Chia Seed Pudding Recipe: A Delicious and Healthy Treat

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

Chia seed pudding is a quick and easy recipe that you can enjoy for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.

With just a few simple ingredients like chia seeds, milk, and a sweetener, you can make a delicious and nutritious treat that is packed with protein and fiber.

You can customize your chia pudding with different flavors and toppings to suit your taste. Add fresh fruit, nuts, granola, or spices like cinnamon for an added twist. This recipe is perfect for meal prep because you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

To make a delicious chia seed pudding, you’ll need a few basic ingredients:

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  Chia Seeds: You will need about 2-3 tablespoons of chia seeds. These tiny seeds are the main ingredient that gives the pudding its unique texture.

  
  
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  Milk: Use 1 cup of your favorite milk. This can be dairy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Each provides a different flavor and creaminess. If you’re lactose intolerant, try almond or coconut milk for a tasty alternative.

  
  
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  Sweetener: Add 1 tablespoon of a sweetener like maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar. If you prefer less sugar, use stevia or skip the sweetener altogether.

  
  
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  Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a nice flavor. If you don’t have vanilla, try using almond extract or another favorite flavoring.

  
  

• Optional Ingredients: To enhance the flavor, consider adding:

  • A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg
  • Fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices
  • Nuts or seeds for added crunch. Chopped pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds work well.

Mixing It Up

1. Chia & Liquid: Mix the chia seeds with your chosen milk in a bowl or jar.
2. Sweeten & Flavor: Stir in your sweetener, vanilla extract, and any optional spices.
3. Set: Cover and store in the fridge for a few hours or overnight until it thickens.

Feel free to experiment with different add-ins and toppings to make the pudding truly yours!

Instructions

1. Mix Ingredients

   In a medium bowl, combine:

   • 2 cups of your preferred milk (almond, dairy, etc.)
   • 1/2 cup of chia seeds
   • 2 to 3 tablespoons of maple syrup
   • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
   • A pinch of salt
2. 
   

   Whisk Well

   
   

   Whisk the mixture thoroughly. Make sure everything is evenly combined, so the chia seeds can absorb the liquid properly.

   
   
3. 
   

   Refrigerate

   
   

   Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for a thicker pudding.

   
   
4. 
   

   Stir Again

   
   

   After about 5 minutes in the fridge, give the pudding another stir to break up any clumps. This ensures a smooth texture.

   
   
5. 
   

   Check Consistency

   
   

   If the pudding isn’t thick enough after refrigerating, add another tablespoon of chia seeds. Stir and chill for an additional hour.

   
   
6. 
   

   Serve

   
   

   Serve your chia pudding as is or layer it with fresh fruit, granola, or a compote. Enjoy!

   
   

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Stir Well: Make sure to stir the chia seeds well when you first mix them with the liquid. This helps prevent clumps from forming.

Use the Right Ratio: The standard ratio is 3 tablespoons of chia seeds to 1 cup of liquid. This results in a thick, creamy texture.

Sweeten to Taste: You can use maple syrup, honey, or any sweetener you like. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Let It Sit: For the best texture, let your chia pudding sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Break Up Clumps: Stir the mixture after 5 minutes and again after 10 minutes to prevent the seeds from clumping together.

Experiment with Flavors: Try adding vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa powder, or fruit puree to change up the flavor.

Use a Mason Jar: A wide-mouth mason jar is perfect for mixing and storing chia pudding.

Storing

Refrigeration: Chia pudding can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep it covered to maintain freshness.

Meal Prep: Chia pudding is great for meal prep. Make a large batch and divide it into individual servings.

Check for Freshness: If it smells off or has an unusual texture, it’s best to discard it. Always use fresh ingredients for the best results.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

Chia seed pudding can be customized in many ways to suit your tastes. Here are a few delightful variations and serving suggestions:

1. 
   

   Peanut Butter & Jam: Layer peanut butter pudding over chia jam. Add toppings like yogurt, berries, or more peanut butter.

   
   
2. 
   

   Chocolate Raspberry: Mix melted dark chocolate with coconut milk and blend raspberries with more milk and chia seeds. Layer these mixtures and top with grated chocolate.

   
   
3. 
   

   Vanilla & Berries: Combine vanilla extract with your preferred milk and chia seeds. Let it set, then top with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey.

   
   
4. 
   

   Matcha Green Tea: Blend matcha powder with almond milk before adding chia seeds. Chill and serve with coconut flakes and a few slices of banana.

   
   

Serving Suggestions

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  Fruits & Nuts: Add fruits like sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi. Sprinkle nuts or seeds like almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.

  
  
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  Sweeteners: Sweeten your pudding naturally with maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar to taste.

  
  
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  Yogurt: Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess and protein.

  
  
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  Granola: Sprinkle some crunchy granola on top for added texture.

  
  

Feel free to experiment by mixing and matching these ideas to create your own perfect chia pudding!