Chocolate Chia Pudding

Published on September 02, 2024

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Quick Summary

Chocolate chia pudding is a delicious, satisfying treat that combines the richness of chocolate with a creamy, slightly textured base. It's a great way to enjoy a healthier dessert option while indulging your chocolate cravings! Customize with your favorite toppings like berries, nuts, whipped cream, or chocolate chips!

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Chia pudding is one of my favorite meal prep recipes to keep in the fridge for easy breakfasts or snacks. Not only is it delicious, but it's packed with nutrients like fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein.

When I am in the mood for a something a little more decadent, I like to make Chocolate Chia Pudding. The cocoa powder gives the pudding a deep, satisfying chocolate taste, similar to a chocolate mousse or chocolate pudding.

The chia seeds are magic! They create a pudding-like consistency that is smooth and creamy, though it's slightly thicker and has a bit of a chewy texture due to the seeds.

The pudding is incredibly easy to make, you only need 6-ingredients, and it's easy to customize too. Top with berries, whipped cream, nut butter, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts! The options are endless.

I love having this nutritious pudding in the fridge for a grab and go breakfast, snack, or dessert. Kids and adults love it!

Table of Contents

Easy Ingredients
How to Make Chocolate Chia Pudding
Customization Ideas
How to Store
More Healthy Snacks
Chocolate Chia Pudding Recipe

Easy Ingredients

You only need 6 ingredients!

Milk– I use unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but you can use your favorite milk.
Chia seeds– store chia seeds in the freezer so they stay fresher for longer.
Cocoa powder– use regular unsweetened cocoa powder or Dutch processed cocoa.
Pure maple syrup– for sweetening the pudding.
Vanilla extract– a splash!
Sea salt– just a pinch!

How to Make Chocolate Chia Pudding

In a medium bowl, add the milk, chia seeds, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pinch of sea salt. Whisk well to combine.

Let sit for 15 minutes without stirring. After 15 minutes, stir until well combined and there is no clumping.

Cover the bowl and store in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. For best results, chill overnight so the pudding has enough time to thicken up. You can also divide the mixture into jars, cover, and store in the refrigerator.
When ready to eat, remove the chia pudding from the refrigerator and stir. Serve with desired toppings and enjoy!

Customization Ideas

Fruit: Top with fresh berries, banana slices, or cherries.
Spices: Add a little cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Chocolate: Top with chocolate chips, shaved chocolate, or cacao nibs.
Nuts: Add a sprinkle of almonds, walnuts, pecans, candied pecans, or peanuts.
Nut Butter: Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter.
Granola: Add your favorite granola for nice crunch! I highly recommend my chocolate espresso granola or chocolate peanut butter granola.
Whipped Cream: So dreamy!
Yogurt: top with yogurt for extra protein!
Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with salted caramel sauce!
Herbs: Garnish with fresh mint for a pop of pretty!

How to Store

Refrigeration: Always store chia pudding in the refrigerator. It should be kept in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other odors and to keep it from drying out.
Containers: Use a clean, airtight container like a glass jar. Mason jars and Weck jars are great options because they seal well and are easy to portion out. I also like these glass mugs with lids.
Shelf Life: Store the chia pudding in the fridge for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. The texture might become a bit thicker over time.
Toppings: If you're adding toppings, such as fresh fruit or nuts, it's best to keep them separate until you're ready to serve. Adding them too early can cause them to become soggy or lose their texture.

Snack