CHOCOLATE CHIA PUDDING
A luscious and velvety chocolate chia pudding that’s simple as it is satisfying. Nutritious chia seeds swell into a rich and tapioca-like texture when soaked in almond milk, while unsweetened cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavour without added guilt. A drizzle of pure maple syrup balances the bitterness of cocoa, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and earthy notes. The chocolate chia pudding is completely vegan and gluten-free. This pudding requires no cooking and can be prepared in advance for busy mornings or last-minute desserts. Each spoonful of chocolate chia pudding offers fibre, plant-based protein and healthy fats, making it an ideal snack or breakfast that nourishes both body and mind. This chia pudding is effortlessly customisable. It invites your favourite toppings to add texture and colour.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Breakfast
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
American
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No‑Cook, Prepared in Advance
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Picnic
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat / Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Low Cholesterol, Low Fat, Organic, Quick & Easy, Raw
DISH TYPE
Custard, Frozen Dessert
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for Chocolate Chia Pudding:
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 105.7 kilocalories
- Fat: 5.7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1.3 grams
- Carbohydrate: 14.0 grams
- Sugar: 4.1 grams
- Sodium: 89.0 milligrams
- Fibre: 6.8 grams
- Protein: 3.7 grams
- Calcium: 325.7 milligrams
- Iron: 2.1 milligrams
- Potassium: 225.2 milligrams
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Chocolate Chia Pudding:
- Combine Chia And Cocoa: In a bowl or jar, whisk 1 tablespoon of chia seeds and 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder until evenly dispersed. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth base.
- Pour Almond Milk: Add ½ cup almond milk in a steady stream, stirring constantly to blend with the dry mixture. A vigorous stir helps coat each seed before thickening.
- Sweeten: Drizzle 1 teaspoon of maple syrup over the mixture. Stir gently to integrate sweetness without breaking down the chia seeds.
- Rest Briefly: Allow the mixture to rest at room temperature for two minutes, then stir again to redistribute any settled seeds and ensure an even texture.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl or jar and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling allows the seeds to swell fully and the flavours to meld.
- Stir Before Serving: Before eating, stir the pudding one final time to restore its silky consistency and break up any gelled clusters.
- Portion And Top: Spoon into a serving dish and add toppings as desired, fresh fruit, nuts or seeds to enhance texture and visual appeal.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
0 minutes
TIPS
These tips enhance the quality of Chocolate Chia Pudding:
- Stir Twice: Initial and mid rest of stirs prevent chia from sinking and clumping at the bottom.
- Use High‑Speed Whisk: A small whisk or milk frother excels at blending cocoa and chia without lumps.
- Chill Thoroughly: Overnight refrigeration yields the creamiest and most cohesive pudding texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste before chilling and add extra maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter profile.
- Portion Early: Prepare multiple servings in small jars for grab-and-go breakfasts.
- Opt for Full-Fat Milk: Using high-fat almond milk adds extra richness and mouthfeel.
- Scoop Precise: Use a small ice‑cream scoop to portion evenly when serving to guests.
VARIATIONS
- Berry Layer: Swirl in 1 tablespoon mashed raspberries or blueberries before chilling for a fruity twist.
- Spiced Up: Add ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for warmth and depth.
- Nutty Crunch: Top with 1 tablespoon chopped toasted almonds, pecans or walnuts just before serving.
- Coconut Delight: Replace half the almond milk with coconut milk and sprinkle extra desiccated coconut on top.
- Protein Boost: Stir in 1 tablespoon plant-based protein powder at step 2 for added nutrition.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge: Store the chilled pudding in a sealed jar or container for up to three days. Stir briefly before serving if separation occurs.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended because freezing alters the gelatinous texture of chia seeds.