Ingredients
Chia Pudding
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup plant milk of choice (blend of almond milk & coconut milk recommended)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Lemon Curd
- 1/2 cup coconut milk, almond milk, or water
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- pinch of turmeric (optional, for color)
Meringue
- 2 egg whites or aquafaba from one can of chickpeas
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 2 tbsp sugar of choice
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the chia pudding: In a bowl, whisk together chia seeds, plant milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and form a gel-like pudding.
- Heat liquid mixture for lemon curd: In a small pot over medium-low heat, combine your chosen liquid (coconut milk, almond milk, or water), 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, and lemon zest. Stir gently as it warms.
- Mix lemon juice and cornstarch: In a separate bowl, blend fresh squeezed lemon juice with cornstarch thoroughly, ensuring no lumps remain. Do not add cornstarch directly into the heated liquid to avoid clumping.
- Cook the lemon curd: Slowly pour the lemon juice and cornstarch mixture into the warm pot. Increase heat to medium-high and continuously stir until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
- Make the meringue: Using a mixer, beat egg whites or aquafaba with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to beat for about 2 more minutes until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.
- Assemble the dessert: Layer some chia pudding at the bottom of serving cups or glasses. Spoon the cooled lemon curd over the pudding layer.
- Top with meringue and toast: Add a generous layer of meringue on top. Place the assembled cups under the oven broiler for about one minute to toast the meringue lightly, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- The chia pudding needs at least 1 hour to set but overnight resting improves texture.
- Using aquafaba makes this dessert vegan-friendly.
- The pinch of turmeric is optional and is used only to enhance the lemon curd’s color.
- Broiling the meringue quickly toast the surface without cooking too much inside.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup and sugar according to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free