Raspberry Peach Chia Bowls
Classic chia pudding is topped with pureed fruity layers for an elegant and refreshing dessert that’s nutritious, too!
Healthy eating in the summer seems so easy because everything is in season! Plums and pluots, peaches and nectarines, melons, berries, sweet corn, tomatoes, and green beans… it’s all so good! Building our meals and snacks around all the gorgeous produce easily serves the double purpose of creating delicious meals and reaping the nutritional benefits of seasonal fruits and veggies.
My little boy loves oatmeal, and while we can think of plenty of ways to change up a morning bowl of oats, we love trading in our trusty oatmeal for something a bit lighter and fresher every once in a while. These raspberry peach chia bowls are a wonderful example. The vibrant mix of purees is beautiful, and this make-ahead recipe makes an equally good breakfast, snack, or dessert. We love them!
The chia base is delicious on its own and serves as a great starting point for all sorts of variations:
- Strawberry or mango puree
- A mix of kiwi and blackberries
- Toasted coconut and macadamia nuts
- A bit of fresh jam.
- Whatever sounds good!
It’s a great way to expand your palate and change things up a bit. Chia seed puddings work best when you make them ahead because the chia seeds gel over time. After 20-30 minutes, the chia layer will have thickened into a more pudding-like texture. After 2-3 hours, it will be even better. I usually make these the night before I plan to eat them, then top them with something crunchy like nuts or granola right before serving. They’re a great make-ahead breakfast!
A few notes on the recipe:
- We prefer a blend of coconut and almond milk. The coconut milk lends a wonderful richness and healthy fats. The almond milk tames the coconut flavor a bit and helps thin things out just a touch. If you don’t tolerate coconut or nuts well, you can substitute another kind of milk (dairy or nondairy) in its place with no trouble.
- For clearly defined layers (like the ones pictured), you’ll want to spoon the smoothie layers into the cups.
- I don’t bother rinsing out the blender between the the peach layer and the raspberry layer. Fewer dishes, and an undetectable impact on flavor. Win-win!
- Fresh or frozen fruit will work for this recipe. I’ve found that the citrus in the purees keeps them looking vibrant, even after chilling in the refrigerator all night.
Raspberry Peach Chia Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup almond milk, unsweetened
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, pure
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Layer
- 2 cup slices peach
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, chia seeds, syrup, and vanilla. Continue whisking until mixture begins to thicken slightly. (It will continue to thicken as it sets and the chia seeds begin to gel.)
- Pour into 4 glasses or small mason jars and refrigerate while you make the other layers.
- Puree peaches and juice in a blender or food processor until completely smooth. Pour or spoon over chia layer.
- Puree raspberries, lime juice, and sweetener (if needed) until completely smooth.
- Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
- For best texture, strain the seeds out of the mixture by pressing it through a sieve with a spatula. Discard seeds.
- Pour or spoon over peach layer.
- Refrigerate at least 20-30 minutes before serving for best results, as chia layer will continue to thicken.
- If desired, top with something crunchy, like nuts or granola, before serving.
Nutrition
www.superhealthykids.com
Emily lives, loves, and cooks over at One Lovely Life, where she shares healthy recipe ideas, book recommendations, and activity suggestions for families.
Natalie Monson
I'm a registered dietitian, mom of 4, avid lover of food and strong promoter of healthy habits. Here you will find lots of delicious recipes full of fruits and veggies, tips for getting your kids to eat better and become intuitive eaters and lots of resources for feeding your family.
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This was very good. I forgot the peaches, it still good!
The recipe made no sense to me. It doesn’t mention peaches in the recipe and it doesn’t tell you what to do with the almond milk. It tasted ok but probably not anything I would replicate.
This was yummy! The recipe is missing peaches in the ingredients and doesn’t use the almond milk. I used 2 cups of peaches and 1/2 cup of orange juice for the peach layer. We loved it!