Chia seeds are impressive little guys. They are packed with antioxidants, fiber, protein and omega-3’s along with many micronutrients. They may be small, but they truly are mighty.
Another great thing about chia seeds is that they puff up into beautiful little jelly pods similar to tiny tapioca pearls and give a wonderful texture to this chocolate chia pudding.
This sweet treat is healthy, delicious, dairy-free and vegan. You are going to be amazed at how great the texture of this chocolate chia pudding really is, especially when you consider that it takes about 2 minutes to bring together and just chills in the refrigerator until you are ready to enjoy. Easy, healthy and delicious.
Let’s get started…
Start by gathering 1 1/2 cups of almond milk, 1/3 cup of chia seeds, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons of natural unsweetened cocoa powder and 2-3 tablespoons of honey, maple syrup or agave.
A pretty standard chia pudding ratio is 1 cup of liquid to 1/4 cup of chia seeds. This ratio will create a nicely set classic pudding consistency, but you can adjust if you prefer a looser, more creamy consistency or something a little thicker.
Whisk everything together in a deep bowl and then let it sit for about 15 minutes. Chia seeds begin to puff up pretty quickly, so after 15 minutes the mixture should begin to feel thick. If you measured the ingredients correctly and the texture is still really loose, your chia seeds may have expired and you should start again.
After the 15 minute rest, whisk the mixture well to break up any chunks of chia seeds and then cover the bowl and transfer the mixture into the refrigerator to chill for several hours before enjoying.
After a few hours of chilling, your chocolate chia pudding should be thick and fully set. Transfer it into a small bowl and garnish with some fresh fruit or a little dollop of whipped cream.
Look how much the chia seeds puffed up! They have soaked up all of the wonderful flavors of almond milk, vanilla, cocoa and maple syrup and transformed into fun little pops of texture.
If you are looking for a healthy, low calorie, high protein dessert then this chocolate chia pudding is a fabulous option. At only around 125 calories per serving, you really can’t go wrong.
I love topping this chocolate chia pudding with a little dollop of whipped cream and maybe some chocolate shavings or finely chopped nuts.
With a beautifully thick, pudding texture and richly sweet, chocolatey flavors, you are going to love this chocolate chia pudding.
Chocolate Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of almond milk
- 1/3 cup of chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons of natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2-3 tablespoons of honey, maple or agave
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients in a small bow and set aside for 15 minutes
- Whisk to break up any clumps of chia seeds
- Cover the bowl and chill for several hours before serving
- Garnish with fresh fruit or whipped cream
