Published 3/16/2022 • Updated 7/5/2023
The Best Chia Seed Pudding!
This Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding is a thick & creamy, delicious dessert that’s naturally vegan and gluten-free. What is chia seed pudding? If you’ve never heard of chia seed pudding you essentially soak chia seeds in liquid and they expand into a gelatinous substance. When combined with cocoa powder, maple syrup, and almond milk it tastes exactly like chocolate pudding! In this post, we’ll teach you all about why we love chia seeds plus how to make this yummy chocolate chia pudding recipe.
A quick tip about chia seeds!
And now, my favorite thing about chia seeds! Did you know that when chia seeds soak in liquid, they expand in size and become extremely gelatinous?
139 calories 4g protein 9g fat 12g carbs 11g fiber
The texture is slippery and quite similar to actual pudding. Chia seeds also take on the flavors of whatever you mix them with. Another reason why they make an amazing pudding. We love using chia seeds in smoothies, overnight oats, and chia seed pudding!
What You Need for Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seeds – any kind of chia seeds work. The most common chia seeds you can find are black and white chia seeds. We’ve used both! Our #1 tip is to make sure your chia seeds are as fresh as possible and not expired or they will not expand. Protein Chia Pudding Cups Cocoa powder – This recipe calls for unsweetened cocoa powder. You can also use dark cocoa powder or cacao powder, but you may need to use more maple syrup to offset the bitterness. Maple syrup – maple syrup compliments the cocoa powder in so many ways. I love how warm and nutty maple syrup is! Feel free to use honey or agave or any other liquid sweetener. Unsweetened almond milk – we prefer unsweetened almond milk, but you can really use any kind of milk or liquid that you want such as coconut milk, oat milk, cow’s milk, etc.
How to Make Chia Seed Pudding
Step 1: Prep
Place all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl or jar and whisk/stir together until the cocoa powder is completely dissolved. We like to use a bowl with a lid for this recipe, so you can safely store it in the fridge without worrying about your chia pudding spilling. Our #1 tip is to make sure your chia seeds are as fresh as possible and NOT expired. If you use old/expired chia seeds, they will not expand properly. Speaking from experience over here!
Step 2: Cover & Set
Cover your chia pudding and place it into the fridge for at least 2 hours. We recommend letting your chia seed pudding sit for at least 12 hours to fully gelatinize. You will be able to tell a difference between chocolate chia seed pudding that has sat for only 2 hours compared to a batch that has sat for a full 12. The longer it sits, the thicker it will get!
Step 3: Eat!
After 2-12 hours, remove chia seed pudding from the fridge and mix. Option to add a little bit more milk depending on how thick you like it. Feel free to also add more maple syrup if you want your chocolate chia seed pudding sweeter, as well. Should I blend my chia pudding? If you are looking for a classic pudding texture and consistency, feel free to transfer your chia pudding into a high-speed blender after it has expanded and blend on high for 1 minute. This will pulverize the seeds and make them smooth and creamy.
Topping Ideas
Because every chia seed pudding desserts some kind of topping! Here are some of our favs:
fresh fruit: berries, strawberries, banana, raspberries, apples nuts: almonds, walnuts, peanuts nut butter: peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter granola coconut cream Greek yogurt
Not only can you top your chocolate chia seed pudding with any of the above, but you can also mix it right in!
Storage
Store chia seed pudding in an airtight container (such as mason jars) in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Chia seed pudding is a great dessert or snack to double or triple because it lasts for so long in the fridge!
Chia Seed Pudding Recipes
Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding Chocolate Peppermint Chia Seed Pudding Protein Chia Pudding Cups Favorite Chia Seed Pudding Recipes
