Apple Pie Chia Pudding
Recipe posted in: Breakfasts, Flex Meals & Snacks, Snacks, Main Courses, Snacks, DessertsDuring the enchanting fall season, where nature adorns itself with magnificent golden and auburn shades, the kitchen becomes a cozy sanctuary of warmth and comfort. It is in this delightful time that the unassuming apple takes center stage, becoming the heart and soul of treasured recipes. Among these, the Apple Pie Chia Pudding shines as a multi-layered masterpiece, embodying the essence of a freshly baked seasonal apple pie, crafted into a nutritious breakfast.
Exploring the Four-Layered Delight of Apple Pie Chia Pudding
This culinary delight is a symphony of flavors and textures, where each layer unveils a verse celebrating the beauty of autumn’s beloved fruit. Join us on this journey, as we pay homage to the iconic apple and savor the magic of the season.
The adventure begins with a layer of unsweetened applesauce, setting the stage with its subtly sweet and tart profile. This layer serves as a foundation, preparing the palate for the exciting layers to come.
Next comes the star of the show – a luscious maple vanilla chia pudding. This layer is nothing short of a textural revelation. The chia seeds, once soaked, bloom into gelatinous pearls that lend an enticingly creamy texture to the pudding. The addition of maple syrup and vanilla extract infuse it with a natural sweetness and a hint of aromatic warmth.
But the journey doesn’t end here. A layer of softly cooked cinnamon apples follows, adding a touch of spice and a delightful crunch. The warmth of cinnamon paired with the tartness of the apple creates a perfect balance, amplifying the flavors of the underlying layers.
Finally, a sprinkle of crunchy walnuts crowns the dish, adding a nutty finish and an extra layer of texture. The walnuts not only serve as a satisfying crunch but also add a dose of healthy fats, making this dessert even more wholesome.
Simple Tips for Breakfast Bliss
Mastering this recipe involves a few key techniques. Ensuring the chia seeds are well mixed and refrigerated for at least four hours will guarantee the perfect pudding consistency.
When cooking the apples, patience is key. Allow them to soften gradually over medium-high heat, releasing their natural sweetness.
This apple pie chia pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a testament to the fact that healthful eating can be indulgent and satisfying. It’s a dish that evokes the wholesome, comforting feelings of a home-cooked meal, while also catering to health-conscious palates. If you’re on a Nutrisystem weight loss plan, you can count each serving as one SmartCarb, one PowerFuel and one Extra.
So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, this apple pie chia pudding recipe is sure to impress. Because when it comes to desserts, who says you can’t have your (apple) pie and eat it too?
Creative Ingredient Swaps and Customizations
While the original recipe calls for specific ingredients to create the signature apple pie chia pudding, there are numerous ways you can switch things up. Here are some ideas:
- Milk Alternatives – You can replace the almond milk with another option, such as regular milk, coconut milk or any other milk of your choice.
- Different Fruits – Although apple is a key component of this recipe, feel free to experiment with different fruits. Pears, bananas or peaches can add a unique twist to your pudding.
- Spices – The recipe calls for cinnamon, but you could also incorporate nutmeg, allspice or even a pinch of clove for more depth in flavor. Many grocery stores also typically sell an apple pie spice blend that would fit the theme of this recipe.
- Protein Boost – For an added protein punch, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the chia pudding mix. Vanilla Nutrisystem Shake Mix would be a delicious addition! Just be sure to adjust the liquid accordingly.
- Nut-Free Version – If you or someone in your household does not eat nuts, replace almond milk with oat milk or soy milk. You can also skip the walnut topping and use seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead.
- Low-Sugar Version – For those watching their sugar intake, swap out the pure maple syrup with a sugar-free maple syrup.
The beauty of cooking lies in its flexibility. Feel free to experiment with these swaps and customizations to make this apple pie chia pudding your own. Check out the Nutrisystem Grocery Guide for more information on counting add-ins on your weight loss plan. Enjoy the creative process and the delicious results!
Servings: 2
Calories per Serving: 235
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp. chia seeds
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 Tbsp. maple syrup
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. coconut oil
- 1 apple, peeled and diced
- ¼ tsp. cinnamon
- ½ cup unsweetened cinnamon applesauce
- 2 Tbsp. walnuts
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chia seeds, milk, maple syrup and vanilla extra. Mix well.
- Refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours.
- Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the apples and cinnamon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are soft.
- Once the chia pudding has set, assemble by adding ¼ cup of applesauce to two jars. Top with the chia pudding, then the apple mixture. Top with chopped walnuts.
- Refrigerate or serve immediately.