The Best Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
This luscious Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding combines rich cacao with nutritious chia seeds for a creamy, healthy dessert or breakfast option. Easily made with dairy or plant-based milk, it’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup and flavored with vanilla. Ready in just minutes plus chilling time, and fully customizable with fresh fruit, nuts, or whipped cream toppings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk (dairy or dairy-free)
- ¼ cup chia seeds
Optional Toppings
- Raspberries or other fresh fruit
- Chocolate shavings
- Coconut whipped cream
- Nuts and seeds
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: Add the cacao powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, milk, and chia seeds to a medium bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Rest and Thicken: Let the mixture rest undisturbed for 15 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and begin thickening. Do not stir during this time to ensure optimal gel formation.
- Whisk Again: After 15 minutes, whisk the pudding once more to break up any clumps and redistribute the chia seeds evenly.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the pudding to fully set and develop its creamy texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Once chilled, stir the pudding before serving. Divide into small dessert glasses or bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as fresh raspberries, chocolate shavings, coconut whipped cream, or nuts and seeds.
Notes
- If the pudding hasn’t thickened after about 10 minutes, your chia seeds may be old or inactive; try using a fresh batch for best results.
- For a visually appealing frosted berry effect, freeze clean, dry berries in a single layer and add them just before serving, serving immediately for the best look and texture.
