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
Did you like this chocolate chia pudding?
If you enjoyed this recipe, it would help us tremendously if you left us a star rating in the comments below or on the recipe card. Do you have any questions about the recipe? Do you need a swap for any of the ingredients? We are here to help, just leave us a question in the comments below.
PrintChocolate Chia Pudding
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This smooth and creamy chia pudding recipe is made from chia seeds, unsweetened cocoa powder, dates, and almond milk creating a rich decadent chocolate chia pudding perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Enjoy this chia seed pudding recipe.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 6 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp natural vanilla extract
- Assorted berries or other seasonal fruit
Instructions
- Combine the cocoa powder and chia seeds in a large bowl and set aside
- Combine the dates, almond milk and vanilla in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour over the cocoa chia mixture and whisk well until the cocoa has dissolved
- Divide it into 3 individual 3.5 oz containers and refrigerate overnight, or until set.
- Top with whipped cream, whipped coconut milk, and Greek yogurt.
- Add Strawberries, your favorite berries, or seasonal fresh fruit.
Notes
- You can also use, coconut milk, cashew milk, oat milk, or soy milk to make this chia seed pudding.
- If you need more sweetness, use a natural sweetener such as add maple syrup or honey to taste.
- You can also add some mini chocolate chips to the mixture for added crunch.
- You may also top it with your favorite nuts
- You can make the chia seed pudding in one big batch and then decide it into individual containers.
This post was originally published on June 4th, 2019 - The recipe has remained the same, but we have included more useful information.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (does not include setting time)
- Category: Dessert / Breakfast
- Method: raw
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 237
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 97.1
- Fat: 6.8
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 46.9
- Fiber: 10.2
- Protein: 5.3
- Cholesterol: 0
This post was originally published on June 4th, 2019 - The recipe has remained the same, but we have included more useful information.
Susan Nathan says
I love chia seed pudding, but have never made it with dates -- can't wait to try this! I'm going to make this ASAP!
Vicky and Ruth says
Let us how you like it!
Susan Nathan says
I make this recipe frequently. It's one of my go-to desserts. I love it! Sometimes I substitute stevia for the dates to cut calories/sugar. I love it with strawberries on top. Sometimes I substitute half of the cocoa powder for 2 tablespoons of peanut powder for a chocolate peanut butter pudding. Such an easy, versatile recipe!
Vicky and Ruth says
Yum! Loving the peanut butter powder idea!
Kassie says
This was fabulous! I loved using dates to sweeten it.
Vicky and Ruth says
Thank you, happy to hear that you enjoyed it. Dates are natures candy, right?
Sue says
OMG!!!! Deeeeelicious! Thank you so much for posting this recipe 🙂
I put it in custard cups, and I ended up with 4 servings. Other than that, I didn't change a thing.
Vicky and Ruth says
Thank you for sharing your experience, Sue! Keep Cooking :-)!
Emi says
I really enjoyed this recipe!! I cut the dates to 3 because I don't enjoy the flavor of them but wanted to use something besides sugar. The recipe was still quite sweet! I think I may try just one or two dates next time! Thank you!!
Crystal says
Can you substitute whole dates with date syrup instead?
Vicky and Ruth says
We've never tried it with date syrup, it may work, but the texture may be a little different.
Gary says
Sweetening the chia pudding with dates is brilliant. Now I can eat it for breakfast too!
Andrea says
Absolutely delicious and decadent!