Cherry-Chocolate Bread Pudding

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cup dried tart or sweet cherries
• 3/4 cup apple juice or water
• 8 slices whole-wheat bread
• 1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2½ cups refrigerated plain coconut milk*, divided
• 2 large eggs
• 3 large egg whites
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• Canola oil cooking spray
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips, at least 60-63 percent cocoa
• 2 Tbsp. sliced almonds