This Berry Chia Seed Pudding is a healthy and tasty treat! It’s made with chia seeds, creamy milk, and your favorite berries, making it colorful and delicious.
It’s like eating dessert for breakfast! I love to top mine with more berries and a drizzle of honey—yum! It’s a fun way to add some nutrition to my day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are the star of the pudding! They absorb liquid and swell up, creating a lovely texture. If you can’t find chia seeds, you could try using flaxseeds, but the texture will be different.
Mixed Berries: I love using a mix of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries for color and flavor. If berries aren’t in season, frozen options work well too. Just blend them straight from the freezer!
Milk: I prefer almond milk, but any milk—soy, coconut, or regular cow’s milk—is great. For a creamier pudding, try using full-fat coconut milk instead.
Sweetener: Maple syrup or honey adds sweetness, but you can skip this if your berries are sweet enough. Agave syrup or a sugar alternative can be used too for a lower-calorie option.
Why is Refrigeration Important for Chia Seed Pudding?
Refrigeration is a key step for achieving that creamy pudding texture! Chia seeds need at least 4 hours to absorb the liquid and expand. They form a gel-like consistency that makes this dessert satisfying.
- Mix well before refrigerating to avoid clumping of chia seeds.
- Give it time! Overnight chilling is best for the pudding to set perfectly.
- If it looks too thick when you stir it before serving, don’t hesitate to add a splash of milk to adjust the texture.
Berry Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pudding:
- 1 cup mixed berries (e.g., blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- 2 cups almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- Fresh blueberries
- A dollop of yogurt or coconut cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, but you’ll need at least 4 hours (or overnight) for the pudding to set in the fridge. Just mix it up and let the magic happen while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Base:
Start by adding your mixed berries and almond milk to a blender. Blend until the mixture is nice and smooth. You want it to be a beautiful berry puree that smells amazing!
2. Combine Ingredients:
Pour the berry mixture into a medium bowl or a jar. Now, stir in the chia seeds along with the maple syrup or honey (if you want it a bit sweeter!) and vanilla extract. Give it a good mix to make sure all the chia seeds are spread out evenly without clumping.
3. Refrigerate:
Cover your bowl or jar tightly and put it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This allows the chia seeds to soak up the liquid and expand, creating that pudding-like texture we love.
4. Stir and Serve:
When you’re ready to eat, give the pudding a good stir. If it’s too thick for your liking, just add a little more milk to reach your preferred consistency. Spoon the delicious pudding into serving glasses.
5. Add Your Toppings:
Top each serving with fresh blueberries and if you like, add a dollop of yogurt or coconut cream for that extra creaminess. Let the pudding chill in the fridge for a bit more if you want it very cold!
6. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy this refreshing, nutritious treat! It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
Can I Use Different Types of Milk in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any milk you prefer, such as soy, oat, cow’s milk, or coconut milk. Each will give a slightly different flavor and creaminess, so choose one that you enjoy the most!
Can I Make This With Other Fruits?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like mango, peaches, or bananas. Just keep in mind that different fruits may alter the sweetness and flavor, so adjust the amount of sweetener accordingly.
How Long Will This Pudding Last in the Fridge?
The pudding will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Just give it a stir before serving again to help redistribute the chia seeds.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly! The milk can be replaced with any plant-based option, and maple syrup is a great choice for sweetness. Just ensure any toppings you use, like yogurt, are also dairy-free if you want to keep it vegan.