When I first went gluten-free, I thought my sweet-world was ending. I had no choice but to find and experiment with a few favorite goodies. When visiting a friend a few months ago, I was re-introduced to chia pudding and it was like remembering a first-love. I love to whip up a batch for company or when I could use a little TREAT-MYSELF moment during the week. The whole family loves it and it usually doesn’t last very long. That’s a good sign!
(Full disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link at the end. Basically, when you use the link, I will receive a little compensation. Thank you!)
Today I was craving some sweetness in my life so I whipped up a batch of coconut milk chia pudding. It’s easy to make and tastes delicious. I’ve experimented with quite a few ways to make chia pudding and I’m never disappointed. I wanted to share today’s chia pudding with you.
Fellow gluten-free souls: Gluten-free doesn’t have to be boring! High five!
This chia pudding is also vegan! Double high-five!
My 5-year-old also LOVES this stuff and usually fights me for the last bit. I love having something that we can share as a treat without worrying about a ton of processed sugar and junk going into our bodies. These ingredients are so simple and much cleaner than conventional packaged pudding.
As with most of my recipes, I start with base ingredients and customize it from there.
The base of chia seed pudding consists of 3 main ingredients:
– non-dairy milk (coconut and almond work great)
– natural sweetener (I like using maple syrup)
– Chia seeds (you saw that coming, didn’t you?)
Today, this mama was craving some chocolate so I threw in some chocolate powder. But you can add vanilla, leave it plain, whatever you’d like.
What’s so great about chia seeds?
These tiny chia seeds are known to pack BIG health benefits. Among the many benefits to our health, chia seeds contain protein, fiber, and are packed with heart-healthy fats called omega 3 fatty acids (super important for the body). They’re also a source for plant-based calcium.
Chia seeds can be added to all kinds of things- oatmeal, smoothies, yogurt- yum!
This chocolate chia pudding takes me no more than 5 minutes to prep and then I just set it in the fridge for 2+ hours before enjoying.
Great topping options: Berries, banana, cacao nibs, almond slices
Chocolate Chia Pudding
- 1/4 Cup Chia Seeds ((I've also used 1/3 cup if I wanted more))
- 1.5 Cups Coconut Milk ((or a can works))
- 1.5 Tablespoons chocolate powder/cacao powder
- 1.5 Tablespoons Maple Syrup ((This can change based on how sweet you want it))
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Combine all ingredients into a glass bowl and use a whisk to mix well.
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Cover and place in the fridge to set for at least 2 hours (if I plan ahead, I just leave it overnight).
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Spoon into a dish and top if you'd like! I love berries or cacao nibs.
You can find chia seeds and coconut milk at most grocery stores. I’ve enjoyed this brand before too. If possible, grab the coconut milk that doesn’t contain a bunch of fillers. I love ordering both of these from Thrive Market! (If you haven’t heard of it, Thrive is pretty awesome. I save a lot on certain products. Here’s a referral code that gets you 25% off your first order!
Happy treating!
I’m off to enjoy more of my chia pudding before my kid or husband eats it all. 😛
-Maddie Adeline
