Chocolate Chia Pudding

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A dessert that is both decadent and nutritious, this Chocolate Chia Pudding boasts hints of vanilla, maple, coconut, and cocoa in every spoonful.

A dessert with a chocolate taste is amazing. A dessert with a chocolate taste, made with healthy ingredients like cocoa powder, coconut milk, and chia seeds is incredible. A dessert with a chocolate taste, made with healthy ingredients like cocoa powder, coconut milk, and chia seeds, AND takes little effort is quite honestly a dream come true. (Yes, I dream of desserts.)

If you agree with me and think that any dessert that fits this description is your holy grail, then you need to make this recipe, because yes, this Chocolate Chia Pudding, checks all those longwinded sentences. While it does take a bit of forethought—the pudding requires several hours spent in the fridge to thicken—you’ll find it’s well worth the wait. In fact, you might say the anticipation is almost as delicious as the pudding itself! (OK, I lied. The anticipation is excruciating. I want the pudding NOW.)

If you’re as impatient as I am, then you’ll want to start this recipe sooner than later. I won’t keep you. Get going!

Are Chia Seeds good for you?

Chia seeds’ career as the hair for various Chia Pets in the 1980s soared to such heights, I bet most people overlooked their value as an actual food you eat. Well, I’m here to set the record straight. (Actually, chia seeds have been a popular ingredient and topping for the past wee while; I’m just standing on the shoulders of giants here.) I don’t find chia seeds to have any flavor, which is ideal. It means I can add them to any number of dishes to improve their nutritional value without affecting the taste (though the texture will be affected.) Chia seeds contain fiber, protein, antioxidants, and healthy fats, plus an assortment of vitamins and minerals. They keep you hydrated, thanks to their ability to absorb liquid, they contribute to bone health, and they help regulate your blood-sugar levels. And all from a handful of seeds!

Ingredients

1 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Chocolate Chia Pudding

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, chia seeds, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and the cocoa powder is fully integrated.

Step 2: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the pudding set until thick (at least 4 hours but overnight is ideal).

Step 3: Once set, stir the pudding well. Divide it into two bowls and enjoy as is, or top with your favorite fruits and coconut whipped cream.

FAQs & Tips

Do I really have to wait that long to eat the pudding?

While waiting overnight is ideal, you can be eating your pudding in as little as four hours. Still too long? My recommendation for the hungry and impatient out there is to sample the pudding once you’ve reached your breaking point. If you like it, then eat it. But just know that the quality of the pudding will only improve the longer you let it sit.

Can I have this for breakfast?

Considering all the health benefits of the ingredients in the pudding, I don’t see why not. You can make it the night before and eat it the next morning. Plus, it will give you time to burn off those calories (see next question).

How many calories are in a serving of this pudding?

There are about 407 calories in each serving, with a majority coming from the milk and the chia seeds. Those are good calories, though, as both are nutritious and only deliver so many calories because they care about your energy levels.

How do I store the pudding?

Store the pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I like to divide it up into small mason jars first, so I can just grab one and eat. You can also freeze the pudding for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before eating (although frozen pudding does sound like a healthy ice cream).

Is vanilla extract the same as vanilla essence?

Similar but not the same. Extract is the real deal. It’s more potent and, quite frankly, tastes better than vanilla essence. That’s because essence is synthetic and typically contains other things besides vanilla. If you were to use vanilla essence, you will probably have to increase the amount to match the flavor output of the extract.

Serving Suggestions

Don’t be intimidated by the chia seeds and feel you must add wheat husks and uncooked quinoa and other healthy, non-dessert foods to the pudding. This is just like any other, so add what you would normally add: nuts, granola, whipped cream, shaved chocolate, berries, a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon. If you think to do so, use almond extract instead of vanilla for a flavor full of nutty goodness (and then, yes, top it off with slivered almonds).