Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Chocolate chia seed pudding is made for all my chocolate lovers. This pudding is great any time of day, but if you’re like me and want something sweet after dinner, this is the thing to try.  Scoop a little in a bowl, top it with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream and that’s it!  This chocolate chia pudding recipe has only 4 simple ingredients and you can make a big batch and have it all week.  It’s a simple dessert, a mid-day snack, or can be used for those make-ahead breakfasts, whenever you decide to eat it you will be happy you did!  

Why are Chia seeds good for you?

First of all, the health benefits of chia seeds are crazy.  Chia seeds contain a remarkably high amount of Omega-3 fatty acids and when you incorporate these into your diet they can help reduce heart disease.  Two tablespoons of chia seeds have 10 grams of fiber which is two times the amount in an apple. Fiber helps with gut health, encourages bowel movements, and keeps you fuller longer.  

Ingredients for pudding:

Chia Seeds-  3-4 tablespoons.  Chia seeds are pretty common nowadays, so they are found in many stores.  I get mine at Trader Joe’s, Ralph’s, or Pavilions.  Any brand will work, I prefer organic, but not a necessity for this recipe.  

Chocolate Milk-  One cup of chocolate milk.  Any kind will work.  You can buy it already made or make your own chocolate milk.  I have been using the chocolate oat milk from Trader Joe’s.  You could also use any kind of plain milk you like and add chocolate protein powder to make the chocolate milk.  Adding protein powder adds extra protein that most of us could use.   If you are looking for a non-dairy milk option try Coconut milk, soy milk, unsweetened almond milk, or cashew milk.

Vanilla Extract- 1/4 teaspoon.  

Cinnamon- Just a dash is all you need.  If you love the “Mexican chocolate vibe”, then add a bit more.  Cinnamon and chocolate are delish, but too much cinnamon can be over-powering.  

Favorite Toppings-  Fresh fruit: fresh raspberries, strawberries, or bananas. Sweeter stuff: Dark chocolate chips, cacao nibs, or whipped cream.  Try adding a little bit of Peanut butter or almond butter give it a good stir then top with bananas and drizzle of honey.  

How to make chocolate Chia Seed Pudding Recipe:

Add everything to a bowl

Begin by adding all the ingredients to a medium bowl.  I like to use mason jars, but I realize everyone doesn’t have those.  So a mixing bowl or an airtight container will work.  If you don’t have a container with a lid, just cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.  

Be sure to stir

Once you’ve added the ingredients to a bowl, stir it really well.  Then cover and put the container in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.  After 10 minutes, remove from the fridge and stir the mixture again.  I have found that this is the step not to skip.  So setting a timer to be sure!  Stirring before the chia seeds totally expand helps prevent them from clumping together.  When you stir it one time before it starts to set up it makes for a creamier pudding-like consistency.  After you have given the chia mixture one last stir, return it to the refrigerator for about 2 hours or overnight.  

How long does it take?

The pudding can take less than 2 hours to set up, but it depends on how fast the liquid absorbs.  You don’t want it to be wet and runny.   I’ve been able to eat it in about an hour.  So if you are in a hurry, just check periodically to see if it’s ready.  You don’t want any excess liquid on top.

Time to eat

After the allotted time, give it a good stir and scoop some into a small bowl.  Top it with your favorite toppings and serve.  For breakfast, I love a chocolate banana moment.  Try adding sliced banana to the pudding-It’s the perfect combination to satisfy that chocolate craving with not too much sweetness. For a chocolate dessert try adding fresh raspberries, mini chocolate chips, and some whipped cream.  I hope you try this recipe, if you do let me know what you think!

More recipes to try!

Easy Chia Seed Pudding

Chia Seed Pancakes

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

Blueberry Banana Smoothie