Delicious and Healthy 4th of July Dessert
As we wrap up June, my mind starts thinking about all the summer time fun that happens in July. More specifically, I think about all the delicious treats I can make and devour during my favorite summer holiday, July 4th. This year’s celebration is going to be VASTLY different though. No party, no beach hangout, no big groups of people and sadly, no large cookout here. My husband and I will be staying home and having our own little celebration at home.
Now another little hurdle we had to come face to face with is that we’ve been trying to eat healthy. With the both of us not feeling safe enough to return to the gym, we’ve had to make some changes to our diet (me more specifically because I am the queen of carbs). I’m not the best chef, but I am however more of a “baker”. I still choose to use the term baker loosely because I’m still learning. So I didn’t want to make a dessert for only the two of us that would lead us down a gluttonous road.
Both of us are berry lovers so I wanted to make something that I could incorporate fresh berries into. I mean is there anything more summery than fresh berries? Keeping with the theme of 4th of July, I decided to make a chia seed pudding berry treat.
I start with making the chia seed pudding the night before.
Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients
- 3/4 cups almond milk
- 3 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tsp honey or agave syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla bean past optional
Instructions
- Start with pouring in the almond milk in a mason jar first, starting with the wet ingredient will make it easier to work the chia seeds.
- Next add chia seeds, stirring with a fork making sure no clumps have formed.
- Add honey or agave syrup and stir again with fork to ensure there are no clumps. You can add the vanilla bean paste during this step as well but again this is optional.
- Cover and put in the refrigerator. After about one hour, go back and stir again. Let sit in fridge overnight. Enjoy the next day!
Notes
- Vanilla bean paste is optional, I however like to add it to give my pudding a bit of a vanilla flavor.
- Making sure your chia seed pudding is clump free during prep time is important, this will allow for the pudding to expand with no issues.
The recipe can be made vegan by using agave syrup instead of honey. So use whatever works for your diet and lifestyle needs.
So the next day your chia seed pudding should be ready. That’s when we can make our delicious and sweet treat! You can substitute the berries I used with other berries you prefer. I like using raspberries because I find that they’re easier to use in this recipe but you could use strawberries. I mash the raspberries for the bottom layer, which you can still do with strawberries it would just a bit more work and time. I used blueberries for the top layer but blackberries work just as well. I’m a blackberry fan and I’ve used them before for this recipe.
Healthy 4th of July Inspired Dessert/Treat
Healthy July 4th Inspired Dessert
Equipment
- 8 oz mason jar
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raspberries can substitute for strawberries
- 1/2 cup blueberries can substitute for blackberries
- 1 tsp sugar
- honey or agave syrup
- coconut flakes optional
Instructions
- Start with adding raspberries to the bottom of your 8oz mason jar. Mash the raspberries with the bottom of a wooden spoon to make a jam like consistency.
- Add sugar to the mashed raspberries and incorporate sugar into the mash.
- Next layer the chia seed pudding on top of the mashed raspberries. You can drizzle honey or agave on top of the chia seed. If you have coconut flakes, you can add coconut flakes, then chia seed pudding and then another layer of coconut flakes. This adds a nice crunch and flavor to the treat.
- Add while blueberries on top of the chia seed pudding.
- Drizzle honey or agave syrup over blueberries.
- You can top with coconut flakes and additional loose chia seeds.
Notes
- I did not have coconut flakes on hand, but I like adding coconut flakes for that crunchy texture.
And there you have it! A quick and easy delicious YET healthy 4th of July inspired dessert/treat.
What are you looking forward to this summer?
Also, what’s your guilty pleasure dessert? Mine is definitely cheesecake! I have a great cheesecake recipe I can share and I can also make a “guilt” free version as well. Let me know what you’d like to see.
Until next time,
Disclaimer: This post is NOT sponsored. No affiliate links are used in this post. I just wanted to share something yummy yet healthy with you guys. I am NOT a nutritionist or doctor, so please consult with a doctor before making dietary changes.
majorlymarisa says
Love this! Wish I saw it sooner ❤