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The Ultimate Creamy Overnight Vanilla Chia Pudding

A glass filled with thick, creamy chia pudding, showing swollen chia seeds suspended in milk.

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This is the best chia pudding recipe for beginners. It is simple, creamy, and perfect for make ahead breakfast or a light dessert. This recipe is naturally vegan and dairy free.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1 cup milk (dairy, almond, or oat work well)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sweetener of choice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Combine the chia seeds, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt in a jar or container with a lid.
  2. Stir the mixture well for about 30 seconds to prevent the seeds from clumping at the bottom.
  3. Let the mixture sit on the counter for 5 minutes, then stir again thoroughly. This second stir is key for a creamy texture.
  4. Seal the container and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  5. When ready to eat, check the consistency. If it is too thick, stir in a splash more milk until you reach your desired creamy texture.
  6. Serve cold with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For a high protein chia pudding, stir in 1 scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder, or substitute 1/4 cup of the milk with Greek yogurt before chilling.
  • To make chocolate chia pudding, add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder with the dry ingredients.
  • For a low carb chia pudding, use unsweetened almond milk and a zero-calorie sweetener like monk fruit or stevia instead of maple syrup.
  • This recipe is excellent for meal prep breakfast ideas; it keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • If you want a smoother texture, you can blend the final mixture briefly in a blender before serving.

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