This chocolate chia pudding recipe is creamy, chocolatey and indulgent! Perfect for a healthy dessert, or even breakfast. Containing only 5 ingredients, this healthy pudding it is loaded with nutrients and is vegan and gluten free. And it is the easiest healthy dessert recipe that requires no baking!
Like this vanilla bean chia pudding, this chocolate version is so simple and amazingly delicious! It can be prepared the night before and enjoyed for a decadent breakfast, lunchbox treat, afternoon snack or dessert!
Chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and are high in both protein and fibre. Combined with the health benefits of cacao and you have an incredibly healthy, guilt free dessert!
When chia pudding sets in the fridge, it has an amazing pudding-like consistency that can be paired with most sweet or crunchy toppings. It is a great afternoon pick-me-up that will leave you feeling full and full of energy!
What’s in chocolate chia pudding?
This is the easiest pudding you’ll ever make and is my favourite go-to recipe. It takes less than five minutes to make and only contains 5 simple ingredients;
- Chia seeds. The chia seeds in this pudding recipe will thicken and hold everything together.
- Dairy free milk. I use almond, but choose your favourite! Coconut milk works well too.
- Maple syrup.
- Vanilla.
- Cacao powder. Raw cacao powder is less processed than cocoa powder, but you can use either in this recipe.
How to make chia pudding;
In a large bowl, whisk the chia seeds and milk of choice together. Mix the cacao powder with a little boiling water to prevent lumps and ensure that the cacao blends evenly. Then add all of the ingredients together and whisk until combined.
Chill for a few hours in the fridge (overnight is best). And there you go! Chocolate chia pudding.
Chia pudding breakfast ideas;
Aside from a decadent dessert, try chia pudding for breakfast! Serve it with fresh fruit or berries, shredded coconut, granola, coconut yoghurt, hemp seeds or cacao nibs for a healthy breakfast for all ages.
For dessert, serve with fresh raspberries or strawberries and chocolate shavings, or try pairing it with this rich and creamy chocolate avocado mousse for the ultimate indulgence!
Tips for the best chia pudding;
The perfect chia to milk ratio varies slightly depending on the type of milk used. And it also depends on whether you prefer a thicker or thinner consistency. More milk or chia can be added depending on how you like your pudding.
To prevent lumps forming, continue to whisk a couple of times after adding the chia seeds to the milk. Leave the bowl on the bench and whisk again after one minute and again after five minutes. And again if you have time and can be bothered!
If you don’t enjoy the consistency of the chia seeds, you can also blend the mixture together until smooth.
What type of milk is best for chia pudding?
Use any type of milk you like! Dairy milk can be used, but chocolate chia pudding with almond milk has less calories and tastes amazing. In fact, a serve made with almond milk is only around 160 calories! Chia pudding with coconut milk or coconut water also works well too.
Depending on the type of milk you use, the consistency may vary. If too thick, add a little more milk or water. If too thin, use slightly more chia seeds.
Storage
Chia pudding can be stored, covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. This makes it an easy lunchbox or bulk made treat to enjoy throughout the week. It can be stored in a large bowl or airtight container, or individual serving jars or containers, ready to add to lunchboxes.
Chia pudding can also be frozen and thawed as needed. Individual serves can be added to lunchboxes frozen and thaw by snack time!
More chia seed recipes that you will love;
Chia is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in baking, desserts, breakfasts and smoothies. If you love this chocolate chia pudding recipe, give these other delicious chia seed recipes a try!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Feel free to leave a comment or review below, or send me a message. For more food inspiration, tips and to share your own recipes and creations, head over to my Facebook Recipe Group.
Chocolate Chia Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups milk of choice almond, cashew, coconut, dairy. Use your preferred milk of choice.
- 1 cup chia seeds
- 6 tbsp maple syrup
- 1-2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 3 tbsp raw cacao powder or cocoa powder
See serving options in the notes below.
Instructions
- In a small cup, mix the cacao or cocoa powder with ⅓ cup of boiling water and stir until smooth.
- In a mixing bowl, add the milk and chia seeds together and whisk until completely combined and lump free.
- Add the cacao, maple syrup and vanilla and whisk again.
- Set the chia pudding aside and whisk again after one minute, and again after five minutes, to prevent lumps.
- Cover the bowl or add the pudding mix into individual/single serve jars and chill in the refrigerator until thickened and set (overnight is best, or 3-4 hours).
- Refrigerate for up to five days and serve with your favourite toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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