Creamy Chia Pudding Recipe

Dreamy Overnight Chia Pudding Recipe: Breakfast Joy in a Jar

Smooth mornings start with a delightful chia pudding recipe that packs a nutritional punch.

Creamy textures and vibrant flavors dance together in this simple breakfast treat.

Packed with omega-3s and protein, this pudding becomes your secret weapon against midmorning hunger pangs.

Overnight preparation means you wake up to an instant, hassle-free meal that feels like pure indulgence.

Velvety layers of seeds and milk create a delectable canvas for your favorite toppings.

Fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of honey can turn this basic recipe into a gourmet experience.

Let’s find out this nourishing delight and fuel your day with deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

Essentials for Chocolate Chia Pudding

For Base Ingredients:
  • Chia Seeds: Tiny nutritional powerhouses that create a creamy, gel-like texture and provide omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
  • Milk: Delivers smooth, rich consistency and supports the pudding's overall structure with dairy or plant-based options.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cacao Powder: Introduces deep, intense chocolate notes with antioxidant-rich profile and luxurious dark color.
  • Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness with subtle caramel undertones and balanced glycemic impact.
  • Vanilla Extract: Elevates overall flavor complexity with warm, aromatic essence that complements chocolate perfectly.
For Garnish Elements:
  • Raspberries: Bright, tangy contrast that adds fresh burst of color and vitamin-packed nutrition.
  • Chocolate Shavings: Creates elegant visual appeal and introduces extra chocolate intensity.
  • Coconut Whipped Cream: Provides creamy, light topping with tropical hint and dairy-free option.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Delivers delightful crunch, additional protein, and textural complexity to finished dessert.

What Tools Help Prep Chocolate Chia Pudding Right

  • Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients smoothly and breaking up clumps.
  • Medium-sized bowl: Perfect for mixing all ingredients together comfortably.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately portion cacao powder, maple syrup, milk, and chia seeds.
  • Small dessert glasses: Elegant serving vessels for presenting the chilled pudding.
  • Optional toppings tools: Grater for chocolate shavings, small knife for cutting raspberries.

Making Chocolate Chia Pudding in No Time

  • Flavor Foundation

Blend rich cacao powder with sweet maple syrup, smooth vanilla, and creamy milk until perfectly combined in a cozy mixing bowl.

  • Seed Magic

Sprinkle chia seeds into the liquid mixture, stirring gently to distribute evenly. Let the blend rest for a short while, then whisk again to prevent any stubborn clumps from forming.

  • Chill Time

Secure the bowl with a lid and tuck it into the refrigerator. Allow the pudding to transform and set for several hours or through the night.

  • Serving Delight

Give the pudding a final stir to refresh its texture. Carefully transfer the silky mixture into charming small glasses.

  • Gorgeous Garnish

Crown your pudding with a playful array of fresh raspberries, delicate chocolate shavings, fluffy coconut cream, or a sprinkle of crunchy nuts and seeds.

Tips That Make Chia Pudding Creamier and Richer

  • Let the chia seeds soak longer for an ultra-smooth, silky pudding consistency that melts in your mouth.
  • Replace cow's milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk to create a delicious vegan version that's just as rich and satisfying.
  • Experiment with different extracts like almond or peppermint to give your pudding a unique and unexpected twist that will surprise your taste buds.
  • Prepare multiple batches in advance and store in sealed containers for up to 5 days, making breakfast or dessert prep a breeze during busy weeks.
  • Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder or add a dollop of Greek yogurt to transform this dessert into a more substantial, nutritious treat that keeps you full and energized.

Serving Chocolate Chia Pudding in a Tasty Way

  • Berry Bliss Topping: Scatter fresh raspberries and blueberries on top for a burst of color and natural sweetness that complements the rich chocolate flavor.
  • Nutty Crunch Delight: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, and crushed walnuts for an added texture that provides a satisfying crunch against the smooth pudding.
  • Tropical Dream Garnish: Layer with coconut whipped cream, a drizzle of honey, and toasted coconut flakes to transform the pudding into an exotic dessert experience that feels like a mini vacation.
  • Decadent Chocolate Finish: Shave dark chocolate on top and add a light dusting of cacao powder for an extra chocolatey touch that elevates the entire dessert presentation.

Storing Chia Pudding for a Ready-to-Go Treat

  • Fridge-Ready Strategy: Store your chocolate chia pudding in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping its creamy texture and rich flavor intact.
  • Prep-Ahead Magic: Mix ingredients the night before for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or delightful dessert that saves you morning rush time.
  • Portion Control Trick: Divide the pudding into individual mason jars or small containers for easy grab-and-go portions that stay fresh and prevent unnecessary waste.
  • Temperature Wisdom: Always keep the chia pudding refrigerated below 40°F to maintain its smooth consistency and prevent bacterial growth, ensuring maximum taste and safety.
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Creamy Chia Pudding Recipe

Creamy Chia Pudding Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy chia pudding blends Mediterranean flavors with nutritious ingredients. Refreshing coconut milk and honey create a simple, elegant dessert perfect for wellness enthusiasts seeking delightful nourishment.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or dairy-free)
  • 2 tbsps cacao powder
  • 2 tbsps maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Raspberries
  • Chocolate shavings
  • Coconut whipped cream
  • Nuts and seeds

Instructions

  1. Blend Creation: Vigorously whisk cacao powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and milk in a medium bowl until achieving a luxurious, velvety chocolate base with zero lumps.
  2. Seed Integration: Fold chia seeds into the liquid mixture, ensuring comprehensive and uniform distribution throughout the chocolate mixture.
  3. Resting and Setting: Allow the pudding to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes, then re-whisk to prevent seed clustering. Transfer to refrigerator, cover securely, and let thicken for 4-8 hours until reaching a perfect pudding consistency.
  4. Serving Preparation: Stir pudding thoroughly to reinvigorate texture, then elegantly portion into serving vessels, creating smooth, glossy servings.
  5. Final Embellishment: Crown the pudding with a sophisticated arrangement of fresh raspberries, delicate chocolate shavings, airy coconut whipped cream, or a sprinkle of crunchy nuts and seeds to elevate both visual drama and textural intrigue.

Notes

  • Prevent Lumps: Whisk the mixture vigorously to eliminate any cacao powder clumps and create a smooth, silky chocolate base.
  • Distribute Evenly: Gently fold chia seeds to ensure uniform distribution throughout the mixture, avoiding seed clustering.
  • Optimal Chilling Time: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to achieve the perfect pudding-like consistency and allow flavors to meld.
  • Enhance Texture: Stir before serving to redistribute chia seeds and restore the creamy, velvety texture of the pudding.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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