Description
This velvety chocolate chia pudding is a simple, nutritious treat you can eat for breakfast, as a snack, or as a lighter dessert. Tiny chia seeds swell into a silky gel when combined with almond milk and cocoa, creating a rich, chocolatey pudding full of fiber and healthy fats.
Ingredients
Scale
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you prefer)
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup (or another sweetener)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A small pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk the chia seeds together with the cocoa powder so the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Stir in the almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and the pinch of salt. Whisk vigorously until smooth and there are no visible lumps.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours — overnight gives the creamiest texture. The chia will absorb the liquid and thicken into a pudding.
- Before serving, stir the pudding to break up any clumps and adjust sweetness or thickness if needed. Spoon into bowls or jars and top as you like.
Notes
- Serving suggestions
- Top with fresh berries, sliced banana, toasted nuts, shredded coconut, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt. For an extra chocolate hit, sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings or cacao nibs.
- Tips & swaps
- Milk options: Use coconut milk for a richer, creamier result, or oat milk for a naturally sweeter base.
- Sweetener alternatives: Honey, agave, or a few drops of liquid stevia all work — taste and tweak to preference.
- Texture control: If it’s too thick, stir in a splash more milk. If it’s too loose, add a teaspoon of chia, wait 15–30 minutes, then check again.
- Bold tip: Whisk the cocoa with the seeds first to help prevent cocoa clumps.
- Variations
- Blend half the pudding in a blender for a smoother, mousse-like finish while keeping some whole seeds for texture.
- Stir in a tablespoon of nut butter for a mocha–nut twist.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for warming spice or subtle heat.
- Storage
- Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving; add fresh toppings just before eating for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg