Finally The Best Classic Vanilla Chia Pudding Recipe Ever
Are you tired of the same boring breakfast choices day in and day out? Cereal again and again can be tiresome. Maybe you want something healthy but don’t have the time for a big production in the morning.
Well, we’ve got the answer.
This Classic Vanilla Chia Pudding is a total game-changer, providing a delicious, nutritious, and make-ahead breakfast that feels like a treat. Get ready to shake up your mornings!
What Makes Chia Pudding a Superfood Breakfast?
Chia seeds are nutritional powerhouses, packed with goodies.
These tiny seeds are full of omega-3 fatty acids.
They provide tons of fiber, and are a good source of plant-based protein.
Chia pudding is good for your heart and helps keep you full. It makes a smart choice for anyone looking to add more nutrients to their diet, without a lot of fuss.
Chia pudding can be a key part of a healthy lifestyle. This pudding is a convenient way to get a daily dose of essential nutrients.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding
Let’s break down what you will need for this recipe, we want to tell you what each ingredient brings to the table.
- Milk: This forms the base of our pudding. The liquid helps the chia seeds bloom. You can use any milk, dairy or non-dairy. Almond milk brings a nutty flavor. Coconut milk makes it extra creamy, and soy milk adds a protein boost. Each of us brings our own preference to the table.
- Chia Seeds: These little guys are the stars of the show, offering all those health benefits we talked about. They also give the pudding its signature texture. Black or white work the same way. You really want to make sure they are fresh.
- Maple Syrup: For sweetness. Maple syrup adds a warm, rich flavor. Honey and agave are also great natural options.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile with its classic aroma and taste.
- Almond Extract: This is our secret weapon, providing a subtle, nutty undertone that makes this recipe special, unlike others out there. A little goes a long way.
- Sea Salt: A pinch might sound strange, but it balances the sweetness and elevates the other flavors. Salt really helps the other flavors to stand out in a big way.
Learn more about using different sweeteners: Demerara Sugar Guide
Simple Steps to Creamy Vanilla Chia Pudding
Making this pudding is a breeze, we promise.
You simply whisk together the milk, maple syrup, vanilla, almond extract, and salt in a bowl.
Next, you stir in the chia seeds, ensuring they’re all mixed in.
Then you let it sit for a few minutes and whisk again. This second whisking helps prevent clumps.
Finally, you just divide the mixture into jars or bowls, cover them, and let the fridge work its magic for a few hours, or overnight.
Give it a good stir before digging in.
For another easy breakfast idea, try our: Banana Bread Recipe
Classic Vanilla Chia Pudding Recipe
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Classic Vanilla Chia Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours – 24 hours
- Yield: 2 Servings 1x
Description
Tired of the same old breakfast routine? This classic vanilla chia pudding is a game-changer. It’s a healthy, make-ahead breakfast (or snack!) that’s packed with nutrients and tastes like dessert. You mix a few simple ingredients, let it sit in the fridge, and wake up to a creamy, dreamy pudding. It’s naturally gluten-free, easily made vegan, and perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings. Get ready for a breakfast you’ll actually look forward to!
Equipment:
- 2 small jars or bowls (8-12 oz)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (any kind – dairy or non-dairy, use full fat coconut milk for an extra thick consistency)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds (black or white)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey, agave, or sweetener of choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (This is the unique element!)
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, and sea salt. Make sure everything is well combined. A little extra effort here will ensure your finished product is a pudding with evenly dispersed flavor.
- Add the chia seeds to the milk mixture. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds to prevent clumping. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. You will notice the chia seeds have begun to swell. Give it another good whisk to break up any remaining clumps. The seeds are good at hiding.
- Pour the mixture evenly into two jars or bowls. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows them to take their pudding form. Four to six hours is the perfect amount of time to let the ingredients do their thing, but you can leave it overnight.
- Before serving, give the pudding a good stir. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. The texture of chia pudding can vary, and you have the power to change it easily.
Topping Ideas:
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- Sliced banana or mango
- Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower)
- Coconut flakes
- Granola
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- Chocolate chips or cacao nibs
Notes
- Why Almond Extract? This is where we add a little something special. Most vanilla chia pudding recipes stick to just vanilla. Adding a touch of almond extract gives the pudding a more complex, slightly nutty flavor that complements the vanilla beautifully. It’s a subtle difference that elevates the overall taste and makes this recipe stand out. It also pairs well with many of the toppings.
- Sweetener: Adjust the amount of sweetener to your liking.
- Thickness: If you prefer a thicker pudding, add an extra tablespoon of chia seeds. For a thinner pudding, add more milk when serving.
- Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Storage: Store leftover chia pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours (minimum), 4-6 hours or overnight (optimal)
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 250-350 (depending on milk and sweetener used, excluding toppings)
Nutritional Insights:
This Classic Vanilla Chia Pudding is not just delicious, it is packed with nutrition.
Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, important for heart health.
They are loaded with fiber, aiding digestion and helping you feel full longer.
You will also get a good dose of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
Depending on the milk and sweetener you choose, this pudding can also be a good source of calcium, vitamins, and minerals.
This is the perfect healthy treat.
Ingredient Alternatives:
No maple syrup? Honey or agave work great.
If you don’t have vanilla extract, try a different one like almond or coconut, but remember, our recipe uses vanilla and almond for a unique twist.
You can use any type of milk you like, just be aware that it might change the flavor and texture a bit.
Chia seeds are the star. There is not a good alternative for them.
Perfecting Your Chia Pudding With Tips for Texture and Flavor
Getting the texture just right is all about the ratio of chia seeds to liquid.
You have control over the thickness.
If you like it thicker, use a little less liquid, but not too little.
More liquid can be added later if you prefer a thinner consistency.
We all have different preferences.
Letting the pudding sit for at least a few hours, or even better, overnight, really helps it set up nicely.
If your pudding’s been sitting for a while and becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it to your liking.
Explore other make-ahead breakfast options like these: Egg Free Waffles
Get Creative Delicious Chia Pudding Variations
The basic recipe is yummy, but changing things up can be fun, right?
If you are a chocolate lover, a spoonful of cocoa powder could be added.
Throwing in some berries, like strawberries or blueberries, provides extra sweetness and vitamins, which are great.
Nuts and seeds offer a nice crunch.
Want tropical vibes?
Try mango and coconut flakes. You can even layer the pudding with yogurt or fruit puree for a pretty parfait. The variations are truly endless.
Serving Up Your Chia Pudding With Topping Ideas Galore
Toppings are where the fun’s at.
Here are a few ideas we love.
Add fresh fruit.
Try some crunchy granola.
Sprinkle in some nuts or seeds.
Maybe some chocolate chips are for you.
You could drizzle on a little extra honey or maple syrup, for more sweetness.
Toasted coconut flakes make it taste extra special.
Toppings can make each bowl unique to the person eating it.
Everyone has their favorite part, and this is ours.
Storing Your Chia Pudding To Make-Ahead and Leftover Tips
One of the best things about chia pudding is that it’s perfect for meal prep.
Make a big batch ahead of time.
You can keep it in the fridge for up to five days in airtight containers.
Just grab a jar each morning and you’re ready to go.
This is great for busy mornings. No more skipping breakfast.
Your Chia Pudding Questions Answered: An Easy FAQ
Yep, you can use honey, agave, or any other sweetener you like.
Stir in a little more milk until it’s the way you like it.
It should keep well for about five days.
Frozen fruit works too, just thaw it first.
It can be, it’s filling and full of nutrients.
Whisking it really well twice, once at the beginning and once after about five minutes will help big time.
Sure, you will want to omit the almond extract and use a nut-free milk.
The Final Bite
So there you have it, our take on the Classic Vanilla Chia Pudding. A breakfast that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat.
This recipe is a simple way to treat yourself to something good every day and we hope you love the special touch the almond extract brings.
It is a simple addition, that makes the flavor pop.
Play around with the toppings and make this chia pudding your own.
Enjoy the goodness.
Start your day right.
Or, have it as a healthy snack anytime.
You deserve a breakfast that’s both tasty and good for you.
This one surely will not disappoint.
Disclosure: This article uses automation for structure, but all insights and advice are provided by Ryan Yates, an experienced executive chef with over 20 years of expertise. Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to keep providing high-quality content.