High Protein Chia Pudding

Try this high protein chia pudding which has the tasty dessert flavoring of a burnt almond torte. If you are looking for a healthy dessert or sweet snack give this chia seeds recipe a try. One serving has 2.9 grams net carbs, 5.1 grams fiber and 10.8 grams protein!

For more chia seed recipes check this low carb coffee & tea breakfast pudding and my fruity chia tea !

I recently was craving a burnt almond torte cake which is something popular in this area but of course it’s not low carb. However I remember I had this older post for a high protein chia pudding with burnt almond torte flavors. Problem solved.

As I’ve mentioned before I love rediscovering old recipes and this chia seed pudding is one of them. This recipe has all the healthy aspects as being low carb (2.9g), high protein (10.8g) and high in fiber (5.1g). But it’s also delicious because it has almond and vanilla flavors in the pudding, a sweet creamy whipped topping and crunchy sweet almonds on top. It’s perfect for a keto dessert or sweet snack.

What is a burnt almond torte?

We have a famous bakery, Prantls,  here in Pittsburgh that is famous for their burnt almond tortes. They ship that cake all over the country … that is how good they are. It’s an almond flavored cake, pastry cream center, white icing and sugared toasted almonds pressed into all sides of the cake. I don’t know if it’s a regional thing but trust me it’s delish!

Those were the flavors I was going for in this recipe. I had 3 components to this dish – the vanilla protein chia pudding, whipped cream and sugared toasted almond slices on top. Here’s how I made it.

Recipe ingredients and substitutions.

The simple ingredients I used were chia seeds, almond milk, protein powder, almond extract, sweetener, whipped cream, sliced almonds and sugar free s’mores syrup. You can get most of these ingredients on my Amazon page and many are at Aldi.

• chia seeds: You can buy chia seeds almost anywhere. I know Aldi carries them all the time in the baking aisle.
• unsweetened almond milk: I always use unsweetened almond milk. It only has 1 carb per cup and I usually buy it at Aldi. You can use other low carb or non dairy milk.
• almond extract: Most grocery stores have almond extract as this is a popular flavor. It’s the main flavor so I wouldn’t substitute it if you want the burnt almond torte flavor. If you don’t care, then substitute with vanilla extract or any other flavor extract really.
• Torani’s Sugar Free S’mores Syrup: I have ALOT of Torani sugar free syrups and use this flavor the most. You don’t need this but it really does add a sweet marshmallow flavor to the recipe. You can use some vanilla extract and sweetener if you don’t have it or even just plain sweetener. These syrups add flavor and sweetness so if you are substituting keep that in mind.
• Isopure Zerocarb vanilla protein powder: I like this protein powder because I love the taste and it has 0 net carbs. You can substitute with any vanilla protein powder. Also you don’t have to use protein powder at all but it adds flavor, protein and thickness. So if you don’t use it, your pudding will be thinner and less sweet. 
• whipped cream (in a canister): Originally I made my own whipped cream with heavy whipping cream and the S’mores syrup but this time I just used store bought whipped cream in a canister from Aldi. It’s easier and effective.
• sliced almonds: You want sliced almonds that are raw and most grocery stores carry them in the baking aisle. Also I know Aldi does year round. You could use other sugared nuts like pecans, walnuts, etc. but almonds make it.
• Swerve sweetener: This is a sweetener I always have on hand. I use it in many desserts and in this case to sugar the almonds. You can use any kinds of sweetener you want.

You could also use other flavors instead of the almond torte flavor. You could use chocolate or other flavored protein powder and/or extract. Also you can add additional items like chocolate chips, fruit berries, sugar free jams, chocolate shavings, toasted coconut, etc.

How to make the toasted sugared almond topping.

Step 1: Start by adding the raw almond slices and sweetener in a nonstick skillet and heat over medium heat. Mix them together as the sweetener melts and coats the almonds. Watch that they don’t burn. You want them to be golden brown.

Step 2: When they are done, take them out of the pan and then spread out on a piece of parchment paper. Let them dry and harden.

If you have extra store in a sealed bag or container. You can use them in yogurt, ice cream, salads or just eat them as is for a crunchy sweet snack.

How to make the high protein chia pudding base.

To make the high protein chia pudding which is the base of this keto dessert, you simply mix the 1 cup of almond milk, 1 scoop of protein powder and 2-4 teaspoons of almond extract with the ¼ cup of chia seeds. Mix them together well then place in the refrigerator for a few hours so the seeds get plump and thicken into a pudding.

Then take it out and add the 2 tablespoons of sugar free Torani S’mores syrup. Taste it and if you want a bit more sweetness or almond extract flavor add that now. I like it strong but my hubby thought 4 teaspoons was too much. 

Now for the whipped cream layer.

Originally I made S’mores flavored whipped cream but now I just use canister whipped cream as it’s easier. If you want to do make your own flavored whipped cream here is how you do it.

Use very cold whipping cream (1 cup) and the S’mores sugar free syrup (2 tablespoons). Using a hand mixer and beat until thick and creamy. Keep it in the refrigerator until ready to use as it can get flat if left out. I used an icing bag to pipe it out on top but no need unless you want to. A ziplock bag with corner cut out would work too.

Note you will have a lot of whipped cream left over but I’m sure you can find a lot of uses for it like using it on keto desserts, in coffee drinks or with berries. Or cut the recipe in half. 

Now let’s put it all together. Spoon the chia pudding into 4 small containers and top with whipped cream. Lastly sprinkle about a tablespoon or two of the sugared almonds on top. That’s it. Refrigerate until ready to eat.

These portions are a little small but they were enough for me. This high protein chia pudding is delicious and perfect for a keto dessert or sweet treat. Especially in the summer and it’s good for you!

The nutritional information for 1 serving of the pudding and almonds is 202 calories / 11.7g fat / 8g carbs / 5.1g fiber / 10.8g protein = 2.9g net carbs

Click here to see my Amazon page with the ingredients.