Smooth Red Berry Chia Pudding

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This Smooth Red Berry Chia Pudding gives the classic chia pudding a new look with fresh red berry puree and ground chia seeds.  This healthy mix makes a sweet and tart smooth pudding.  Layer it with vanilla chia pudding and whipped coconut cream for a layered berries and cream dessert! 

Single parfait of strawberry chia pudding

A New Take On Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seed pudding is always in the fridge in my house.  And while I love the classic vanilla flavor, the change in seasons makes me look for ways to incorporate fresh berries where ever I can.  I thought about just throwing some berries on top of the pudding one morning, but then I had a better idea.

What if we just pureed the whole mix together?  Chia seeds and all.  Typically the chia seeds remain intact so they can soak up the liquid – coconut milk in our case – and they puff up to form soft little pudding nuggets.  That combined with the coconut milk gives you the tapioca pudding-like consistency of traditional chia seed pudding. 

So, how do you think grinding up the chia seeds turned out?

Strawberry chia pudding parfaits

Smooth Red Berry Chia Pudding

I’ll give you a one-word answer – AWESOME!  I thought I was a chia pudding fanatic before and after having this smooth berry delight, I am obsessed.  When you grind the chia seeds, you don’t have to worry about the little magic nuggets losing any of their absorption power.  It’s almost like they get super-powers when they are ground. 

The pudding is thick, creamy, and smooth, and being able to blend it with the fresh berries ensures a harmonious consistency.  Of course, having a fruit puree also adds to the thick and creamy, but its primary function is to deliver an intense sweet fruit flavor. 

So now that we know grinding chia seeds along with fruit will work, think of the possibilities with other fruit.  You could even take it a step further and freeze it for a cross between ice cream and sorbet.  

Strawberry chia pudding in glasses

Chia Seeds Are Healthy

Now that we’ve talked about how creamy and dreamy the pudding is, I will give the PSA for the health benefits of chia.  They are loaded with:

  • Antioxidants
  • Omega-3
  • Protein
  • Fiber

Couple that with maple syrup as your sweetener for the pudding, and you also have a dessert that is low on the glycemic index.  

Have you ever had pudding for breakfast?  Maybe you have, and I won’t judge, but this pudding is definitely a judgment-free zone!  In fact, I highly recommend it for breakfast.  Not only because it is delish, but because you are starting your day with a healthy treat.  

Layered strawberry chia pudding

How To Make Smooth Chia Seed Pudding

As with a traditional chia seed pudding, it should still sit in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying it.  This gives it time to set and all of the flavors to meld together.  

In keeping with the healthy theme of this treat, I also recommend using dairy-free milk.  I prefer coconut milk because of the flavor and consistency.  The unsweetened, unflavored coconut milk does not have a strong flavor like almond milk sometimes can.  It is also a little thicker, which let’s face it when making pudding is welcome!

Berry Chia Pudding Parfait

Because we can’t just stop at the smooth red berry chia pudding, we should layer it with the classic vanilla chia pudding.  Adding a layer of vanilla cream makes a dessert that reminiscent of berries and cream.  It doesn’t get much better than that!

With all of the ingredients, this is not only a healthy treat option.  It is now refined sugar-free, dairy-free, and even vegan.   Your friends will never know! 

Two strawberry chia parfaits

Red Berry Smooth Chia Seed Pudding

Yield: 2 Parfaits
GF
The Smooth Red Berry Smooth Chia Seed Pudding is a new take on classic chia seed pudding. Fresh red berries are blended with chia seeds for a sweet and tart smooth pudding. Make it even more delicious and layer it with classic vanilla chia pudding and whipped coconut cream for a healthy layered dessert!
Prep10 minutes
Chill8 hours
Total8 hours 10 minutes

Equipment

  • 2 Serving Glasses

Ingredients
 

Red Berry Chia Seed Pudding

  • 3/4 cup strawberries, fresh or frozen
  • 3/4 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen
  • 6 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 cup unsweetened carton coconut milk (or any milk of choice)
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or any sweetener of choice; more or less to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Layer Options

Instructions

Red Berry Chia Seed Pudding

  • In a blender, add the strawberries, raspberries, chia seeds, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
    3/4 cup strawberries, fresh or frozen, 3/4 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen, 6 tablespoons chia seeds, 1 cup unsweetened carton coconut milk, 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • If using frozen fruit – The pudding will have the consistency of a smoothie, and you could enjoy right away.
  • If using fresh fruit – Transfer the pudding to serving glasses or a bowl, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Layer Options

  • To make a layered parfait, layer with the vanilla chia pudding and fresh fruit. Garnish with whipped cream and more fresh fruit slice. Enjoy!
    Vanilla Chia Pudding, Whipped Coconut Cream
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Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Erin Cernich

NUTRITION ESTIMATES

Calories: 311kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 350mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 41IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 318mg | Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is calculated by a third-party and should only be considered an estimate and not a guarantee.
About the author photo.

about the author ...

I'm Erin and I'm all about desserts - and a little bit of butter!

I've tested, written, and photographed hundreds of recipes on my website. Here you'll find the tastiest small batch gluten free and traditional desserts - all homemade, all simple, and all for you!

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