Chocolate chia pudding
Chocolate chia pudding is a simple, tasty treat that’s creamy, chocolatey, and just a little bit crunchy thanks to those tiny chia seeds. It’s like a little jar of chocolate…
Tip: save now, cook later.Chocolate chia pudding is a simple, tasty treat that’s creamy, chocolatey, and just a little bit crunchy thanks to those tiny chia seeds. It’s like a little jar of chocolate pudding that’s also good for you, which feels like a win every time I make it. The seeds soak up the milk overnight, turning into a smooth and pudding-like texture that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
I love making this pudding because it’s so easy to mix up ahead of time—just combine cocoa powder, chia seeds, a sweetener of your choice, and milk, then let it sit overnight. In the morning, it’s ready to enjoy, and I usually add fresh berries or a sprinkle of nuts on top. It feels like a little chocolate treat that doesn’t come with a sugar crash, so I don’t have to feel guilty about it.
This pudding also reminds me of cozy mornings when I want something fast but special. Sometimes I scoop it into little jars and take it with me for a quick snack during the day. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s both comforting and easy to personalize with whatever toppings or flavors I’m in the mood for.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are the star! They swell up when soaked, creating the pudding texture. Look for organic chia seeds for the best quality. If you can’t find chia, ground flaxseeds can work but the texture will be different.
Milk: I use unsweetened almond milk for a light, nutty flavor. You can swap it for oat, soy, coconut, or regular dairy milk. Just choose your favorite or what you have on hand.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives the strong chocolate flavor without added sugar. Dutch-processed cocoa is smoother, but natural cocoa works fine. If you want a milder taste, reduce the cocoa by a tablespoon.
Sweetener: Maple syrup adds a nice touch of sweetness and a subtle flavor. Honey or agave work well too. Adjust sweetness to your taste, or try a sugar-free option like stevia if you want to keep it low-calorie.
Toppings: Fresh raspberries add a pop of color and tartness that balances the chocolate. You can swap berries for banana slices, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut depending on your mood.
How Do You Get the Perfect Pudding Texture with Chia Seeds?
Getting the pudding texture right is all about letting chia seeds soak long enough. Here’s what I do:
- Mix all the liquids and cocoa first until smooth, so the cocoa blends evenly.
- Add chia seeds and stir well to prevent clumps.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is best so seeds fully absorb the liquid.
- Before serving, stir the pudding well to break up any clumps and get an even, creamy texture.
Patience is key! Sometimes a gentle stir an hour or two after mixing helps avoid clumping. And if the pudding is too thick, just stir in a splash more milk before eating.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – makes it easy to whisk together cocoa, milk, and sweetener smoothly.
- Whisk or fork – helps blend ingredients evenly and break up lumps of cocoa powder.
- Measuring spoons and cups – so you get the right amounts of chia seeds and liquids every time.
- Glass jars or small containers with lids – perfect for storing pudding in the fridge and serving directly.
- Spoon – to stir the pudding before eating and for scooping it out nicely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder for a warm, cozy twist that deepens the chocolate flavor.
- Swap cocoa powder for matcha green tea powder for a fresh, earthy flavor and a boost of antioxidants.
- Stir in a spoonful of nut butter (peanut, almond) to make it richer and add healthy fats.
- Top with chopped nuts, seeds, or your favorite granola for extra crunch and texture variety.
How to Make Chocolate Chia Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Toppings:
- Fresh raspberries
- Shaved dark chocolate
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare. However, the chia seeds need time to soak and thicken, so allow at least 4 hours or overnight in the fridge. It’s perfect to make the night before and enjoy the next day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Chocolate Base:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined with no lumps.
2. Add the Chia Seeds:
Stir the chia seeds into the chocolate mixture, making sure they are evenly spread throughout the liquid. This helps prevent clumping.
3. Let It Set in the Fridge:
Cover the bowl or transfer the mixture into a jar or glass with a lid. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken into a pudding consistency.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the pudding a good stir to even out the texture. Spoon it into your favorite serving glass or bowl. Top with fresh raspberries, shaved dark chocolate, and a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a delicious and pretty finish. Serve chilled and enjoy your creamy chocolate chia pudding!
Can I Use Frozen Berries as Topping?
Yes, frozen berries work well! Just thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before topping the pudding to avoid extra moisture making it watery.
How Long Does Chocolate Chia Pudding Last in the Fridge?
Store it in an airtight container, and it will keep fresh for up to 4-5 days. Give it a good stir before eating, as it may thicken more over time.
Can I Make This Pudding Without Cocoa Powder?
Definitely! You can skip the cocoa for a plain chia pudding or add mashed fruit like banana or berries for flavor instead. Adjust sweetness as needed.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
Start with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey and taste the mixture. Add more if you want it sweeter, keeping in mind the toppings might add natural sweetness too.