Got a sweet tooth? Make a jar of Chocolate Chia Pudding for a no-bake, no-guilt dessert!
Ever wish you could indulge in a rich and decadent dessert without feeling so darn guilty? Luckily, you don’t need cups of sugar nowadays to make a delicious treat without sacrificing your health goals. Whatever diet you’re on, there are ways to make your desserts fit your lifestyle.
For instance, did you know you can create a sneakily healthy pudding recipe by mixing chia seeds with milk? Yes, once you stir these tiny seeds with a liquid, you’ll notice an amazing reaction that makes everything silky smooth! Why is this so special? Well, it gives us a way to mimic dishes like pudding while taking advantage of these seeds’ benefits. And, trust me, there are a lot of healthy things chia seeds do for your body.
So, if you’re a chocoholic and a health nut, this chocolate chia seed pudding is right up your alley. Plus, if you’re someone who likes overnight oats because you can make them ahead for breakfast, chia pudding is the same deal! Refrigerate it for four hours or overnight, then enjoy it in the morning!
Is This Chocolate Chia Pudding Healthy?
Chia seeds may be tiny, but they’ve got huge health benefits. These little guys are packed with nutrients, including plenty of antioxidants, omega-3s, and protein. Oh yeah, and don’t forget the fiber. Get this: You only need an ounce of chia seeds daily to boost your fiber content by almost ten grams!
Okay, chia seeds are obviously healthy, but doesn’t adding sweet ingredients cancel these benefits? Not necessarily. For instance, you could use natural sweeteners like maple syrup (used in this recipe), honey, or monk fruit to avoid unhealthy additions like refined sugar. It’s also easy to use a plant-based milk like almond (that’s what we used here), coconut, or oat if you’re on a lactose-free diet or vegan. As a bonus, cocoa powder is a source of magnesium, zinc, selenium, and more minerals, so you can enjoy this recipe’s decadence while still hitting your health goals.
Why Did My Chocolate Chia Pudding Come Out Watery?
Finding the perfect balance of chia seeds to liquid is a delicate dance. On the one hand, you don’t want this pudding to come out rock solid, but you also don’t want to slurp a super-thin chia smoothie.
A good ratio that works for me is one-quarter cup of chia seeds per cup of almond milk. If you add slightly more or less chia seeds to your mix, please stir them well to ensure they’re evenly spread. If you skip this step, your mix will likely turn out clumpy rather than smooth when you take it out of the fridge.
As a final tip: You might not get a great gel-like consistency if you’re using old chia seeds. Always opt for the freshest chia seeds for the best odds of creating a delicious and creamy pudding texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store chia pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
Chocolate chia pudding is a brilliant idea for breakfast or brunch, and it’s so easy to pair with fruit-forward faves like Peach Pancakes, Apple-Banana Muffins, or Cinnamon Banana Bread. You could also sprinkle tempting toppings like dark chocolate shavings, coconut flakes, or nuts on your chia pudding.
If you want to get a little more decadent, break out some whipped cream for an ultra-luxurious swirl. You could even add a chocolate or caramel drizzle and a cherry on top when you’re in need of some comfort food.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the chia seeds, cocoa powder, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the pudding reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
- Once set, give the pudding a good stir. Serve in individual bowls or glasses and, if desired, top with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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