Chia Pudding
13 Comments
Posted: 01/01/21
Updated: 10/11/23
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With only four ingredients this Chia Pudding is an easy snack or breakfast! It’s healthy, filling and easy to make everything you want in a recipe. It has a pudding texture with amazing flavor. Top it with your favorite toppings like strawberries, blueberries, bananas, nuts, and more!
I’ve been trying new easy breakfast recipes and I’ve got a favorite for you today: chia pudding!
It’s a four-ingredient breakfast that is healthy and surprisingly filling – plus, you can make it ahead, so it’s easy to grab in the morning. Our weekday mornings are so busy, so I love a grab and go breakfast!
What are Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds are teeny tiny black seeds from a desert plant native to Mexico. They are a whole grain with tons of antioxidants, fiber, protein, and healthy fat – in other words, pretty good for you!
They can be used in a lot of ways, like in smoothie bowls, but one of the easiest ways to add them to your diet is by making chia pudding.
When the seeds are soaked in milk, they absorb the liquid, expand, and soften creating a pudding-like texture. It reminds me a little bit of tapioca pudding.
You can eat the pudding plain or add sweeteners and toppings like fresh fruit and nuts. So, it’s similar to oatmeal, but it’s served cold and tastes like pudding!
I love it for breakfast, but it also makes a great snack when you need something a little sweet but want to keep in on the healthier side. It’s so easy to make a big batch to have on hand all week for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack.
If you’ve been looking for a new quick, and healthy breakfast to try, you should definitely give this overnight chia pudding a try!
Ingredients
- Milk
- Chia seeds
- Vanilla
- Maple syrup or honey
For a basic chia pudding that’s all you need! I love mine with some toppings, so you might want to try some of these topping ideas:
- Fresh fruit like blueberries, sliced strawberries, sliced bananas, or raspberries are great.
- Your favorite nuts.
- Granola – pick your favorite!
- Chocolate – sometimes I add some mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
- Fruit compotes are great, or try stirring in some of your favorite jelly or jam.
How to Make Chia Seed Pudding
Whisk the milk, chia seeds, vanilla, and maple syrup (or honey) in a large bowl. Whisk until everything is completely combined.
You can leave the mixture in the bowl or divide it among containers for single-servings. Mason jars work great for this.
Cover and refrigerate the pudding for at least six hours or overnight. When it’s set, top it with your favorite toppings, or enjoy it plain!
Recipe FAQs
What kind of milk should you use?
I use regular milk but you can use non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk. With non-dairy milk you may need to adjust the amount so your pudding has the right texture.
Do chia seeds go bad?
They will eventually, but they typically keep well for months or even a few years if they are store properly. Keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place and they will keep for months at room temperature. Or, you can store them even longer in the refrigerator.
Is chia pudding healthy?
It depends! Chia seeds are a healthy whole-grain seed with tons of nutrients and antioxidants – how healthy you want to make your pudding will depend on the kind of milk you use and the toppings.
Why is my pudding runny?
Did you refrigerate the pudding for at least six hours? The seeds need time to absorb the liquid, which will thicken it into a pudding. Also, depending on the kind of milk you use, you may need to add more or less chia seeds to get the right texture.
Why are my chia seeds still crunchy?
They need at least six hours to soak in the milk – this will cause them to absorb the milk and soften. Also, be sure to measure the ingredients – the right ratio will give you the best results.
Quick, healthy and delicious! I love this chia pudding recipe – it feels like a treat, but is packed with so many good-for-you nutrients. Make a batch this week and give it a try!
More Healthy Breakfast Ideas
- Love warm, fresh muffins in the morning? Refrigerator Bran Muffins are the answer! You make a large batch of this high fiber muffin batter and keep it in the fridge for up to 6 weeks.
- My Berry Yogurt Parfaits are a quick and healthy breakfast for busy mornings!
- Strawberry Overnight Oats are another make-ahead breakfast that is so easy to make. Make a batch over the weekend to have on hand during the week!
- Warm up with a slice of Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal with pure maple syrup drizzled over it.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Chia Pudding
Healthy, filling recipe with only four ingredients perfect for breakfast or snack!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ c. Milk
- ¾ c. Chia seeds
- 1 ½ tsp Vanilla
- 3 Tbsp Maple syrup or honey
Optional Toppings
- Fresh fruit
- Nuts
- Granola
- Chocolate
- Compote
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl add milk, chia seeds, vanilla and maple syrup or honey. Whisk together until completely combined.
- Leave in bowl or spoon into smaller glass containers. Cover and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
- Enjoy on its own or add in your choice of addition fruit, nuts or granola.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Tips
What kind of milk should you use?
I use regular milk but you can use non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk. With non-dairy milk you may need to adjust the amount so your pudding has the right texture.
Do chia seeds go bad?
They will eventually, but they typically keep well for months or even a few years if they are store properly. Keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place and they will keep for months at room temperature. Or, you can store them even longer in the refrigerator.
Why is my pudding runny?
Did you refrigerate the pudding for at least six hours? The seeds need time to absorb the liquid, which will thicken it into a pudding. Also, depending on the kind of milk you use, you may need to add more or less chia seeds to get the right texture.
Why are my chia seeds still crunchy?
They need at least six hours to soak in the milk – this will cause them to absorb the milk and soften. Also, be sure to measure the ingredients – the right ratio will give you the best results.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 258kcal (13%), Carbohydrates: 29g (10%), Protein: 10g (20%), Fat: 12g (18%), Saturated Fat: 2g (13%), Cholesterol: 6mg (2%), Sodium: 59mg (3%), Potassium: 349mg (10%), Fiber: 12g (50%), Sugar: 14g (16%), Vitamin A: 251IU (5%), Vitamin C: 1mg (1%), Calcium: 385mg (39%), Iron: 3mg (17%)
Marie says
Love the chia seed pudding. What would be the Exact serving size ?
Rae says
Could you use coconut milk?
Julie says
Yes, that should be fine!
Betsy says
I love this! Such a wonderful, healthy alternative to dessert! Still tastes great!
Julie says
Awesome! I’m so glad you loved it!
Beth says
This looks so delicious and tasty! My daughter is going to love this recipe!
Julie says
Hope you all enjoy it!
Stephanie says
Absolutely fantastic! So easy to make and the fresh berries were the perfect touch.
Julie says
I’m so glad you loved it!
Vickie says
Love it!
Julie says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Ramona Fletcher says
I made this Chia Pudding for the first time last night. It is very good even with no fresh fruit on top, just eating it plain. Thank you for the recipe. I am going to try keeping this on hand in my fridge.
Julie says
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it!