5- Ingredient Chocolate Chia Pudding

Indulge in this easy chocolate chia pudding. Nutritious chia seeds, sweet dates, rich cocoa powder, and your favorite plant-based milk all create a healthy breakfast. Top this chocolate chia seed pudding with Greek yogurt and berries, for added protein and vitamins. Transform it into a decadent vegan dessert when topped with coconut whipped cream!

Date-Sweetened Chia Seed Pudding

Chocolate Chia Pudding has a delightful texture and it’s enhanced with the natural sweetness of dates. Combined with the rich flavor of cocoa powder, this chocolate chia pudding lets you enjoy chocolate for breakfast and it doubles as a guilt-free dessert.

What Are Chia Seeds?

Chia seeds are native to central and southern Mexico, you can find black and white chia seeds, but there’s little difference between the two.  They’re tiny and oval with a little flavor of their own which makes them super versatile. Add your favorite flavor combination to your chia pudding for a nutrient-rich breakfast.

While whole chia seeds are digestible, soaking them overnight causes them to gel which adds a delightful texture to chia pudding (kind of like tapioca pudding or rice pudding, only with way fewer carbs).

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and calcium and have about 140 calories per two tablespoons. Some studies suggest that chia seeds may help build endurance, aid with sleep, relieve cramps, increase satiety, maintain healthy cholesterol, and stabilize blood sugar.

Ingredients for Chia Pudding Overnight

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. Invest in a high-quality cocoa powder and you will notice the difference.
• Chia Seeds. Chia seeds will stay fresh in your pantry for six months and they will last longer if stored in the freezer.
• Medjool Dates. They add natural sweetness to the chia seed pudding. You can add honey or maple syrup if it is not quite sweet enough.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk. You can use any other plant-based milk such a oat milk, soy milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, etc.
• Natural Vanilla Extract. Use your favorite real vanilla extract.
• Assorted Berries. Or other seasonal fruit.

How to Make Chia Seed Pudding

This recipe is incredibly easy; just combine the chia seeds and cocoa powder in a large bowl, blend non-dairy milk, dates, and vanilla extract until smooth, pour it over the chia seeds, and stir well. Let them soak overnight. While you’re sleeping, actual magic will happen in your fridge! Delicious chia pudding will be waiting for you when you wake up! Before serving, top it with berries or other seasonal fruit.

Blended Chia Seed Pudding

Alternatively, for a more traditional chocolate pudding texture, you can blend your chia seeds with milk, dates, and cocoa powder until smooth. Place the mixture in the fridge overnight or for at least 2 hours and you'll get a rich and creamy texture that’s just like regular chocolate pudding!

The dates add a rich and natural sweetness, to this breakfast chia pudding

A blend of non-dairy milk, dates, and vanilla extract is the soaking liquid that will flavor this chia seeds. Just let it soak in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips for Making the Best Overnight Chia Pudding

• Stir, stir, stir. Usually, if your chia pudding doesn't set it is because you didn't mix it enough. Stir once, and then come back a little later to stir again before adding lids and refrigerating.
• Separate the chocolate chia pudding into individual serving containers such as small mason jars for a grab-and-go breakfast or an easy, delicious, and healthy dessert.
• Fresh chia seeds make a difference! If you bought chia seeds a year ago and you are just now getting around to trying a few recipes, smell them making sure that there's no rancid smell. If your chia seed pudding doesn't gel your chia seeds may not be fresh.
• I you don't use chia seeds often, keep them in the fridge or freezer, so they stay fresh longer.

Popular Substitutions and Additions

• If you want to add a touch of extra decadence, top your pudding with whipped cream and macerated fruit. Macerated fruit has been soaked in sugar, wine, or vinegar to bring out the natural juices and form a sauce.

• Toppings keep things exciting! Fresh fruit, coconut, chocolate chips, toasted nuts, or crushed toffee all work well.

• Peanut butter, almond butter, or any other nut or seed butter is a fun addition to our chocolate chia pudding!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chia to Liquid Ratio for a Chia Pudding Recipe?

You need ¼ cup of chia seeds to 1 ½ cups of milk plus a little vanilla. That's a 1:6 ratio.

How long does it take for Chia Seed Pudding to thicken?

We recommend making it in the evening and letting it set overnight.

Can I make chia seed pudding ahead of time?

Yes. You need at least 12 hours for it to set, and you can make it up to three days in advance. You can make chocolate chia pudding at the beginning of the week and enjoy it all week long!

How to Store Chia Seed Pudding

Chia pudding should be stored in the fridge in an air-tight container for 3-5 days.

Can You Freeze Chia Pudding?

One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be frozen and enjoyed later! Chia pudding keeps in the freezer and only needs a couple of hours to thaw before being devoured. Make a double batch and have dessert ready to go anytime!

More Chia Seed Pudding Recipes

• Pumpkin Chia Pudding
• Apple Pie Chia Seed Pudding
• Matcha Chia Seed Pudding

Did you like this chocolate chia pudding?

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This post was originally published on June 4th, 2019 - The recipe has remained the same, but we have included more useful information.