Chocolate chia seed pudding dessert

How to make easy chocolate chia pudding

Our Chocolate Chia Pudding delivers maximum flavour with minimal effort and is ideal for those days when you're heading off to the gym or hoping for an afternoon snack. All you'll need is to gather the ingredients, mix them together and then wait for a few hours for the pudding to thicken in the refrigerator.  

You’ll love to have it made in batches beforehand and ready for you whenever you’re on the move or looking to curb your chocolate cravings with something healthier.  

The beauty of this recipe is that with a few topping swaps, you can create an almost entirely different-tasting snack. For example, for a wholesome breakfast, you won’t regret adding a handful of granolas on top. Or to add more richness, a few dollops of coconut whipped cream or peanut butter won’t disappoint.  

How long will it last in the refrigerator? This chia seed pudding will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days without stress. If you’d like to store it for longer, then you’re also welcome to freeze it for up to 3 months and just make sure to leave enough time for thawing.  

If you find that the chia seeds are not thickening, it could be because they’re not fresh enough and have been sitting in the pantry for too long. We’d recommend starting again with brand-new seeds.  

 

Ingredients

• 15 g cocoa powder 

• 30 ml maple syrup 

• 1 g ground cinnamon 

• 250 ml almond milk 

• 30 g chia seeds 

Optional toppings  

• Fresh fruit (sliced bananas, a handful of berries)  

• Granola  

• Crushed nuts  

• Coconut whipped cream  

Instructions

1. In a bowl, gently mix together the cacao powder, maple syrup, cinnamon, milk, and chia seeds.  

2. Allow the mixture to rest for about 15 minutes, giving the chia seeds enough time to form a gel. Then, give the mixture a final stir before you cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight.  

3. When the pudding is ready to serve, remove it from the refrigerator and stir it with a spoon to achieve a smooth consistency.  

4. Serve it in a small bowl or dessert glass and decorate it with your favourite toppings. Fresh fruit, coconut flakes, or dark chocolate pieces are just some ideas in case you need inspiration!  

For an extra touch of sweetness: chocolate chia pudding with peanut butter

Once you’ve perfected the chia seed-to-liquid ratio, the possibilities are endless, and you can add a variety of toppings to satisfy whatever you’re in the mood for on that day. This is the perfect recipe to make in batches on a Sunday, and leave it in the refrigerator, so you can enjoy a quick, nutritious snack throughout the week.  

Something that pairs especially well with this recipe is a few generous spoonfuls of peanut butter, making this pudding even more creamy and nutty. The extra protein from the peanuts is ideal for those days when you’re craving a more substantial snack that will keep you energised between meals.   

What goes well with peanut butter? If the classic PB&J sandwich is anything to go by, then a fruit jam. You can put a healthier twist on this combination by creating a simple purée at home, with a handful of frozen berries cooked on the stove. For those who are allergic to peanuts or prefer a different flavour, feel free to experiment with almond and cashew nut butters as well.