Chia Seed Pudding takes minutes to make, is super healthy and so versatile it can be served for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert. It’s filled with healthy fats, fiber and protein but tastes like a special treat. You can find jars of Chia Seed Pudding in my fridge at all times!
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Our family has been sprinkling chia seeds on yogurt and cereal for quite some time, but it wasn’t until one of my girlfriends told me (years ago now) about her kids’ love of her pudding that I decided to try using them in a different way. Our life was changed! Now this overnight Chia Seed Pudding recipe is one of our go-to breakfasts and will be yours too! It’s the perfect recipe to help you take on the day feeling fully satiated and energized.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chia Pudding Recipe
- Healthy and Filling: Chia seeds are known for their high level of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and antioxidant properties. They’re a great source of protein to keep you feeling full longer too!
- Easy to Make: This recipe for chia seed pudding requires minimal ingredients and even less effort. All you need is chia seeds, a liquid (such as milk or plant based alternatives) and a sweetener. Whip up a batch of Chia Pudding in minutes and let the rest happen in the fridge overnight.
- Customizable and Versatile: You can add your favorite toppings to your pudding to make it your own. Plus, chia pudding is so versatile you can serve it for breakfast or a snack, but it’s decadent enough to be a special dessert too!
- Perfect For Meal Prep: Chia Seed Pudding will last in your refrigerator for up to 5 days making it a great breakfast to meal prep for the whole week!
Chia Pudding Recipe Ingredients
Here’s all you need to make perfect chia seed pudding:
- Chia Seeds: Both black or white chia seeds will work in this recipe. Experiment with different brands and see which you like the best!
- Milk of Choice: Cow’s milk or any plant based milk will work to make creamy chia seed pudding.
- Honey: Add just a touch of sweetness. Feel free to substitute maple syrup if you prefer!
- Vanilla Extract: This adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the pudding.
How to Make Chia Pudding
1. Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, honey and vanilla. Add the chia seeds and stir to combine.
2. Let it Sit: Refrigerate 4 hours, stirring once halfway through to break up any clumps.
3. Add Toppings and Serve: Serve the pudding in individual bowls or jars and top with your favorite toppings.
The Best Liquid to Chia Seed Ratio for Chia Pudding
I think the perfect ratio for pudding is 2 tablespoons of chia seeds for every 1/2 cup of milk. If you want a thinner pudding you can add more milk, but this is the ratio I start with. You can make individual servings in mason jars by adding this ratio of milk to chia seeds along with a tablespoon of sweetener and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. Shake to combine, refrigerator for 4 hours and shake again halfway through.
Chia Seed Pudding Topping Ideas
One of the best parts of chia seed pudding is getting to add your favorite toppings. The possibilities are limitless. Just make sure you add the toppings after serving. Here are some of my favorite:
- Fresh Fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, slices of banana or any of your favorite fruit can be added on top of your pudding. My kids have always loved passion fruit on top of theirs!
- Add a Crunch: Nuts like pistachios and slivered almonds or even unsweetened shredded coconut and bee pollen are great additions to pudding. You could also add your favorite granola on top for some crunch!
- More Sweetness: Especially when I’m serving pudding for dessert I add some extra sweetness with chocolate chips, cacao nibs or an extra drizzle of honey on top. You could also add cocoa powder and follow this recipe for Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding!
How to Store Chia Seed Pudding
Store chia seed pudding in a mason jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving and feel free to add more milk if you need to loosen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
It will take at least 3 to 4 hours for your pudding to thicken, but you’ll get the best results letting it sit overnight.
Any kind of milk will work to make chia pudding. My husband (after lots of experimenting) claims oat milk makes the creamiest chia pudding with almond milk being a close second. I personally like using full fat cow’s milk for this recipe, but it works well with any milk you prefer!
When mixed with liquid chia seeds expand and take on a different texture, like gelatin. I would describe the texture of chia pudding as a thick, tapioca-like pudding.
Yes! If you prefer an utterly smooth texture (like the consistency of a chocolate pudding or mousse), or have a little one who does, just blend your ingredients until smooth in the blender before pouring into jars and refrigerating.
Is Chia Seed Pudding Healthy?
Chia Seed Pudding is considered a healthy snack because chia seeds are high in fiber, high in protein and contain healthy fats like omega-3s. Not to mention 2 tablespoons of chia seeds have only 130 calories.
- Fiber is good for gut health and helps control blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Protein helps you feel full longer to keep you satisfied between meals and helps build lean muscle mass.
- Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and are great for heart health and brain function.
More Recipes with Chia Seeds
Chia Seed Pudding couldn’t be easier to make and is the ultimate healthy breakfast to start your day off right. Or snack on it to keep you satisfied between meals! Kids and adults alike love it. If you make this recipe and love it, leave a rating and review below!
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Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients
Ingredients for 4 Servings of Chia Pudding:
- 2 cups milk of choice (almond, oat, rice, soy or cow’s milk)
- 1/4 cup honey, maple syrup or agave
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
Ingredients for 1 Serving of Chia Pudding:
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 1 tablespoon honey, maple syrup or agave
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, honey and vanilla. Add the chia seeds and stir to combine.
- Refrigerate 4 hours, stirring once halfway through.
- Add toppings of choice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
In my house our favorite way is with coconut milk. With some mango and granola, it’s delicious!
VERY DELICIOUS AND NUTRITIOUS!
I love your easy recipes which are perfect for anyone who wants to eat healthy without spending hours in the kitchen. You really understand how busy we get as working women. Your recipes are easy to follow and prepare with short steps. Love your energy and your love for food and family.
This makes me so happy! Thanks for the kind words 🙂 Glad you find weelicious to be a helpful resource for busy parents!
Is it better if u blend it after?
Is it better if u blend it after?
The flavor of these was really good (I subbed vanilla for almond extract as I ran out of vanilla) but unfortunately, mine didn’t set AT ALL (even overnight). I followed the directions exactly – even using Trader Joe’s organic whole milk like you did. Any idea why they didn’t turn out?
Looks delicious! Does banana go well with chia seeds pudding? And can someone share some different recipes with different flavors and ingredients? Thanks so much!