Easy Chia Pudding with Almond Milk
A creamy, dairy-free chia pudding made with almond milk, sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup, and flavored with a touch of vanilla and cinnamon. Perfect for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a light dessert—ready in minutes with just a few wholesome ingredients.
Equipment
- 1 small mixing jar with lid
- 1 teaspoon (for measuring)
- 1 tablespoon (for measuring)
- 1 small whisk or spoon (for mixing)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- ½ cup almond milk unsweetened or sweetened
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Toppings of choice fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixing Jar: Choose a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. A jar is ideal because you can shake it easily, but a small bowl will also work if that’s what you have on hand. Make sure it’s big enough to hold the chia seeds, almond milk, and any mix-ins while leaving room for stirring and expansion as the chia thickens.
- Measure and Add Dry Ingredients: Into the jar, add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds. If you’re including spices for flavor, sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon. This step ensures the dry ingredients are at the bottom, making it easier to mix them evenly when the liquid is added.
- Incorporate Sweetener and Flavoring: Add 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup depending on your preference for sweetness. If you’d like an aromatic flavor boost, stir in ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract. This combination balances the nutty chia seeds and creates a lightly sweet base that pairs well with fruit or nut toppings later.
- Pour in the Almond Milk: Slowly pour ½ cup almond milk into the jar over the seeds and sweetener. Pouring gradually helps prevent the chia seeds from clumping together. Unsweetened almond milk keeps the recipe lower in sugar, but sweetened almond milk works if you prefer a naturally sweeter pudding.
- Mix Thoroughly to Prevent Clumping: Using a small whisk or spoon, stir the mixture vigorously for about 30–40 seconds. Make sure all seeds are evenly coated with liquid. If using a jar with a lid, you can close it tightly and give it a good shake. This step is very important because chia seeds tend to stick together—proper mixing ensures a smooth and creamy pudding texture.
- Let It Rest, Then Stir Again: Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for 2–3 minutes. During this time, the seeds will begin to absorb the almond milk and slightly swell. After the short rest, stir again thoroughly to break apart any clumps that may have formed. This second stir is essential for achieving an even, consistent pudding without dry seed pockets.
- Cover and Refrigerate: Once the mixture is well-blended, cover the jar with its lid (or plastic wrap if using a bowl). Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for the creamiest result. The seeds will fully hydrate during this time, turning the liquid into a thick, pudding-like texture.
- Check Consistency Before Serving: After chilling, remove the jar from the fridge and give it a quick stir. The pudding should be thick and creamy, with the chia seeds evenly suspended. If it feels too thick, stir in an extra splash of almond milk until it reaches your preferred consistency. If it seems too thin, let it sit for another 30–60 minutes in the fridge.
- Add Toppings of Choice: Now comes the fun part! Add your favorite toppings before serving. Fresh fruit like berries or banana slices add natural sweetness, nuts and seeds provide crunch and extra protein, while shredded coconut or chocolate chips make it feel more indulgent. Choose toppings that suit whether you’re enjoying it as breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy your chia pudding straight from the jar for a quick grab-and-go option, or transfer it into a bowl for a more traditional presentation. This versatile dish is delicious on its own, but toppings make it customizable and exciting each time you prepare it.
Notes
- Use unsweetened almond milk for the healthiest version, or sweetened if you like extra flavor.
- Stir the mixture twice (once immediately and again after a few minutes) to avoid clumping.
- The pudding thickens more the longer it sits — overnight chilling gives the best texture.
- Adjust thickness easily: add more almond milk for a looser pudding or extra chia seeds for a firmer one.
- Customize endlessly with toppings like fruit, nuts, coconut, or chocolate chips.
- Works well as breakfast, snack, or dessert depending on toppings and portion size.
- Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly (when using maple syrup).
