This easy chia seed pudding recipe is a perfect healthy breakfast or snack! It tastes like a treat, but it’s packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
As the days get warmer, chia seed pudding has become my go-to for breakfast and afternoon snacks. It’s refreshing, creamy, and subtly sweet, enhanced with a hint of cinnamon for warmth. Topped with fresh fruit, homemade granola, and a drizzle of maple syrup, it’s like enjoying dessert, but it’s actually full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
What else makes me love this chia pudding recipe? It’s incredibly simple to prepare, and it stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 5 days. If you’re into meal prepping, this recipe is definitely for you. Prepare a batch of chia seed pudding on the weekend and divide it into individual jars or containers. You’ll have a quick, nutritious breakfast ready for each day of the week!
Chia Pudding Recipe Ingredients: Simple and Nutritious
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this straightforward chia pudding recipe:
- Chia seeds: The star ingredient! I opted for white chia seeds in these photos, but black chia seeds work just as well. Both types offer the same nutritional benefits and gelling properties.
- Almond milk: Or your preferred milk! If almond milk isn’t available, I often use other plant-based milks. Light coconut milk and oat milk are excellent alternatives, lending a slightly different flavor profile. Dairy milk is also a suitable substitute if you prefer.
- Maple syrup: I use maple syrup to naturally sweeten the chia seed pudding. Feel free to adjust the amount to your sweetness preference. I also like to add an extra drizzle when serving! For a sugar-free option, you could experiment with stevia or erythritol, but maple syrup adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon adds a warm and comforting flavor dimension to the pudding, enhancing its overall taste.
Optional, but highly recommended: A tiny pinch of salt. Salt might seem counterintuitive in a sweet dish, but it actually enhances all the flavors, making them pop!
Find the detailed recipe with exact measurements at the end of this post.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chia Pudding
Making chia pudding is remarkably easy! Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious and healthy treat:
- Step 1: Combine the ingredients in a jar or container. Start by placing all your ingredients – chia seeds, almond milk (or milk of choice), maple syrup, and cinnamon – into a lidded Mason jar. If you don’t have a Mason jar, any small airtight container will do. Alternatively, you can simply whisk the ingredients together in a bowl.
- Step 2: Shake vigorously! Secure the lid tightly on your jar, and shake well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Shaking helps to distribute the chia seeds evenly throughout the milk, which is key to preventing clumps and achieving a smooth pudding texture. If you are using a bowl, whisk well for about a minute.
- Step 3: Chill in the refrigerator. Place the jar or container in the fridge and let it chill for a couple of hours. This initial chilling period allows the chia seeds to begin absorbing the liquid and starting the gelling process.
- Step 4: Stir to break up clumps. After the pudding has been chilling for an hour or two, take it out and give it another good stir. This step is crucial for breaking up any clumps of chia seeds that may have formed. If you skip this step, you might end up with a lumpy or unevenly textured pudding, as clumped seeds won’t absorb liquid properly.
- Step 5: Chill again for optimal texture. After stirring, return the jar to the refrigerator and chill for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight. This extended chilling time allows the chia seeds to fully absorb the liquid and create that perfect, creamy pudding consistency you’re looking for.
Your chia seed pudding is ready to eat when it has a rich, creamy, pudding-like texture. Simply add your favorite toppings and enjoy your healthy and delicious creation!
Troubleshooting: Getting Chia Pudding Just Right
I’ve found that a ratio of 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to 1/2 cup of almond milk consistently yields a creamy texture that I love. This ratio is a great starting point for perfect chia pudding every time.
However, sometimes you might find that your pudding doesn’t set up as expected. Here are some helpful tips to troubleshoot and ensure your chia pudding is perfect every time:
- Stirring is essential: As mentioned in the instructions, stirring the chia pudding after it has chilled for a couple of hours is really important. By stirring, you prevent chia seeds from clumping together at the bottom of the jar or in pockets throughout the milk. Clumps of chia seeds won’t absorb liquid as effectively, leading to a thinner pudding. Don’t skip the stirring step!
- Pudding is too thin? Add more chia seeds. If you find that your chia pudding is too thin even after chilling overnight, don’t worry! This is easily fixable. Simply add another tablespoon or two of chia seeds to the jar, stir it in thoroughly, and chill it for a few more hours. The extra chia seeds will absorb the excess liquid and thicken the pudding to your desired consistency.
- Pudding is too thick? Add more liquid. On the flip side, if your chia pudding turns out thicker than you’d like, just add a splash more milk (almond milk or whichever milk you used). Stir it in until you reach your preferred consistency. You can always add a little more milk at a time until it’s just right.
Delicious Chia Seed Pudding Serving Suggestions
Chia pudding is delicious on its own, offering a creamy, subtly sweet, and satisfying base. But let’s be honest, the toppings are where you can really get creative and elevate your chia pudding to the next level! Toppings not only add flavor and texture, but also extra nutrients. Here are some of my favorite topping ideas to inspire you:
- Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruit is a classic and healthy topping for chia pudding. I especially love berries like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries, as well as tart cherries. In the summer, use fresh, seasonal fruits for the best flavor. In colder months, thawed frozen fruits work perfectly and are just as nutritious.
- Something Crunchy: Adding a crunchy element provides a wonderful textural contrast to the smooth pudding. Consider sprinkling on coconut flakes (toasted or untoasted), chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans, or homemade granola for extra flavor and crunch.
- Something Sweet (Optional): While the maple syrup in the pudding provides sweetness, you might want a little extra drizzle on top, especially if you are using unsweetened milk or prefer a sweeter taste. A drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar works beautifully. For a more indulgent treat, try adding a few chocolate chips or a spoonful of nut butter.
- Spice it Up: Consider a dash of extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder for different flavor profiles.
Load up your chia seed pudding with your favorite toppings for a wholesome and satisfying breakfast or snack! If you’re preparing chia pudding for meal prep, it’s best to wait to add the toppings until just before you eat it to prevent them from getting soggy.
How to Store Chia Pudding
Chia pudding is an excellent make-ahead breakfast or snack option thanks to its great storage capabilities. Store chia pudding in a covered jar or any airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping for busy weeks.
If you find that the pudding becomes too thick after being stored, simply stir in a little extra milk to loosen it up before adding your toppings and enjoying.
Tip for Meal Prep: Easily scale up this recipe to make multiple servings at once for meal prepping! Just multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of servings you need for the week.
What are the Best Jars for Chia Pudding?
For chilling and storing chia seed pudding, I highly recommend these small clear jars from Le Parfait. They are sold in packs of 6 and feature a charming minimalist design. These airtight jars have an 11-ounce capacity, providing ample room for toppings like granola and fresh fruit. Mason jars or any other small airtight containers you have on hand will also work perfectly well.
More Favorite Breakfast and Snack Recipes
If you enjoyed this chia pudding recipe, you might also love these other delicious and healthy breakfast or snack ideas:
Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
(Rate this recipe: 4.84 from 193 votes)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Serves: 1
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This easy chia seed pudding recipe is a perfect healthy breakfast or snack! Store it in a lidded jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Vegan and gluten-free.
Equipment
- Mason jar or airtight container
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, plus more for topping
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Optional toppings
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Tart cherries
- Chopped nuts or granola
- Coconut flakes
- Maple syrup
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Instructions
- In a lidded jar, combine the almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
- Cover the jar tightly and shake well to combine all ingredients.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours, then remove and stir thoroughly to break up any clumps of chia seeds.
- Return to the fridge and continue chilling for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the pudding to set completely.
- Serve chilled with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, coconut flakes, and an extra drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.
