What is chia pudding?
Chia pudding is a popular and nutritious dish made by combining chia seeds with a liquid such as milk or a dairy-free alternative. As the chia seeds absorb the liquid, they swell and take on a gelatinous texture, resulting in a pudding-like consistency. Chia pudding can be served as a healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert, and it’s often customizable with various toppings and flavourings.
My inspiration for this recipe
This is a really quick and simple chocolate chia pudding recipe that’s so quick there’s almost nothing to write! Last year I wrote a recipe for a plain oat milk chia pudding and it’s a game changer for clean diets. Proper desserts can be hard to find when you can’t use ingredients such as sugars and flours but this feels like a really posh dessert that you might find in a restaurant. This time the recipe is back with a twist for chocolate lovers! Yes! A chocolate chia pudding recipe. I’ve also added a breakfast booster topping from Naturya and I really recommend their products. I love the whole range here. I’ve used the cacao crunch breakfast booster.
It never ceases to amaze me how these tiny little seeds turn a glass of milk into a creamy thick chocolate chia pudding dessert that anybody could enjoy.
I’ll have to apologize for the bad photography on this recipe. As I suffer with fibromyalgia, sometimes I can be quite shaky and combined with bad lighting, after the 3rd attempt of photographing this recipe I gave up and I’ll just have to make do with what I’ve got. It looks more aesthetically pleasing in person so I’m hoping the bad photography does not put anyone off.
Do you have a diet restriction?
This recipe is great for the following diet restrictions:
- Vegan (when used with plant milk)
- Vegetarian
- Gluten Free
- Dairy Free (when used with plant milk)
- Low GI
- Low FODMAP (when not used with plant milk)
Step 1: Mix the chia pudding ingredients together
Measure out 250mls of any milk you enjoy, I used organic oat milk and would highly recommend this choice, I think it’s particularly creamy and the subtle oaty flavor works really well with the chia seeds. Mix in 1 tbsp on cacao powder and taste to see if you need to add any more. You can also optionally add 1 tsp of sweetener or syrup of your choice. Add in 3-4 tablespoons of chia seeds and mix well. Leave for 10 minutes and stir well again then leave in the fridge for 2-3 hours. By this time it should have set into a solid jelly.
Step 2: Refrigerate and serve
Take from the fridge and top with something crunchy like one of the Naturya breakfast boosters or some granola.
Is the choice of milk important in this recipe?
No, you can use any milk of your preference, whether it’s dairy, oat, soy, or nut-based. Choose the one that suits your dietary needs and taste preferences.
Can I skip the sweetener?
Absolutely. The sweetener is optional, although cacao powder alone can be very bitter. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
How long does it take for the chia pudding to set?
It’s best to let the chia pudding refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, preferably, overnight to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and create a pudding-like consistency.
Can I add toppings to the pudding?
Yes, feel free to get creative with toppings like fresh fruits, nuts, or shredded coconut. It adds texture and enhances the flavour.
Is cacao powder the same as cocoa powder?
While similar, cacao powder is less processed and retains more nutrients than cocoa powder. You can use either based on your preference.
Can I prepare a larger batch for meal prep?
Certainly! You can double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch, perfect for meal prepping for the week.
Variations:
1. Peanut Butter Delight – Swirl in a spoonful of natural peanut butter for a decadent, nutty flavour.
2. Mint Chocolate Chip – Add a drop or two of peppermint extract and a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips for a refreshing twist.
3. Coconut Almond Joy -Mix in shredded coconut and chopped almonds for a delightful Almond Joy-inspired chia pudding.
4. Raspberry Chocolate Bliss – Top the pudding with fresh raspberries for a burst of fruity goodness that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
5. Banana Bread Chia Pudding – Mash a ripe banana into the mixture and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon for a comforting banana bread flavour.
6. Espresso Infusion – Stir in a shot of espresso or a teaspoon of instant coffee for a mocha-inspired chia pudding.
Latest Posts:
- Chicken And Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Vegan Lentil Bolognese Recipe
- Warm Aubergine Salad Recipe
- Chai Spice Recipe
- Chai Banana Bread Recipe
Please consider liking and following my Instagram and Facebook @ HealthyHeartyWholesome. Not only does it help you to stay up to date with all of these cool recipes but it helps support me, which means I can continue to bring you these super yummy healthy recipes for weight loss for FREE!
Chocolate Chia Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 250 ml milk (dairy/oat/soy/nut)
- 1 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 tsp sweetener optional
- 3-4 tbsp chia seeds
Instructions
- Measure 250mls milk and mix in cacao powder, taste more and add more if needed along with optional sweetener. Mix in 3-4 tablespoons of chia seeds.
- Leave for 10 minutes, mix again, leave in the fridge to set for 3-4 hours until fully set, you should be able to turn the cup/bowl upside down without the pudding moving.
- Top with granola to serve.
