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can mimic the creamy texture of avocados and provide a neutral base for the pudding, while also adding a protein boost.
cacao powder - Substitute with unsweetened cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder can be used as a substitute for cacao powder, providing a rich chocolate flavor without added sugars.
maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar can be used as a substitute for maple syrup, offering a similar level of sweetness and a liquid consistency.
peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can replace peanut butter, offering a similar nutty flavor and creamy texture while catering to those with peanut allergies.
almonds - Substitute with cashews: Cashews can be used as a substitute for almonds, providing a creamy and slightly sweet flavor to complement the pudding cups.
strawberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries can be used as a substitute for strawberries, offering a tart and sweet flavor to complement the pudding cups.

Presentation Ideas for Vegan Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding Cups

Elevate with coconut whipped cream: Create a quenelle of the coconut whipped cream using two spoons, and place it delicately on top of the pudding. Sprinkle a pinch of cacao powder over the cream for a touch of elegance.
Garnish with fresh strawberries: Slice the fresh strawberries thinly and arrange them artistically around the coconut whipped cream. This will add a pop of color and freshness to the presentation.
Incorporate texture with nuts: Crush the almonds or peanuts and sprinkle them around the base of the martini glass, adding a delightful crunch to each spoonful.
Utilize martini glasses for a sophisticated touch: The sleek and slender shape of the martini glass adds a touch of sophistication to the presentation, elevating the dessert to a fine dining level.
Emphasize the layers: Ensure that the layers of the pudding, nuts, and strawberries are clearly visible through the glass, creating an enticing visual appeal.
Add a final flourish: Before serving, delicately place a small mint leaf on top of the coconut whipped cream for a finishing touch, adding a hint of freshness and color to the dessert.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Vegan Pudding Cups

Food processor: A food processor is essential for blending the avocado, cacao powder, maple syrup, peanut butter, and vanilla into a smooth and creamy pudding mixture.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used for chilling the coconut milk and for whipping the coconut cream to make the coconut whipped cream topping.

Storing and Freezing Vegan Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding Cups

The vegan chocolate-peanut butter pudding cups are best served immediately after assembling for the freshest flavor and texture. However, if you need to make them ahead, you can store the pudding cups in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving.
To store leftover pudding cups, cover each individual cup tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 1 day. Keep in mind that the avocado in the pudding may start to oxidize and change color over time, affecting the appearance but not the taste.
If you want to prepare the components in advance, you can make the coconut whipped cream and chocolate-peanut butter pudding separately. Store the whipped cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding can be stored in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, assemble the pudding cups with the toppings.
Unfortunately, these pudding cups do not freeze well due to the avocado content. Freezing can cause the pudding to develop ice crystals and become grainy and watery upon thawing, compromising the texture and flavor of the dessert.

Random Fact about Vegan Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding Cups

Avocado and peanut butter are both excellent sources of healthy fats and protein, making this vegan chocolate-peanut butter pudding cups recipe not only delicious but also nutritious.

Is Making Vegan Pudding Cups at Home Cost-Effective?

This vegan chocolate-peanut butter pudding cups recipe offers a high degree of cost-effectiveness for households. The use of ingredients like avocados, coconut milk, and maple syrup provides a balance between nutrition and affordability. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly dessert option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its nutritional value, indulgent taste, and reasonable cost.

Are Vegan Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding Cups Healthy or Unhealthy?

This vegan chocolate-peanut butter pudding cups recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional pudding desserts. Here's why:

The recipe uses nutrient-dense ingredients like avocados, which are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins.
It relies on natural sweeteners like maple syrup instead of refined sugar.
The inclusion of raw cacao powder provides antioxidants and minerals.
Coconut milk is used for the whipped cream, offering a dairy-free and vegan-friendly option.
The optional toppings of almonds, peanuts, and strawberries add extra nutrients and fiber.

However, there are a few aspects to consider:

The recipe is still relatively high in calories and fat due to the avocados, peanut butter, and coconut milk.
Maple syrup, while a natural sweetener, is still a form of added sugar.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of maple syrup used in the pudding to lower the overall sugar content. You can experiment with using dates or stevia as alternative natural sweeteners.
Use a smaller portion of the coconut whipped cream or opt for a lighter topping like fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cacao nibs.
Incorporate more fiber-rich toppings such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, or a mix of berries to boost the nutritional value.
Use a portion of the avocado pudding as a nutritious snack or breakfast option by pairing it with sliced apples or whole-grain toast.
Experiment with adding a scoop of plant-based protein powder to the pudding mixture to increase its protein content and make it a more balanced treat.

Editor's Thoughts on This Vegan Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding Cups Recipe

This vegan chocolate-peanut butter pudding cups recipe is a delightful and innovative dessert. The combination of creamy avocado, rich cacao, and smooth peanut butter creates a luscious pudding that's both indulgent and wholesome. The addition of coconut whipped cream adds a luxurious touch, and the fresh strawberries and nuts provide a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. It's a well-balanced and visually appealing dessert that's sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike. Overall, it's a creative and delicious treat that showcases the versatility of plant-based ingredients.

Enhance Your Vegan Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding Cups Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Vegetable Skewers: Try serving the pudding cups with colorful and flavorful roasted vegetable skewers, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.

Grilled Fruit Kabobs: For a sweet and refreshing side, grill up some delicious fruit kabobs to complement the rich and creamy pudding cups.

Coconut Rice Pilaf: A light and fragrant coconut rice pilaf makes a perfect accompaniment to the decadent chocolate-peanut butter pudding cups.

Mango Salsa: Add a tropical twist to the dessert by serving it with a vibrant and tangy mango salsa on the side.

Quinoa Salad: A refreshing and protein-packed quinoa salad is a great option to balance out the richness of the pudding cups.

Alternative Vegan Dessert Recipes Similar to Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding Cups

Vegan Chocolate Avocado Mousse: This creamy and decadent dessert is made with ripe avocados, cacao powder, and maple syrup for a rich and satisfying treat.

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie: Blend up frozen bananas, peanut butter, almond milk, and a touch of honey for a delicious and nutritious smoothie that's perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Strawberry Almond Salad: Combine fresh strawberries, sliced almonds, and mixed greens for a refreshing and light salad, perfect for a summer lunch or dinner side dish.

Appetizer and Main Course Pairings for Vegan Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding Cups

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, breadcrumbs, and vegan cheese. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Spring Rolls: Delight your taste buds with these fresh and crunchy spring rolls, filled with a colorful array of vegetables and served with a zesty dipping sauce. A light and refreshing appetizer to start any gathering.

Main Courses:

Vegan Lasagna: Layered with savory marinara, creamy cashew ricotta, and tender roasted vegetables, this vegan lasagna is a comforting and satisfying main course that will please even the most dedicated meat-eaters.

Stir-Fry Noodles: Tossed in a flavorful ginger-soy sauce and loaded with crisp vegetables and protein-packed tofu, these stir-fry noodles are a quick and delicious main course option for busy weeknights.

Why trust this Vegan Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding Cups Recipe:

This recipe offers a decadent and indulgent treat while being entirely vegan and dairy-free. The creamy texture comes from ripe avocados, providing a healthy source of good fats. The rich cacao powder and pure maple syrup offer a natural sweetness, while the addition of peanut butter adds a delightful nutty flavor. The coconut whipped cream, made from coconut milk, provides a luscious topping. With the use of wholesome ingredients like almond milk and fresh strawberries, this recipe promises a guilt-free indulgence that's both delicious and nutritious.

Want to share your experience making these delectable Vegan Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding Cups or discuss the recipe further? Join the conversation in our Baking and Desserts forum section!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of nut butter in the pudding?

Yes, you can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or any other nut butter of your choice.

Can I make the coconut whipped cream in advance?

Yes, you can make the coconut whipped cream a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick whisk before serving to fluff it up again.

Can I use a different type of fruit to top the pudding cups?

Absolutely! You can use any fruit of your choice to top the pudding cups, such as raspberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas.

Can I use a blender to make the coconut whipped cream?

I wouldn't recommend using a blender to make the coconut whipped cream as it requires a different consistency than blending. Stick to using a stand mixer or electric hand beaters for best results.

How long will the pudding cups stay fresh?

The pudding cups can be made an hour or two ahead, but after that, the avocado will start to oxidize and turn the pudding strange colors. It's best to enjoy them soon after assembling for the freshest taste and appearance.