Paleo Chocolate Protein Pudding Recipe

Making a pudding is incredibly easy.

This recipe is no different, and for your health benefit, this paleo pudding was designed to include a scoop of protein to bring you an incredibly well-balanced macronutrient ratio, all while following the paleo-lifestyle guidelines. 

This healthy chocolate pudding recipe is made from a coconut milk base, mixed with some delicious Dutch cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and arrowroot powder to thicken the pudding to the desired consistency. With six ingredients and a punch of flavor, we decided to take the recipe to the next level and add a scoop of our favorite third-party tested protein, for both nutrition and an added layer of chocolate flavor. 

The flavor is incredibly well-balanced - the pudding is not too sweet and not too chocolaty. It's exactly where it needs to be, which is incredibly exciting.

Lastly, because we use coconut, this pudding is dairy free, and because of the arrowroot, it also classifies as a gluten-free snack or dessert. 

Find the easiest way to stick to a paleo diet. Download this free, RD-written meal prep guide complete with meal planning tools, approved food lists, and tips for eating paleo.

We have gone to the extent of creating an incredibly easy recipe for you to follow and meal prep. This recipe yields 4 - 4.8 oz (138 grams) portions. If you want to have smaller portions, simply weigh each portion to 2.4oz (69 grams) and divide them in smaller containers.

The macros for this paleo recipe are:
190 kcals; 9g Fat; 22g Carbs; 8g Protein

How to Make a Paleo Pudding

This recipe yields 4 - 4.8 oz portions and it takes a total of 20 minutes with 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking.

Ingredients

• 14 fl oz. coconut milk, unsweetened, canned, 2 fl oz separated
• ¼ cup Dutch cocoa powder
• 1.5 Tbsp. arrowroot powder
• 1 scoop/32 grams of protein powder
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
• Sea salt, optional

Optional Garnish:  

• Fresh mint, picked
• Berries
• Cacao nibs
• Whipped cream

Kitchen Needs:

• Mixing bowl
• Small saucepan 
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Individual containers or large Tupperware

Step 1: Combine Ingredients and Bring to Boil

In a small or medium saucepan, combine 12 fl oz of the coconut milk, Dutch cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk.

Bring to a boil slowly, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Mix Arrowroot, Protein, and Coconut Milk. Add to Sauce Pan.

In a separate bowl, combine the arrowroot powder and the protein powder with the reserved 2 fl oz coconut milk. Whisk to fully incorporate. Slowly add the coconut-arrowroot mix to the pan as you whisk it in. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Cool, Portion, Refrigerate

Take the pan off the heat and let cool to room temperature for another 15 minutes. 

You can weigh and create your own puddings as part of your meal prep or simply transfer the pudding to a meal prep container and refrigerate, first uncovered until the pudding sets and cools down completely, and then covered for up to a full week. Serve into 4.8 oz portions.

If desired, sprinkle the top with a pinch of sea salt to get a delicious salted paleo chocolate protein pudding.

Serve This With & Meal Prep Tips

• Make a double batch and portion it into individual containers to have the perfect paleo snack or dessert throughout the week
• Top your pudding with your favorite garnishes, like fresh mint, berries, or shaved cocoa if desired

For more inspiration on different paleo foods, check out this list. 

Get started on paleo now. Download your free meal prep toolkit, complete with meal planning tools, paleo food lists, and tips for eating paleo.