Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding
Do you remember the days when you thought pudding was officially off-limits if you were vegan? Thank goodness times have changed—and for the better! This vanilla chia seed pudding recipe is not only plant-based, but packed with protein and fiber from the chia seeds and absolutely delicious!
So, get ready to jazz up your breakfast or snack routine with the magic of vegan chia seed pudding. This delightful treat is not only tasty but also packs a nutritious punch. You’ll discover how a handful of shelf-stable ingredients can whip up a bowl of creamy goodness that your taste buds and body will thank you for.
It’s time to sneak into the pantry for chia seeds, sweetener, and other essentials so we can start this vegan pudding party!
Table of Contents
Why This Chia Seed Vanilla Pudding is So Awesome
If you’ve always been intrigued by chia seed pudding, this is the time to give it a try. Chia seeds are magic! Once you try this beginner-friendly recipe, you’ll be completely hooked.
- Incredibly Easy to Make: With just a few staple ingredients and a minute of mixing, you’ll have a yummy dessert in just a few hours. No fancy equipment needed!
- Super Healthy and Satisfying: You’ll be fortified with extra fiber and a powerful dose of plant-based protein in every bite.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Save time and energy by whipping up a batch the night before. Lasts for up to five days in the fridge!
- Very Versatile: Feel free to change up the flavors by swapping plant-based milks, extracts, fruits, and/or sweeteners. Any flavor you love is up for grabs!
- Dairy-Free Deliciousness: This pudding is perfect when you get a craving for something creamy and cool. All without any animal products.
Ingredient Notes
Healthy, whole food ingredients are the reason why this recipe works so well. It’s a delightful dessert to have on hand and it gives you the building blocks for creating your own personalized version of plant-based pudding. Let’s highlight the stars of this superb snack:
- Chia Seeds: Both black or white chia seeds (or a mix of both) would work in this recipe. If you’re wanting a less seedy appearance, choose white. Shaking the container well after adding the liquid (at least once) is the secret for a thick and creamy pudding.
- Plant-Based Milk: Use your favorite dairy-free milk for best flavor. If possible, choose a thick and creamy type such as soy, cashew, or oat. Experiment with flavors—chocolate or strawberry would be yummy choices!
- Vanilla Extract: This ingredient helps to make the sweetener taste more like caramel and adds a mellow undertone. Feel free to swap it out for another extract that you love, like almond, coconut, or citrus.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener which gives the pudding a slightly sweet, but also earthy flavor. If maple syrup doesn’t work for you, you can substitute agave nectar, vegan honey, or sweetener of choice.
How To Make the Best Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding
You won’t believe how easy it is to make chia seed vanilla pudding. How long does it take to make chia pudding? Only five minutes to create and a few hours to set. Simply mix up your ingredients, shake, and let set. This is a fantastic recipe to make the night before because it’ll be ready as soon as you wake up!
Step 1: In a tupperware container with a lid or a wide-mouth mason jar (quart sized), add the chia seeds, plant-based milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.
Next, Step 2: Mix well until no chia clumps remain, close the lid, and set in the fridge.
Finally, Step 3: After around 15-30 minutes, shake vigorously or mix with a spoon to make sure chia seeds don’t clump at the bottom. Place back in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours before enjoying.
Servings Suggestions and Tips
Sure, you can scoop this light and delicious pudding right out of the jar, but it’s even better served up in a special way. It’s time to break out your best glassware and festive serving cups and rummage around for tasty toppings. Let’s pull out all the stops for the perfect pudding presentation!
- Divine Dessert Decoration: Serve in small ramekins and add a flourish of favorite toppings such as fresh berries, sliced fruit, granola, homemade strawberry chia jam, a vegan chocolate mousse, or rich and creamy vegan whipped cream.
- Mouthwatering Meal-Prep Snacks: Divide into single-serving ramekins like these mini tulip Weck jars. Store in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
- Refresh and Reuse: If you’re a dairy-free yogurt lover, you can reuse the Oui yogurt glass jars. Then, you can order beautiful bamboo lids like these that fit them. They make perfect chia pudding jars!
- Fun with Flavors: Is vanilla a little too tame for you? How about trying lemon, orange, raspberry, coconut, or other extracts instead? For a more jelly-like consistency, try using fruit juice instead of plant-based milk. Our favorite flavors include cherry, grape, pineapple, and apple.
- Appealing Additions: We can’t resist adding pleasing little pops of flavor or color to our delightful desserts. Be silly and spontaneous by showering on some edible glitter, vegan sprinkles, shaved coconut, chopped nuts, tiny vegan candy pieces, or vegan oreo cookie crumbles!
How To Store Vegan Chia Seed Pudding
If you have any leftover pudding, no problem! Store any remaining vanilla chia pudding in a covered mason jar or container with lid. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
The preparation time is only 5 minutes or less, but you’ll want to chill your chia pudding in the refrigerator for at least a few hours before enjoying it. This allows the chia seeds enough time to absorb liquid and thicken, creating a pudding-like consistency.
It could be that you didn’t give it enough time to thicken, or you may have used too much milk. If it’s been less than 3 hours since mixing, return it to the fridge to continue thickening. If it’s still too runny, stir in more chia seeds and restart the clock to allow it to thicken. The perfect ratio of chia seeds to liquid is 1:4.
While the word “pudding” is in the name, chia seed pudding is not the same as the pudding you may be used to. With the addition of chia seeds, you get extra protein, fiber, and omega-3’s that help you stay full and satisfied. Plus, you can easily control the amount of added sugar, adjusting it to your preferences and dietary needs.
More Healthy Vegan Pudding Recipes to Try
- For a fresh and zesty flavor, try this smooth and creamy Easy Vegan Lemon Custard.
- Chocolate Lovers, you can’t go wrong with a luscious spoonful of this Silken Tofu Peanut Butter Chocolate Pudding or silky Vegan Chocolate Mousse.
- Tap into the past with this nostalgic and nosh-worthy Dairy-Free Tapioca Pudding.
- Nutty and sweet, you’ll fall in love with this PB&J Chia Pudding Parfait—a fun twist on a classic sandwich flavor.
Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding
Equipment
- 1 wide mouth mason jar quart size
Ingredients
- ½ cup chia seeds, any color
- 2 cups plant-based milk of choice, unsweetened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- In a tupperware container with a lid or a wide-mouth mason jar (quart sized), add the chia seeds, plant-based milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Mix well until no chia clumps remain, close the lid, and set in the fridge.
- After around 15-30 minutes, shake vigorously or mix with a spoon to make sure chia seeds don't clump at the bottom. Place back in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours before enjoying.
- To serve for dessert: divide into serving ramekins and decorate with toppings like fresh berries, sliced fruit, granola, homemade strawberry chia jam, or a vegan chocolate mousse. To meal prep as snacks: divide into single-serving ramekins like these mini tulip Weck jars and store in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
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This vanilla chia seed pudding is my new favorite recipe … thanks for the recipe!
I cannot get enough of this chia pudding! It’s just the right amount of sweetness and fills me up for a long time. Love!
This is one of those essential recipes that everyone needs to learn! I make it all the time, so perfect for meal prep (or “dessert prep” rather”)
Delicious and filling!
This Chia Seed Pudding is so tasty!
Quick and easy delicious healthy snack or dessert.