Description
This Chia Seed Pudding recipe is a simple, healthy, and customizable treat made with just 3 ingredients. Perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast, guilt-free snack, or dessert. The pudding is creamy, delicious, and can be easily adjusted with your favorite toppings and mix-ins for endless flavor possibilities. Make it ahead of time for meal prep!
Ingredients
1/4 cup chia seeds (black or white)
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as almond, oat, or soy milk)
1-2 tablespoons sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or your preferred sweetener)
Optional Add-ins for flavor boost:
1/4 cup Greek yogurt (for added protein)
Instructions
Mix the Base:
In a mason jar, bowl, or measuring cup, combine milk and sweetener. Stir until the sweetener is fully dissolved.
Add Chia Seeds:
Whisk in the chia seeds until they’re evenly distributed in the liquid. This helps avoid clumping.
Let it Rest:
Allow the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes and then whisk it again to break up any potential clumps and improve the texture.
Refrigerate:
Cover the jar with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. The longer it sits, the thicker it will become.
Serve:
Before serving, stir the pudding to loosen it up. Serve about 3/4 cup per portion in a mason jar or bowl and top with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Consistency Adjustments: If the pudding is too thick, add a splash of milk and stir until it reaches your desired texture.
Best Texture: For the smoothest texture, make sure to let the mixture rest and refrigerate overnight.
For Added Protein: Swap 1/4 cup of milk with plain Greek yogurt for a thicker, protein-packed pudding.
Mix-ins and Toppings for Chia Seed Pudding:
Chia seed pudding is the perfect base to get creative with flavor! Here are some ideas:
Chocolate: Stir in 1 Tbsp cocoa powder and 1 Tbsp sweetener for a rich chocolate flavor.
Matcha: Mix in 1 tsp matcha powder for an earthy green tea taste.
Peanut Butter & Jelly: Swirl in 1 Tbsp peanut butter and 1 Tbsp jelly for a nostalgic twist.
Tropical Mango: Swap 1/2 cup of milk with mango puree and top with diced fresh or dried mangos.
Cinnamon Bun: Add 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for a cozy, spiced flavor.
Strawberry & Coconut: Combine chia seeds with coconut milk and top with sliced strawberries.
Mixed Berry: Top with fresh mixed berries for a burst of sweetness.
Banana Nut: Add fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of granola for crunch.
Mocha Latte: Replace 1/4 cup of milk with espresso and top with chocolate chips or shavings.
Why Didn’t My Chia Pudding Thicken?
If your chia pudding didn’t thicken properly, it might be due to the wrong chia seed-to-liquid ratio. Try adding 1 more teaspoon of chia seeds and stir the mixture. Allow it to refrigerate for another hour. If it’s still not thick, your chia seeds may be too old to absorb the liquid properly.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips:
Make-Ahead: This chia pudding recipe is perfect for meal prep. It can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Add a splash of milk before serving if it thickens too much.
Freezing: Pour the pudding into freezer-safe jars (leaving 1/2” of space for expansion) and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions:
Top your chia seed pudding with fresh fruits like berries, bananas, or mangoes, and add crunchy toppings like granola or nuts. For an extra treat, drizzle with maple syrup, or top with a dollop of nut butter for added richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time:: 4hours
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American