Easy, Creamy Chia Seed Pudding

This creamy chia seed pudding recipe is a wonderful meal-prep item, full of superfood qualities and quick to make up. I love that it’s a great foundation upon which to build and add other flavors to.

This pudding-like recipe takes as good as a sweet, vanilla-flavored creamy dessert. The seeds are packed with nutrients that help your brain to function better, your digestive system to feel great and they aid in weight-loss. 

Why you’ll love this creamy chia seed pudding 

Nutritious: Chia seeds are packed with nutrients like fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Coconut milk is a good source of healthy fats and minerals like potassium and magnesium.

A great base: Build on this base by adding in other flavors and ingredients. Chia seed pudding is a fantastic vehicle for other flavors.

Easy to make: Chia seed pudding is a simple dish that requires minimal preparation. You can make a batch ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for an easy and convenient breakfast or snack.

Filling and satisfying: Chia seeds expand when they absorb liquid, which makes chia pudding a filling and satisfying dish that can help you feel full and satisfied for longer.

Great for meal prep: Chia pudding can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it a great option for meal prep.

Low in sugar: This recipe can be sweetened with natural sweeteners like agave or maple syrup, which makes it a low-sugar alternative to other desserts and sweet treats.

Gluten-free: Chia seed pudding is naturally gluten-free. It is a great option for people who have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.

Looking for more breakfast recipes? Here are some of my favorites:

• Vegan Pancakes
• Crispy Baked Hash Browns
• Vegan Strawberry Muffins
• Fresh Homemade Oat Milk
• Easy Homemade Almond Milk
• Quick & Easy Oat Waffles
• Easy Vegan Sausages

Ingredients and substitution notes 

• Plant based milk. I love using coconut milk but almond, oat or soy milk are just as good. 
• Chia seeds. Use black or white, or a combination of both. 
• Vanilla. I love to use a good-quality vanilla extract but vanilla essence will do too. You can choose to omit this ingredient if you’d prefer to.
• Maple syrup. You can choose to leave this out if you’d prefer an unsweetened version. Swap it out for agave nectar if you like. You can even use a little sprinkle of brown sugar.
• Oats. For the oat variation, use either steel-cut oats or gluten-free oats if you want to keep this recipe gluten-free.

Recipe variations and add-ins

• Carob or Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding: Add 1 tablespoon of carob or cocoa powder to the pudding mixture before refrigerating it.

• Spiced Chia Seed Pudding: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the pudding mixture before refrigerating it.

• Peanut Butter Chia Seed Pudding: Add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter to the pudding mixture before refrigerating it.

• Lemon Chia Seed Pudding: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the pudding mixture before refrigerating it.

• Lavender Chia Seed Pudding: Add 1 tablespoon of agave and 1/2 teaspoon of dried lavender to the pudding mixture before refrigerating it.

Top tips for making chia pudding

• Use high-quality chia seeds: Make sure you buy fresh chia seeds from a reputable brand, as old seeds may not absorb liquid as well.

• Mix well twice: Mix the chia seeds and liquid well, making sure there are no clumps. Once your pudding has “set”, give it a second stir.

• Experiment with different liquids: You can use any kind of milk or non-dairy milk to make chia pudding, such as almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. 

• Add toppings: Once the pudding has set, you can add toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, granola, or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor. Only add your toppings when you’re ready to serve the dish.

Make ahead instructions and storage

Store: Cover the jars or containers with lids or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Serve: When you’re ready to serve, you can eat the chia pudding straight from the jar or transfer it to a bowl and add additional toppings if desired.

If the pudding becomes too thick after refrigeration, you can add a splash of milk or water to thin it out before serving.

Avoid freezing chia pudding as the texture can change and become watery once thawed.

Chia Pudding Serving suggestions 

• Fresh Fruit: Top your chia seed pudding with fresh fruit like berries, chopped mango, kiwi, or sliced banana for a refreshing and healthy breakfast or snack.

• Nuts and Seeds: Add some crunch and texture to your pudding by topping it with nuts and seeds like sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, or pumpkin seeds.

• Carob or Chocolate and Caramel: For a more indulgent treat, top your chia pudding with carob or chocolate shavings or drizzle with vegan caramel sauce.

• Granola or Cereal: Add some extra crunch to your chia seed pudding by sprinkling it with your favorite granola or cereal.

• Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist, sprinkle some coconut flakes over your chia pudding.

• Nut Butter: Drizzle some nut butter like almond butter or peanut butter over your chia pudding for added flavor and protein.

• Banana and walnut: Top your pudding with a combination of banana slices and toasted walnuts.

FAQs

What are chia seeds? 

Chia seeds are tiny black or white seeds that come from the plant Salvia hispanica. They are rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and various micronutrients.

How long does chia seed pudding last in the fridge? 

Chia seed pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Can I freeze chia seed pudding?

It’s not recommended to freeze chia pudding as the texture can change and become watery once thawed.

Can I eat chia seeds raw?

Yes, chia seeds can be eaten raw or cooked. They can be added to smoothies, vegan yogurt, oatmeal, or sprinkled on top of salads.

Are there any health benefits to eating chia seed pudding? 

Chia seeds are a great source of fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various micronutrients. They can help promote digestive health, lower blood sugar and cholesterol

Watch My Chia Seed Pudding Recipe Video:

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