Silky Chocolate and Vanilla Pudding with Cherry Compote

Yes, this does use silken tofu, no you cannot taste it!

Silken tofu makes the perfect base for sweet puddings, it’s so versatile, high in protein, gluten free and of course plant based.

In this recipe I used a combination of melted dark chocolate and cacao powder, lots of vanilla bean and a natural sweetener.

Toppings are not compulsory but a lovely addition, from fresh berries, a drizzle of dulce de leche, nut butter, fruit compotes, whipped cream, a dollop of yogurt or crème fraiche, nuts and seeds. This is super customisable, a cinch to make a head for parties and just so delicious.

SERVES:
8-12 but can be halved

Ingredients
Instructions

Ingredients

500g silken tofu drained well

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp almond extract

Seeds from 1 vanilla pod

2 tbs pure coconut oil

100g sweetener of choice stevia, caster sugar maple

80g cocoa powder

200g melted dark 70% chocolate

Cherry Compote

200-300g frozen or fresh cherries

2 tbs brown sugar, maple or sugar free alternative

1 tsp vanilla extract

To Serve

Crème fraiche/plain or vanilla yogurt/whipped cream

Toasted flaked almonds

Instructions

Melt the chocolate in a small bowl over a pan of gently simmering water, be careful not to let the water touch the bowl. Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temp.
Drain the tofu well, add the sweetener, coconut oil, almond extract and vanilla and blend in a high spend blender or with a stick blender until smooth.
Add the cocoa powder and blend again until smooth.
Add the melted chocolate in stages, ideally with the blender running slowly, until completely incorporated and smooth.
Pour into little cups/bowls or glasses and chill for a minimum of 2 hours, ideally overnight.
To make the compote add all the ingredients to a small pan and heat to a gentle simmer, allow to bubble for about 5 minutes or until the juices have thickened and reduced. Allow to cool.
When you are ready to serve place the compote, almonds and yogurt or cream into separate bowls and allow everyone to top their own little puddings as they wish. You can even put out a little bowl of fresh berries as an alternative topping.