Chia seed pudding may remind you of tapioca pudding, thanks to its chewy texture. Chia seeds are a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids and develop a gel-like consistency when mixed with liquid. As a bonus, this pudding has 5 grams of protein per serving. It’s the perfect sweet treat that you can snack on straight from the fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Either white or black chia seeds can be used for this recipe. Paired with cocoa powder, milk, and your favorite sweetener, it’s something you can stir together fast. Use dairy-free milk and maple syrup to keep this recipe vegan. Almond milk is my go-to non-dairy milk, but regular milk, soy milk, oat milk, or any other liquid will work, too. If you use full-fat canned coconut milk or cream for this recipe, the pudding will thicken more than usual when chilled, but it’s still delicious.
How to Make Chocolate Chia Pudding
You can make up to 4 days’ worth of chia pudding at a time, so gather as many mason jars as you’ll need. The jars need to be 8 ounces or larger. (A 12-ounce jar is ideal, so there’s room for toppings later.) Into each jar add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, 1 tablespoon of cacao powder, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and a 1/2 cup of milk. Use a small whisk to stir well. The cocoa powder will be difficult to mix at first, so don’t feel discouraged if you see powder still floating on top of the mixture. Let the jar rest for 10 minutes after stirring. This will allow the chia seeds to start thickening. When 10 minutes have passed, use the whisk to stir the mixture again. You’ll notice the chia seeds have started to clump together. The whisk will help them break up and ensure the flavorings are evenly distributed. Be sure to check the bottom and sides of the jar to break up any clumps that may occur. This chocolate chia pudding recipe can be enjoyed as soon as it has thickened. Otherwise, secure a lid on each jar and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pudding will thicken even more when chilled overnight. Add an extra splash of water or milk to thin out the texture to your liking, if needed. Serve with sliced banana, strawberries, raspberries, or cacao nibs on top for extra crunch. (Mini chocolate chips are a fun topping, too!) If you try this Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how you like it.
