Vanilla Chia Pudding

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Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding is healthy and indulgent enough to enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, and anytime in between!  Antioxidant rich chia seeds are softened to pudding with unsweetened coconut milk and maple syrup. For a delicious vegan treat!

Vanilla chia pudding in a serving glass

Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

This is another recipe adaptation I adapted from the Food Network.  Once I landed on the right consistency and ratio of chia to milk, I discovered that chia pudding can take on any flavor combination of your choosing because the chia seed does not have a distinct flavor. 

  • Vanilla
  • Chocolate (add 1/4 cup cocoa powder)
  • Almond (using almond extract instead of vanilla)
  • Honey
  • Cinnamon

The options are vast.  

Aside from the health benefits of the chia seed, the little seed is a wonder in the way it puffs up and absorbs liquid, resulting in the pudding consistency, similar to a tapioca.  

Keeping the recipe healthy, I do like to use dairy-free milk and my preference is unsweetened coconut milk.  You can also use almond milk or soy milk, all of which also come in vanilla flavored options, which would work too. 

I stick with the natural flavors to give me a blank canvas to add other flavors or spices as I see fit.  The maple syrup will also add another layer of flavor, and who doesn’t like a little maple syrup flavor.  Though when you use maple syrup, use the real stuff, not the childhood favorite in the lady-shaped jar.  Maple syrup does have a lower glycemic index than sugar (making it a healthier option if you are concerned about blood sugar levels and carbs).

Top of chia pudding with blackberries

Making Chia Seed Pudding

The pudding should sit in the refrigerator at least overnight to allow the chia to soak up the liquid and thicken to pudding consistency.   From there, you can treat the pudding just like you would yogurt or dessert, topping it with whatever flavor you are in the mood for! 

I always top mine with whipped cream and my whipped coconut cream keeps in line with the healthy motif.   Blackberries and toasted coconut round out this recipe, but the vanilla chia pudding would also taste lovely with chocolate chips (ah, yes please), raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, slivered almonds, bananas … the list goes on and on.  

As you can see, the hardest part of this recipe is getting the seed to liquid ratio to a consistency that you like, and from there you can jazz it up any way you like!  

Close up of vanilla chia pudding topped with whipped cream

Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

Yield: 2 Servings
GF
Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding is healthy and indulgent enough to enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, and anytime in between!  Antioxidant rich chia seeds are softened to pudding with unsweetened coconut milk and maple syrup. For a delicious vegan treat!
Prep10 minutes
Chill8 hours
Total8 hours 10 minutes

Equipment

  • 2 – Serving Glasses

Ingredients
 

Chia Seed Pudding

  • 5 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 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

Instructions

Chia Seed Pudding

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chia seeds, coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.  Stir to combine.  Cover refrigerate for at least 4 hours, overnight is ideal.
  • When ready to serve, portion into desired serving glasses or bowls, top with berries, whipped cream, and toasted coconut flakes, and Enjoy!
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Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Erin Cernich
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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