If you're looking for a dessert that's as healthy as it is delicious, look no further than chia seed and coconut milk pudding. This simple recipe has quickly become a favorite among those who want to enjoy something sweet without compromising on nutrition. Chia seeds are a superfood rich in fiber, omega-3s, and antioxidants, while coconut milk brings a luscious, creamy texture with a touch of natural sweetness. Best of all, this pudding is naturally dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free, making it ideal for a variety of diets.
Whether you're on a clean eating journey, aiming to reduce sugar intake, or just love a tasty treat that's packed with health benefits, chia seed and coconut milk pudding is the perfect option. You can make it in advance, store it in the fridge, and customize it with your favorite toppings like fresh fruits, granola, or nuts. Plus, it's incredibly easy to prepare – just mix the ingredients, refrigerate, and wait for the magic to happen! It’s the kind of recipe that can be enjoyed by the whole family, whether as a quick breakfast, post-workout snack, or a light dessert to wind down your day.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient-Packed: Chia seeds are a fantastic source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based protein, making this pudding a health-boosting powerhouse.
- Creamy & Satisfying: The combination of chia seeds and rich coconut milk results in a creamy, luxurious texture without the need for dairy.
- Super Simple: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings or meal prep.
- Customizable: You can make this pudding your own by adding flavors like cinnamon, cocoa powder, or topping it with seasonal fruits and nuts.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free: This dessert fits effortlessly into vegan, gluten-free, and paleo diets, and can be adjusted to suit almost any dietary need.
Ingredients for Chia Seed and Coconut Milk Pudding
- Chia Seeds: ¼ cup, these tiny seeds expand in liquid to create a pudding-like consistency.
- Coconut Milk: 1 cup (choose full-fat coconut milk for a rich, indulgent pudding, or light coconut milk for a lower calorie option).
- Sweetener: 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup (optional, depending on your preference for sweetness).
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon to add a touch of warmth and enhance the flavor of the pudding.
- Optional Toppings: Fresh fruit (such as berries, mango, or banana), shredded coconut, nuts, granola, or even a drizzle of nut butter.
How to Make Chia Seed and Coconut Milk Pudding
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours (chill time)
- Yield: 2 servings
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chia seeds, coconut milk, sweetener (if using), and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the chia seeds are evenly distributed and not clumped together.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken into a pudding-like consistency.
- Stir and Serve: Before serving, stir the pudding again to break up any remaining clumps and ensure a smooth texture. Divide the pudding into serving bowls or jars and add your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips
- Avoid Clumping: Stir the mixture well before refrigerating, and give it another stir after 10 minutes to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed throughout the coconut milk.
- Customize Your Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of sweetener based on your preferences, or skip it entirely if you prefer a more natural flavor. Topping with fresh fruit can add just the right amount of sweetness.
- Experiment with Flavors: For added flavor, try mixing in cocoa powder, cinnamon, or a dash of espresso powder before chilling. You can also use almond milk or cashew milk as alternatives to coconut milk for different variations.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare individual servings in small jars or containers for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack during the week.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
Serving Suggestions
There are endless ways to enjoy chia seed and coconut milk pudding! Top it with fresh berries, mango slices, or bananas for a fruity twist. For some added crunch, sprinkle on granola, chopped nuts, or toasted coconut flakes. You could also drizzle a bit of nut butter or honey on top for an extra boost of flavor. This pudding is delicious on its own, but experimenting with toppings can take it to the next level.
Packed with superfoods, this chia seed and coconut milk pudding provides a balanced dose of fiber, healthy fats, and protein, keeping you full and energized while supporting a healthy lifestyle. Best of all, it's customizable and versatile, so you can make it uniquely yours every time. Let's make it and share it with Tales Of A Kitchen!
C.
PrintCreamy Chia Seed and Coconut Milk Pudding
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours (chill time)
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Whip up a creamy, healthy treat with this chia seed and coconut milk pudding at Tales Of A Kitchen! This dairy-free dessert is perfect for any lifestyle.
Ingredients
- Chia Seeds: ¼ cup, these tiny seeds expand in liquid to create a pudding-like consistency.
- Coconut Milk: 1 cup (choose full-fat coconut milk for a rich, indulgent pudding, or light coconut milk for a lower calorie option).
- Sweetener: 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup (optional, depending on your preference for sweetness).
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon to add a touch of warmth and enhance the flavor of the pudding.
- Optional Toppings: Fresh fruit (such as berries, mango, or banana), shredded coconut, nuts, granola, or even a drizzle of nut butter.
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chia seeds, coconut milk, sweetener (if using), and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the chia seeds are evenly distributed and not clumped together.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken into a pudding-like consistency.
- Stir and Serve: Before serving, stir the pudding again to break up any remaining clumps and ensure a smooth texture. Divide the pudding into serving bowls or jars and add your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Avoid Clumping: Stir the mixture well before refrigerating, and give it another stir after 10 minutes to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed throughout the coconut milk.
- Customize Your Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of sweetener based on your preferences, or skip it entirely if you prefer a more natural flavor. Topping with fresh fruit can add just the right amount of sweetness.
- Experiment with Flavors: For added flavor, try mixing in cocoa powder, cinnamon, or a dash of espresso powder before chilling. You can also use almond milk or cashew milk as alternatives to coconut milk for different variations.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare individual servings in small jars or containers for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack during the week.
Nutrition
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 5g