Posted Jan 06, 2021, Updated Mar 14, 2024 I’m always looking for healthy ways to satisfy my raging sweet tooth, and this Chia Pudding recipe is just perfect (along with these black bean brownies and healthy peanut butter blondies). Chia seed pudding is easy to make in one bowl with only four ingredients, and tastes like the tapioca pudding I’ve loved since I was a child but is so much healthier. This recipe is easy to customize to comply with your dietary needs by choosing your favorite milk and sweetener (Paleo, vegan, etc.)! Serve it with your favorite toppings for a healthy dessert, breakfast or snack.
Chia Pudding Recipe: Ingredients & Substituions
Let’s discuss the four ingredients in this chia pudding recipe, as well as possible substitutions.
Milk. You can use any milk in this recipe with great results. I usually opt for unsweetened vanilla almond milk, coconut milk or whole milk. Honey. Maple syrup is a great vegan sweetener option. When I make this recipe for myself I use 2 Tablespoons of sweetener, when I make it for my family I use 4. I recommend starting with 2 and taste testing, then adjusting from there. Vanilla. the pure vanilla extract imparts the best flavor – I don’t recommend skipping the vanilla or making substitutions. Chia Seeds. No substitute here! You can use black or white chia seeds.
How to Make Chia Pudding
You can make this chia seed pudding recipe in two ways, in a the blender or by hand in a bowl.
Blender Method
If you’d like to use a blender, simply put all the ingredients in the container of a Vitamix (or another high-powered blender) and blend for 30 seconds or until the mixture is smooth. This option is good for people who don’t prefer the texture of chia seeds because it is smooth.
Bowl Method
In a large bowl, whisk together milk, honey vanilla and sea salt until combined (it’s easier to incorporate honey if the milk is room temperature). Next, add the chia seeds and whisk to combine. Then place the large bowl in the refrigerator to chill for 30 hour, stirring once halfway through.
Chill
Transfer the pudding mixture into 2-4 glass jars with lids and chill overnight in the refrigerator, or for at least 8 hours.
Store/Freeze
Store this chia seed pudding in glass jars with airtight lids in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Or freeze for up to 2 months.
Serve
One chilled and thickened, serve this chia seed pudding with your favorite toppings. Here are some suggestions;
Fresh or frozen & thawed berries Fresh fruits (bananas, apples, citrus fruits, etc.) Nut Butters (like this vanilla almond butter or this homemade peanut butter) unsweetened coconut Candied almonds Cinnamon Sugar pecans Honey or Maple Syrup Strawberry Sauce Chocolate chips or cocoa nibs Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, etc.) Dried Fruits (cranberries, apricots, rasins, etc.)
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