Chia seeds. A super food of champions! These tiny little seeds are packed with fiber, protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. One of those magic ingredients, full of healthy-goodness. I’ve seen them in recipes and at the grocery store, but hadn’t tried them myself. I may be a little late joining the chia-seed bandwagon. Trader Joe’s started carrying them so I thought I would finally give them a try!
Chia seed pudding recipes kept popping up on Pinterest. It looked pretty similar to tapioca pudding, but there was no cooking involved. My kind of pudding! Just a few simple ingredients and no refined sugar. I put together this recipe and it was so delightful! The chia seeds work their magic and thicken the pudding as it sits in the refrigerator. I topped it with some fresh, organic raspberries. Yum! Any fresh fruit would be the perfect compliment to this refreshing treat.
vanilla chia seed pudding
AUTHOR: Sarah Bakes Gluten Free
RECIPE TYPE: snacks
SERVES: 2
INGREDIENTS
- 1 1/4 cups So Delicious unsweetened coconut or almond milk
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
INSTRUCTIONS
- Mix together coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir in chia seeds.
- Pour into serving dishes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
- Serve with fresh fruit (optional).
Melissa says
I love making Chia puddings! I'm so glad you stopped by my blog, Treats With a Twist! Can't wait to keep reading your recipes. I'm loving them so far!
sarahbakesgfree@gmail.com says
I now love it too! Thanks Melissa!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
Looks incredible!! YUM!
sarahbakesgfree@gmail.com says
thanks Liz!
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AutismUnited says
The kids will love this pudding. I can make in lunchable containers and they can take to school, thanks for the recipe.
sarahbakesgfree@gmail.com says
This would be great to put in school lunches! Thanks for stopping by!
Joy Calipes-Felizardo says
Can you link other Chia seeds recipes on my blog: http://www.gastronomybyjoy.com/
I have a bag full of chia just sitting on my kitchen cabinet.
thanks!
Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit says
Chia is the food of champions, for sure! I go through stages of hemp, chia and flax love, naturally rotating them every couple of months. Right now, I'm totally head over heals in love with flax seed but I have no doubt that will change and I'll go back to my copious amounts of chia seeds. Yum! Great blog, Sarah ๐
sarahbakesgfree@gmail.com says
Leanne, thank you! I go through stages too…since I just discovered chia seeds, it's been fun testing them out!
Nicci Pretti says
You said you used the Trader Joes coconut milk from a carton. Is that the consistency of milk or more like the coconut milk that comes from a can?
sarahbakesgfree@gmail.com says
I used the Trader Joe's unsweetened in the carton, because it was what I had on hand. It's similar to lite coconut milk. Regular coconut milk with just be a bit thicker. Any milk will work as it's the chia seeds that thicken the pudding (as it sits in the refrigerator). Hope you enjoy!
Anonymous says
I always love coming across new ways to incorporate Chia seeds into my diet. Thank you.. this one is already in my fridge chilling:)
sarahbakesgfree@gmail.com says
This one is a good one too….hope you enjoy!
April says
So do you eat this for breakfast, snack, dessert or what? I put chia seeds in my smoothie every morning, but I'm always looking for new ways to use them. I've tried a few chia puddings that were….lacking. This one sounds rich and satisfying. I will have to try it. I may have to hide it from the kids. THEY DON'T NEED ANY MORE ENERGY!!! ๐ But mama does!
sarahbakesgfree@gmail.com says
April, I think this vanilla chia seed pudding can be enjoyed any time of the day! It's not overly sweet and especially topped with assorted fresh fruit or even nuts…it would be a perfect start to your day! I know what you mean about needing more energy with little ones. My 3 year old son is a wild one, keeps me on my toes! But he sure is a sweet boy ๐
patterson's says
I'm so trying this ine. We eat chia seed everyday in yogurt. Flaxseed I make a killer banana bread. My basic banana bread recipe. Half flaxseed and oat bran instead of flour. Thinking of trying hemp and chia next…
itsasimplelife says
Do the seeds soften? I have such problems with them sticking between my teeth that it discourages me from adding them.
sarahbakesgfree@gmail.com says
They do soften, but they still have some texture. They are essential in this recipe as it thickens the pudding and also add great health benefits!
onmyway2organized says
Do you think I could switch out Agave suryp for the maple? I can't have maple…. I think I'll try it and just see ๐ Was just hearing how great chia seeds are for us, and now a great recipe to use them in!
elaokyere says
So I tried this and I LOVE it!!! I've been drinking coconut milk for the past 6months when I discovered my breastfed newborn can't tolerate dairy. I made this up last night and enjoyed for breakfast this am. Delicious!!! Thank you!
Kristen Brady says
Made this pudding following the recipe exactly (except i substituted regular cow milk for the coconut milk). Turned out really well! Yum! I little bit mild in flavor and sweetness so i added a wholed sliced banana to each serving and drizzled a little hershey's chocolate syrup on top (i'm new to this healthy eating thing). It was delicious!!! My husband keeps asking me to make more! It turned out to be sort of a healthy banana split! ๐
Chrissie Thrash says
can i use flax seed instead of chia seeds?
sarahbakesgfree@gmail.com says
Unfortunately, only chia seeds will work in this recipe. Whole flax seeds are not only too hard for the body to break down, but they don't have a natural thickening quality to them like chia seeds.
Anonymous says
Would Sweetened Coconut Milk make this too sweet???
Would this work with Almond Milk??
sarahbakesgfree@gmail.com says
You can use sweetened coconut milk, you may not need to add the maple syrup. Almond milk would work great in this recipe!
Anonymous says
I love it! It is so delicious. I'll try the other recipes too. By the way, I found a post that is highly inspired by your recipe… http://nataliejillfitness.com/chia-seed-pudding-recipe/
Anonymous says
Are the chia seeds all supposed to rise to the top?
Ruby says
Hi. Would honey work in this instead of the maple syrup??
Sarah says
Yes!
Lisa says
I don’t drink coconut milk in a cartoon due to the carrageenan. Would the recipe work with canned coconut milk?
Sarah says
Yes, I would just use the lite coconut milk. The full-fat coconut milk will get too firm when refrigerated.