Vanilla Chia Pudding

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This Vanilla Chia Pudding is super easy and great for meal prep. This chia vanilla pudding is sweetened with maple syrup and completely vegan and dairy free.

Close up side image of Vanilla Chia Pudding in glass jar with yogurt and fruit toppings.

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Why you will love this recipe
Ingredients
Variations
How to make Vanilla Chia Pudding
Expert Tips
Recipe FAQs
More Chia Seed Recipes
Vanilla Chia Pudding

Why you will love this recipe

Simply Delicious: This Vanilla Chia Pudding has just the right amount of sweetness from the maple syrup. The chia seeds add a little nutty taste, and the recipe has plant based milk that combines perfectly and gives you a thick, creamy vanilla chia pudding that you'll make year round. With only four ingredients, it's extremely simple and easy to make.
Texture of Pudding: Cooking is not required for this easy chia vanilla pudding recipe; simply combine the ingredients, whisk and if you're in a hurry let it sit at least 30 minutes prior to eating. But if you leave it sitting in the fridge 2-3 hours (or overnight even better) the chia seed consistency becomes even more pudding-like. You can keep it in the fridge for about 5 days.
Vegan & Dairy Free: This is the best vanilla chia pudding recipe with only four ingredients that are plant based, dairy free and taste amazing, no one will even know it's vegan and dairy free. It's simply easy to make and absolutely delicious.

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Ingredients

Be sure to take a look at the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and quantities to make this Vanilla Chia Pudding.

Non-dairy Milk: I like to use oat or cashew milk best because of the neutral flavor but feel free to use whatever you like best.
Chia Seeds: The base and the main ingredient in this vanilla chia pudding.
Pure Maple Syrup: Make sure to use pure not sweetened maple syrup.
Vanilla: You can also use vanilla beans of vanilla bean paste.
Toppings: I love to add homemade granola, nut butters and fresh fruit as well as some vegan yogurt on top.

Variations

Layered: How to make vanilla chia pudding with tasty add-ins. Choose any two or three items you'd like to layer in this chia pudding. In a mason jar, first I like to place a few sliced pieces of fresh fruit that I have on hand, next scoop enough chia pudding to cover the fruit, than two scoops of dairy free yogurt with either granola or chopped nuts and than finish the last layer with more vanilla chia pudding.
Customizable Toppings: Customized toppings that can make it look fancy and taste different each time you eat it. Some ideas for this vanilla chia seed pudding recipe are; fresh fruits; it adds a beautiful color, granola; that adds a little crunch, nut butter; that gives a creamy rich texture, vegan chocolate chips; it adds a sweet chocolate surprise taste. Customize with what ever you'd like to add on top.
More Protein: You can easily make this Vanilla Chia Pudding a protein vanilla chia pudding, just add a scoop of powder plant-based protein to the pudding mixture.
Optional Nuts or Seeds: This vanilla chia pudding with chia seeds you can easily add a little crunchier texture and nuttier topping. A few ingredients are; pecans, almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, brazil nuts, any you'd like will work great.

How to make Vanilla Chia Pudding

Overhead image of chia a milk mixture in jar ready to go sit in the fridge.

Step 1: To a jar or container add the chia seeds, non-dairy milk, maple syrup and vanilla. Then use a whisk to make sure it's all combined well. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Remove from fridge and whisk again to work out any clumps. Place back in the fridge for at least 1-2 more hours (the longer the better) and then add your toppings of choice and enjoy. Store leftovers in the fridge for about 5-7 days.

Expert Tips

Thicker or Thinner: ThisVanilla Chia Pudding recipe you can adjust the consistency, use a little less milk for a thicker chia pudding and a little more milk for a thinner version.
Doubled: This easy chia pudding vanilla recipe is easy to double. It will give you a few days' worth of a meal prep, ready in your fridge.
Easy Breakfast Grab: If you doubled this recipe to make a bigger batch, use mason jars to store this chia seed vanilla pudding. It will last for about 5 days in the fridge and you'll have an easy grab and go breakfast. I'd add the toppings right before leaving the house.
Storing: If possible refrigerate overnight, in a sealed container; before eating this chia seed recipe. But if you're in a hurry let it sit at least 30 minutes in the fridge prior to eating. The longer it soaks, the better it will taste. You can refrigerate for about 5 days in a sealed container, I like to use mason jars.

Recipe FAQs

Is it OK to eat chia pudding for breakfast?

As with everything you eat follow what's medically ok for you to eat. That being said, generally, yes it is ok to eat chia pudding for breakfast. I would make sure the ingredients are clean and healthy though.

Can you add yogurt to chia seed pudding?

As always follow the recipes directions, but yes, yogurt can be added to chia seed pudding.

How long do chia seeds need to soak?

Soaking chia seeds overnight is best but if you're in a hurry at least 30 minutes. I like to wait 2-3 hours though before consuming.

Side image with yogurt and fruit toppings of Vanilla Chia Pudding.

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