Indulge in Creamy Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding
This vanilla chia seed pudding is not only creamy and indulgent, but it’s also packed with nutrients—making it a delicious and healthy choice for a quick snack or breakfast. Keep your fridge stocked with this simple recipe for a satisfying grab-and-go option.
Why Chia Seeds Are a Nutritional Powerhouse
If you’re searching for a single food that offers a multitude of health benefits, look no further than chia seeds. Despite their small size, these seeds can significantly impact your nutrition. Regularly including chia seeds in your meals can lead to improved cholesterol levels and reduced inflammation.
A Favorite Way to Enjoy Chia Seeds
This vanilla chia seed pudding is my preferred method of incorporating these powerful seeds into my diet. When chia seeds soak in water, they absorb the liquid and swell up due to their unique fiber called mucilage, which gives them that delightful gel-like texture we love.
Convenient Meal Prep
This chia pudding is fantastic for meal prepping in batches, ensuring you always have a healthy snack or breakfast ready. I particularly enjoy topping this creamy pudding with fresh fruit instead of my traditional yogurt bowl for breakfast.
Diet-Friendly Recipe
Another great aspect of this recipe is its versatility to accommodate various dietary needs. It’s gluten-free, vegan, and can be made dairy-free by using your choice of plant-based milk.
Ingredients for Vanilla Chia Pudding
Gather these simple yet nourishing ingredients to whip up your delicious vanilla chia pudding.
Ingredients:
- Milk: Choose any unsweetened, unflavored milk you prefer, whether dairy or non-dairy. I enjoy using unsweetened almond milk, but feel free to try cashew milk, oat milk, or soy milk. For an extra indulgent treat, consider canned coconut milk.
- Chia Seeds: These little seeds have the unique ability to absorb water, creating a pudding-like texture similar to tapioca. You’ll find them in the baking aisle or bulk bins at most grocery stores.
- Maple Syrup: I prefer maple syrup for sweetening this pudding, as it dissolves well even in a cold mixture. If you want a sugar-free alternative, monk fruit or stevia also work well.
- Vanilla Extract: For rich vanilla flavor, this recipe calls for about 1 ½ teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. High-quality extract enhances the flavor, but you can also use vanilla paste for an even deeper taste.
- Sea Salt: A small pinch of sea salt amplifies the vanilla flavor beautifully.
Variety is the Spice of Life
Feel free to customize your pudding with these variations:
- Blend it Up: Want a smoother texture? Blend your chia pudding before chilling it.
- Stir in Flavorings: Once chilled, you can add jam or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Add Fruit: Mix in frozen fruit before chilling or top with fresh fruits like berries, bananas, or mangoes.
- Add Crunch: Enhance texture with crunchy toppings like granola, nuts, or even a dollop of nut butter.
Simple Steps to Make Chia Pudding
Making this nutritious chia seed pudding is a breeze!
Instructions:
- Whisk together all the pudding ingredients in a small mixing bowl until well combined. Alternatively, place them in a mason jar and shake until incorporated.
- Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes and whisk again to avoid clumps forming. Transfer to an airtight container or cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
- If you prefer a smoother pudding, you can blend it before chilling.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight until it thickens.
The Health Benefits of Chia Seed Pudding
Chia pudding is not only delicious but brimming with health benefits! Chia seeds are an excellent plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for overall wellness. These fats support brain function, heart health, and help to reduce inflammation.
A serving of chia seeds (about 2.5 tablespoons) delivers 5 grams of protein, 10 grams of fiber, 12 grams of carbohydrates, 8 grams of heart-healthy fats, and plenty of antioxidants. Plus, a serving of chia pudding provides nearly half your daily fiber needs!
Thickening Time
The chia pudding will generally thicken after about 2-3 hours in the fridge, but it will continue to firm up if left overnight. If it becomes too thick, simply stir in a splash of milk before serving.
Storage Tips
Store your chia pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoyment.
