This creamy vanilla chia seed pudding is a tasty treat! Packed with healthy chia seeds and rich Greek yogurt, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
I love how easy it is to make—just mix, chill, and enjoy! Top it with your favorite fruits, and you’ve got a delicious way to start the day. Who knew healthy could taste so good? 🥄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are packed with nutrition! They absorb liquid and become gel-like, creating a dreamy texture. If you don’t have chia seeds, you could try using flaxseeds, but be aware they won’t thicken in the same way.
Milk: I used unsweetened almond milk, but you can use any milk you prefer—dairy, oat, or coconut milk all work well. Adjust the flavor by choosing flavored milk if you want to add an extra kick!
Vanilla Extract: This adds warmth to the pudding. If you’re out of vanilla extract, you can skip it, but it enhances the overall flavor. Just a sprinkle of cinnamon could work nicely too!
Maple Syrup or Honey: Sweetness can be adjusted based on your taste. You can use agave syrup or date syrup as alternatives if you’re looking for plant-based options.
How Do You Get the Perfect Pudding Texture?
The secret to a good chia pudding lies in allowing it to absorb the liquid properly. Make sure you whisk well initially to avoid clumping. Here’s how:
- Mix the chia seeds with your milk and sweetener, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This step is crucial for achieving that jelly-like consistency!
- Once it’s set, give it a gentle stir to even out any lumps that may have formed.
Your pudding will be thick and creamy, ready to layer with Greek yogurt and toppings. Enjoy your delicious, nutritious treat!
Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding With Greek Yogurt
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Fresh strawberries, chopped (for topping)
- Fresh blueberries (for topping)
- Sliced almonds or other nuts (for topping)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. If you can let it rest overnight, that’s even better for the best texture! You’ll blend it up quickly, let it do its magic in the fridge, and then enjoy all the delicious toppings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup or honey. Whisk everything together thoroughly to avoid clumping. You want those chia seeds to be well-distributed in the liquid!
2. Chill the Pudding:
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step allows the chia seeds to absorb the milk, turning into a lush pudding consistency—so don’t rush this part!
3. Stir It Up:
Once the pudding has set, give it a gentle stir to make sure it’s smooth and creamy. This helps break up any seeds that might have stuck together.
4. Assemble Your Dessert:
Spoon half of the chia pudding into serving glasses or bowls. Now it’s time to layer it with Greek yogurt—add a generous dollop over the chia pudding.
5. Complete the Layers:
Top it off with the remaining chia pudding. This layered look is not only pretty but delicious!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Now for the fun part! Garnish your pudding with chopped strawberries, fresh blueberries, sliced almonds, and a sprig of mint if you like. It adds a lovely touch and a refreshing taste!
7. Enjoy:
Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious, nutritious Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding With Greek Yogurt! It’s a delightful way to start your day or enjoy as a snack any time.
Can I Use Different Sweeteners?
Absolutely! You can substitute maple syrup or honey with agave syrup, coconut sugar, or even a sugar-free sweetener if you’re looking for a lower-calorie option. Just adjust the amount to taste!
What Type of Milk Can I Use?
You can use any milk you prefer! Besides almond milk, try coconut milk for a creamier texture or oat milk for a slightly sweeter flavor. Dairy milk is also a great option if you don’t need it to be plant-based.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, simply replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt, such as coconut or almond yogurt. Just ensure the yogurt you choose has a similar texture for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving to rehydrate the chia pudding, and feel free to add more toppings if you like!
