Chia pudding is an indulgent plant-based breakfast or snack option that tastes just like dessert while providing essential fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Whisk the mix-ins thoroughly to avoid clumps and whisk again after 10-15 minutes of resting (see list of ideas below). Refrigerate overnight for the best texture and flavor results.
Table of Contents
Easy Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl or jar, whisk together milk, vanilla, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt until combined.
- Add chia seeds and whisk vigorously or shake in a jar with a lid to prevent clumping.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes, then stir again to break up any clumps and ensure even hydration.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until thick and creamy.
- Before serving, stir once more and top with fruit, granola, or nuts.
Notes
It’s Vegan
These tiny yet powerful seeds pack an immense nutritional punch. Packed with fiber, Omega-3’s, protein, and more – you can use these super seeds in smoothies, granola bars or overnight oats for an added nutritional boost – but nothing beats a decadent creamy chia seed pudding for me.
My preferred vegan chia pudding recipe involves mixing milk and natural sweetener together in a glass or mason jar, stirring in chia seeds, then leaving to rest for 10-15 minutes before stirring again – this helps prevent clumping while simultaneously improving texture of pudding. Once mixed and you see that all chia seeds have plumped up nicely, cover and refrigerate until set – overnight is best but if in a rush in the morning it can even be served after 4 hours!
Add different twists to this easy chia pudding recipe by including mix-ins and toppings before serving, such as:
It’s Gluten-Free
Chia seed pudding can be an easy, plant-based breakfast choice that meets vegan or other dietary restrictions. Not only is this treat naturally gluten and dairy free, it can be customized by topping it off with fruit, granola or other nutritious add-ins of your choosing!
Chia seeds are an amazing superfood, boasting absorption rates up to twelve times their weight in water when soaked overnight and turning it into gelatin-like texture. Packed with omega-3s, fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus zinc vitamin B3 and thiamine for added nutrition while having mild flavor and nutty texture they make them great additions to smoothies or baked goods recipes alike!
A key to creating the ideal chia seed pudding recipe lies in choosing an optimal milk/chia seed ratio. A quality milk that will result in creamy, thick pudding should be chosen, such as light coconut milk which pairs beautifully with these seeds and offers subtle sweetness; other dairy or plant-based milk options might include almond, oat or soy varieties as well.
Before refrigerating chia seed pudding, be sure to give it a good stir to ensure the seeds are evenly dispersed throughout the liquid and to break up any clumps that form while sitting in the fridge. This will help it set evenly without becoming too chunky or sticky when chilled later on.
It’s Easy
Chia seeds are like natural Jell-O, absorbing up to 12x their weight in liquid and setting into a thick pudding when left overnight in the refrigerator. I love using them to make an easy vegan/gluten-free breakfast pudding that uses just three tablespoons of chia seeds, one cup of plant milk, a teaspoon of vanilla extract and heavy pinch of cinnamon – an irresistibly light, creamy treat that is ideal for satisfying morning, snacking or dessert needs! This delicious treat also happens to be vegan friendly!
Add extra flavor by stirring in sweet ingredients like fresh or dried fruits, honey drizzle or honeycomb pieces. Granola or nuts make great toppings too – and don’t forget it can stay fresh in your fridge up to five days, providing you with a nutritious breakfast during the week! This dish also makes an excellent meal prep recipe – keeping for five days after being stored away, you have breakfast on hand each morning of your work week.
Add all ingredients to a large bowl, whisking to remove any lumps. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, before whisking again to help hydrate chia seeds and adjust texture (if needed). Cover it with plastic wrap or lid and store overnight, or for at least 4 hours in the fridge before spooning into serving containers with desired toppings.
It’s Delicious
Chia seeds are powerhouses of omega-3’s, antioxidants, fiber and protein. When mixed with water and left to gel for 24 hours or so, they produce an easily customizable pudding-like treat with incredible nutritional benefits that is both filling and satisfying. With many flavors and toppings to choose from, make your pudding truly your own with this quick chia seed pudding recipe that works as breakfast as well as snack or lunch meal prep options that keeps well overnight in the refrigerator!
Add all ingredients into a jar or bowl and whisk vigorously to break up any clumps of chia seeds and ensure an even mixture. Feel free to customize it further, by adding any flavorful add-ins (see list of ideas below), before whisking again for optimal results.
Refrigerate before covering and stirring after 10 minutes to prevent any clumps from forming and to check on its texture; if it seems too runny or thick for your liking, add more chia seeds while for too thick textures, add additional milk.
Once the pudding has set, serve it in a glass or bowl and top it off with any of your preferred toppings – fruit, nuts or granola should be saved until right before serving so they remain crisp without becoming soggy! Enjoy your treat!
FAQ
How long does chia pudding need to sit before you can eat it?
Chia pudding should sit for at least 2 to 4 hours, but overnight is best. This gives the chia seeds enough time to fully absorb the liquid and create that thick, creamy pudding texture.
Why did my chia seed pudding not set?
If your chia pudding didn’t set, it’s usually because of too little chia, too much liquid, or not enough resting time. Make sure you use the correct ratio (about 3 tablespoons chia seeds per 1 cup of milk), stir twice during the first 15 minutes to prevent clumping, and let it chill at least 4 hours.
How long should chia seeds be soaked for pudding?
For the best texture, soak chia seeds for a minimum of 4 hours. Allowing them to rest overnight produces a smoother, thicker pudding. The longer they soak, the more liquid they absorb, which improves consistency.
What is the ratio of chia seeds to milk?
The ideal chia pudding ratio is 3 tablespoons chia seeds to 1 cup of milk. This gives a perfectly thick but spoonable texture. For a thinner pudding, use slightly more milk; for a thicker one, add a bit more chia.
Conclusion
Chia seed pudding is the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. With just a few ingredients, you can create a creamy, satisfying breakfast or snack that fuels your day with plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Whether you enjoy it plain or topped with fruits, nuts, or granola, this easy chia seed pudding recipe proves that healthy eating can be simple, delicious, and endlessly versatile. Try it today and make it your go-to meal prep favorite!