I’m a little late to the chia seed pudding bandwagon, I know. But that doesn’t mean I can’t be an enthusiast.
The chia seed has been having a moment for what seems like the past five years. That’s probably because its uses are limitless.
My favorite everyday way to use chia seeds is in place of flax seeds in a Flax Egg, Simple Fruit Compote, and Grain-Free Granola.
But upon discovering you could also use them to make creamy, dreamy pudding, I had to give it a go. Consider this recipe my whittled down, super simple version that’s naturally sweetened, vegan, and gluten free. Anyone can make it! Plus, it’s packed with omega-3s and the perfect on-the-go breakfast. If that doesn’t sell you, I don’t know what will (Rhonda).
Let’s get our pudding on, shall we?
This recipe is simple, requiring just 6 basic ingredients that are totally versatile.
This is the beauty of chia pudding. Once you have the chia seed-to-liquid ratio right, the flavor possibilities are endless.
I hope you LOVE this pudding. It’s:
Creamy
Seriously pudding-like
Naturally sweetened
Chocolaty
Loaded with nutrients
& Easy to make!
Make this the night before for a decadent breakfast or mid-day snack. Or prep it in the morning for a hands-off, simple dessert to unwind from the day.
You can’t go wrong either way! And it lasts for a few days in the fridge – if you can resist sneaking spoonfuls that long.
More Pudding Recipes
- How to Make Chia Pudding
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Chia Pudding
- Vegan Chocolate Protein Pudding (Two Ways!)
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Avocado Pudding
- Banana & Berry Hemp Seed Pudding
- 5-Ingredient Vegan Peanut Butter Pudding
If you try this recipe, let us know! Take a picture and tag it @minimalistbaker on Instagram so we can see. We also love seeing your comments and ratings. It’s the ultimate internet ego boost. Cheers and happy pudding making!
*Note: Recipe updated 12/5/2018 for improved texture.
Overnight Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3-5 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups Almond Breeze Almondmilk Original Unsweetened (or light coconut milk for creamier texture!)
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
Instructions
- To a small mixing bowl add cacao powder (sift first to reduce clumps), maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and vanilla and whisk to combine. Then add a little dairy-free milk at a time and whisk until a paste forms. Then add remaining dairy-free milk and whisk until smooth.
- Add chia seeds and whisk once more to combine. Then cover and refrigerate overnight, or at least 3-5 hours (until it’s achieved a pudding-like consistency). It may also be helpful to give the mixture an extra whisk/stir once it has been in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes.
- Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for 4-5 days, though best when fresh. Serve chilled with desired toppings, such as fruit, granola, or coconut whipped cream.
Video
Notes
*Prep time reflects chilling for the least amount of time (3 hours).
*Recipe loosely adapted from Pop Sugar.
Spandana Goli says
I added a little bit more maple syrup, rasberries and unsweetened coconut flakes but next time will add some peanut/almond butter for the sweetness
Yum, both of those variations sound lovely! Thank you for sharing, Spandana! xo
Spandana Goli says
Can I add Greek yogurt to the pudding to up the protein or does that not go well?
I ran out of Greek yogurt after I prepped the pudding but was wondering if I could add it in before I eat it – maybe add some coconut essence and maple syrup to it and whip it up to make faux coconut cream (sorry for this suggestion even – a few months ago I would be rolling my eyes but now on a high protein low carb diet and limiting processed sugar so asking)
Hi Spandana, we would say it’s worth a try! It might taste sort of like chocolate cheesecake :)
Spandana Goli says
Thank you! The greek yogurt tastes good but the coconut extract addition didn’t taste good (it was expired but also needs some sweetness to balance the alcohol I think)
Aw, bummer on the coconut extract! Thank you for the update! xo
Lindsay Clayton says
Mine didn’t set overnight. Any idea why??
Bummer! Sorry that happened, Lindsay. Is it possible your chia seeds are old? Or the liquid to chia seed ratio got thrown off somehow?
Lindsay Clayton says
The chia seeds are old. Do they lose their ability to expand? I bought fresh ones today.
Yes! Old chia seeds will have trouble expanding.
Charly says
This was very tasty and I will make it again. I used regular dairy milk and dark chocolate powder. So yummy
Yay! We’re so glad you enjoyed the chia pudding and will be making it again. Thank you for the lovely review, Charly! xo
Petra says
I love this recipe, it’s my to go for a nice breakfast or a snack. I usually use agave syrup as maple syrup is expensive here and today I went for honey.
Will serve it with bananas tomorrow but the best fruit to serve it with is red currant :)
We’re so glad you’re enjoying this chia pudding. Red currants sound like a wonderful pairing! Thank you for sharing, Petra! xo