This Chia Pudding is creamy, refreshing and makes a healthy breakfast or snack that requires no cooking or baking and will keep your kitchen cool all summer. It’s easy to make with layers of jam, chia seeds, fresh fruit and your favorite toppings. Gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, vegan, paleo-friendly with low carb and keto sweetener options.
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Updated May 2023
Easy Chia Pudding Recipe
Your Go-To Healthy Breakfast or Snack with its creamy texture and endless flavor possibilities, chia pudding is a fantastic option for a quick and nutritious breakfast or snack. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student on the go, or a health-conscious individual, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds while keeping you fueled throughout the day.
Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare! Our breakfast recipe is a delightful and versatile treat that will leave you feeling nourished and energized throughout the day. Packed with wholesome ingredients and customizable flavors, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle and it’s super easy to make! So, let’s dive into the world of chia seeds and discover the wonders of this delectable breakfast.
The Power of Chia Seeds:
A Nutritional Powerhouse Chia seeds are tiny yet mighty! Packed with essential nutrients, these little gems offer a wide range of health benefits. From providing a generous dose of omega-3 fatty acids to being an excellent source of fiber and protein, chia seeds can support heart health, aid digestion, and promote stable blood sugar levels. They also offer a satisfying texture to making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Is Chia Pudding Good For You?
In addition to the health benefits of the chia seeds, this recipe is full of fresh fruit. It contains healthy fats and plenty of essential nutrients. You can also top it with your choice of healthy ingredients like grain-free granola or toasted nuts. This pudding recipe is one of our go-to healthy snacks, and my kids love it too.
Recipe Ingredients
The beauty of this simple snack lies in its versatility. Feel free to add your favorite flavors, such as cocoa powder, vanilla extract, or fruit puree. Let your creativity shine and tailor the recipe to suit your preferences.
- Almond Milk – we like to use unsweetened almond milk but feel free to use any non-dairy milk you like
- Chia Seeds – be sure to buy the black chia seeds for this recipe
- Pure Maple Syrup – you could also use any other liquid sweetener of your choice. To make this low sugar, low carb and keto-friendly, use a few drops of liquid monk fruit extract or Lakanto Sugar-free Maple Syrup.
- Vanilla Extract and Ground Cinnamon – optional but highly recommended to add flavor.
- Blueberry Jam: Homemade or use your favorite store-brand. You could also use a raspberry jam or compote, if desired.
- Mixed Berries: Add your favorite fresh berries to this treat.
Optional Toppings of choice:
- Grain-Free Paleo Granola: If preferred, you can use toasted coconut chips, chopped nuts, hemps seeds or another healthy topping.
- Whipped coconut cream or dairy-free yogurt. We like Kite-Hill.
How to Make Chia Pudding
Creating a perfect chia pudding is a simple and enjoyable process. We’ll guide you through it step by step, ensuring you achieve a luscious and well-set pudding every time. Follow our foolproof instructions, and you’ll be savoring this delightful treat in no time.
- Combine Pudding Ingredients: To a medium bowl, add the milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon. Use a fork or a whisk to combine.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until the pudding has thickened.
- Assemble: When you’re ready to serve, assemble the parfaits in jars, starting with some blueberry jam. Add layers of the pudding, fresh berries, and repeat.
- Serve with choice of toppings: Garnish with fresh fruit and / or grain-free granola, coconut chips, chopped nuts, whipped coconut cream or dairy-free yogurt or other toppings of choice, if desired.
Tips for success
- Stir Well: Stir the pudding mixture well before refrigerating it to break up any large clumps of chia seeds.
- Check Consistency: If the pudding doesn’t reach your desired thickness, add some more chia seeds to the mixture and put it back in the fridge. This will help it thicken to the perfect pudding texture.
- Change it Up: Try making this treat with different jams, berries and toppings for a variety of flavor combinations.
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve mastered the art of making the chia recipe, it’s time to get creative with toppings and mix-ins.
From fresh berries and sliced almonds to granola and shredded coconut, the options are endless. These additions not only enhance the flavor and texture but also provide additional nutrients to power up your chia pudding. Get ready to take your chia pudding game to the next level!
Topping Ideas
There’s no limit to the toppings you can add to this healthy snack. Here are some of my favorite healthy add-in ideas:
- Nut Butter: Try topping this snack with a scoop of peanut butter or almond butter.
- Bananas: Sliced bananas taste amazing on top of these parfaits too.
- Honey: If you don’t need this dish to be vegan, top your pudding with a drizzle of honey.
- Pomegranate Seeds: Garnish your pudding cups with some juicy pomegranate seeds for an extra pop of flavor.
How to Store Chia Seed Pudding
Planning ahead? Chia pudding is an excellent candidate for meal prepping.
- Air-Tight Containers: Transfer your chia pudding to air-tight containers with secure lids. Mason jars or reusable food storage containers work well for this purpose. Make sure the containers are clean and dry before adding the pudding.
- Refrigeration: Chia pudding should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and texture. Place the sealed containers in the refrigerator promptly after making the pudding.
- Labeling: If you’re preparing multiple flavors or variations of chia pudding, it’s helpful to label the containers with the date and flavor. This way, you can easily identify and select the desired option when you’re ready to enjoy it.
- Shelf Life: Chia pudding can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However, it’s essential to note that the texture may become slightly thicker over time as the chia seeds continue to absorb liquid.
- Stir Before Serving: Prior to serving, give the stored chia pudding a good stir to redistribute any settled chia seeds and ensure a consistent texture throughout.
- Toppings and Mix-Ins: If you’ve added toppings or mix-ins to your chia pudding, it’s best to store them separately. This helps maintain the freshness and crunchiness of ingredients like nuts, seeds, or granola. Add these toppings just before serving to enhance the overall experience.
- On-the-Go Convenience: If you prefer to take your chia pudding with you for a quick snack or breakfast at work or on the go, consider using portable containers with leak-proof lids. These containers will help prevent any spills or messes during transportation.
Freezer Instructions
If you’re looking to extend the shelf life of your pudding or want to prepare a larger batch for future use, freezing is a great option. Follow these storage tips to freeze your chia pudding effectively:
- Portion Control: Divide your chia pudding into individual serving sizes before freezing. This way, you can thaw only what you need without having to defrost the entire batch.
- Freezer-Safe Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags to store the chia pudding. Make sure to leave some headspace in the container as the pudding may expand slightly during freezing.
- Airtight Packaging: Ensure that the containers or bags are properly sealed to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the chia pudding. Squeeze out any excess air from freezer bags before sealing them.
- Stackable Storage: To save space in your freezer, consider stacking the containers or laying them flat in a single layer. This allows for efficient use of freezer space and makes it easier to organize and access the chia pudding.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen chia pudding, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator. Allow it to thaw overnight or for a few hours until it reaches a creamy consistency. Stir well before serving.
More chia pudding recipes and recipes with chia seeds you might like:
Samoa Chia Seed Pudding Parfait
This creamy and refreshing Chia Pudding is a healthy breakfast or snack that requires no cooking or baking and will keep your kitchen cool all summer. It's easy to make with layers of jam, chia pudding, fresh fruit and your favorite toppings. Gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, vegan, paleo-friendly with low carb and keto sweetener options.
- 2 cups non-dairy milk
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup , may sub with liquid sweetener of your choice. Use liquid monk fruit extract or Lakanto SF maple syrup for low carb / keto
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup homemade blueberry or raspberry jam or compote
- 1/2 cup fresh mixed berries
- paleo granola , toasted coconut chips, hemp seeds or chopped nuts
- dairy-free yogurt or whipped coconut cream
In a medium bowl, combine milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon. Use a fork or a whisk to combine.
Cover the bowl, place it in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until thickened.
When ready to serve, layer in jars starting with some jam, chia pudding, fresh berries and repeat.
Garnish with fresh fruit and / or grain-free granola, coconut chips, chopped nuts, whipped coconut cream or dairy-free yogurt or other toppings of choice, if desired.
Recipe Video
How to store:
In the fridge: Store any leftover chia pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can pre-assemble your parfaits in mason jars or store leftover pudding by itself.
In the freezer: You can also store your chia pudding in single portions in a freezer for up to 3 months.
How to thaw: Thaw in the fridge, overnight or until soft and no longer frozen, about 6 hours.
Disclaimer: This updated post was generated on May 22, 2023 by ChatGPT, an AI language model, and all info should be reviewed and validated by a human for accuracy and relevancy before implementation.
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