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Creamy Chocolate Chia Pudding: Healthy Make-Ahead Treat Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 44 reviews
  • Author: Elizabeth
  • Prep Time: 4h 5m
  • Cook Time: N/A
  • Total Time: 4h 5m
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delicious and healthy creamy chocolate chia pudding that can be made ahead, perfect for a nutritious breakfast or dessert. This dairy-free, naturally sweetened pudding combines chia seeds with cocoa and almond milk for a rich, chocolatey treat that’s packed with fiber and omega-3s. Enjoy it topped with fresh berries, shaved dark chocolate, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of nut butter.


Ingredients

Scale

Chia Pudding Base

  • ½ cup chia seeds
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3–4 Tbsp pure maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt

Toppings (optional)

  • Fresh berries
  • Shaved dark chocolate
  • Coconut flakes
  • Nut butter drizzle


Instructions

  1. Mix the Base: In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
  2. Add Chia Seeds: Stir in the chia seeds thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed in the chocolate mixture.
  3. Refrigerate and Thicken: Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. Stir the mixture once after 30 minutes to prevent clumping and help the chia seeds absorb the liquid evenly.
  4. Serve: After the pudding has thickened to a creamy consistency, give it a final stir and serve chilled, topped with fresh berries, shaved dark chocolate, coconut flakes, or a nut butter drizzle as desired.

Notes

  • Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey to your preference.
  • Use any plant-based milk or dairy milk depending on your dietary needs.
  • Stirring after 30 minutes is key to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth pudding texture.
  • Can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a thicker pudding, add a little more chia seeds, for a thinner consistency reduce them slightly.