Idiotically Easy Soy Protein Pudding

The first time I made this pudding, I was convinced I’d messed something up. It was late, I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to derail my health goals, and I was exhausted. I threw everything into the food processor, half expecting a grainy, flavorless mess. But when I spooned that first bite into my mouth? Pure, chocolatey bliss. It was shockingly good, unbelievably easy, and felt like a secret weapon against late-night cravings. This pudding has since become a staple – a testament to the fact that healthy and delicious can coexist, even when you’re running on empty.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: About 4 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low-Sugar

Ingredients

• 1 (2 1/8 ounce) package fat-free sugar-free instant chocolate pudding mix (the bigger box)
• 1 (12 1/3 ounce) package lite silken firm tofu, drained
• ½ teaspoon chocolate-flavored liquid stevia or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon stevia powder (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 2 cups unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze

Equipment Needed

• Food Processor
• Mixing Bowl
• Mixer (hand or stand mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving bowls or glasses

Instructions

1. Begin by placing the drained lite silken firm tofu into a food processor. It’s important to drain the tofu well to prevent a watery pudding.
2. Process the tofu until completely smooth. This is crucial for achieving a creamy, lump-free texture. Ensure there are no visible pieces remaining. This might take a minute or two, depending on your food processor.
3. Transfer the smooth tofu from the food processor to a mixing bowl. This allows you to incorporate the remaining ingredients more easily.
4. Add the unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze, chocolate-flavored liquid stevia (or vanilla extract, if you prefer), and the optional stevia powder to the mixing bowl with the tofu.
5. Using a mixer (either a hand mixer or a stand mixer), begin to blend the ingredients together.
6. While the mixer is running on low speed, gradually add the fat-free sugar-free instant chocolate pudding mix to the bowl. This prevents the pudding mix from clumping.
7. Increase the mixer speed to medium and continue to mix well for about one to two minutes. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined, and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
8. Divide the pudding into four generous servings and transfer them to individual serving bowls or glasses.
9. Enjoy immediately! For a colder, thicker pudding, refrigerate leftovers for at least 30 minutes before serving. The flavors will also meld together and deepen as it chills.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Tofu Texture: The key to a creamy pudding is thoroughly processing the tofu. Don’t skimp on this step! If you’re concerned about remaining tofu texture, consider pressing the tofu before processing to remove even more excess water. This will result in a denser, richer pudding.

• Sweetness Level: The amount of stevia is adjustable. Start with less, taste, and add more to your liking. Remember that the pudding mix already contains artificial sweeteners, so you might find you don’t need the additional stevia powder.

• Pudding Mix Selection: Make sure you are using instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve. The instant mix contains the necessary starches for thickening without cooking. Also, double-check that the package is indeed fat-free and sugar-free to keep the recipe within its intended nutritional profile.

• Flavor Boost: For a deeper chocolate flavor, add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder along with the pudding mix. You can also experiment with other extracts like peppermint or hazelnut for different flavor profiles. A pinch of salt can also enhance the sweetness and chocolate flavor.

• Thickening: If your pudding isn’t thick enough after mixing, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water. Stir this slurry into the pudding and mix well. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to thicken further.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this pudding chilled for the best taste and texture. Garnish with fresh berries, a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream, or a sprinkle of shaved dark chocolate for an elegant presentation.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While freezing is not recommended due to potential changes in texture, the pudding will maintain its quality in the fridge for a reasonable amount of time. The pudding doesn’t need to be reheated, so simply enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	Approximately 79 kcal	N/A
Fat	1.1g	1%
Saturated Fat	0.3g	1%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	509.1mg	21%
Total Carbohydrate	12.2g	4%
Dietary Fiber	1.2g	4%
Sugars	0.5g	N/A
Protein	6.2g	12%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. These are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredient brands.

Variations & Substitutions

• Different Pudding Flavors: Experiment with other flavors of sugar-free instant pudding mix, such as vanilla, butterscotch, or pistachio.

• Almond Milk Alternatives: You can substitute the unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze with other non-dairy milk options like unsweetened soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. The flavor profile will change slightly depending on the milk you choose.

• Tofu Variations: While lite silken firm tofu is recommended, you can use regular silken tofu. However, be aware that this may slightly increase the calorie and fat content. Do not use firm or extra-firm tofu, as it will not blend smoothly.

• Nut Butter Swirl: Add a tablespoon of your favorite nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew) to the food processor along with the tofu for a richer flavor and added protein.

• Chocolate Chips: Mix in sugar-free chocolate chips after the pudding is mixed.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a regular chocolate pudding mix instead of sugar-free?
A: While you can, it will significantly increase the sugar and calorie content of the pudding, defeating the purpose of this recipe.

Q: My pudding is too thick. What can I do?
A: Add a tablespoon or two more of unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze until you reach your desired consistency. Mix well after each addition.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, chilling the pudding in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes will allow it to thicken and the flavors to meld together even more.

Q: I don’t like stevia. What other sweeteners can I use?
A: You can substitute the stevia with other sugar-free sweeteners like erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or a sugar-free syrup. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of sweetness.

Q: My pudding has a slightly “tofu-y” taste. How can I mask it?
A: Using a high-quality chocolate-flavored liquid stevia and a good quality pudding mix helps. You can also add a dash of cinnamon or a few drops of a stronger extract like peppermint to mask the tofu flavor.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – an idiotically easy, guilt-free chocolate pudding that’s ready in minutes! Don’t let the simplicity fool you; this recipe is a game-changer for satisfying your sweet tooth without compromising your health goals. Give it a try, get creative with the variations, and let me know what you think! I’m confident this will become your new go-to dessert when those cravings strike. Enjoy!