This creamy chocolate chia pudding recipe is for the extreme chia lovers as well as those who are not so sure about the texture just yet. Rich, creamy chocolate, coconut and chocolate chips for a delicious, sweet combo! Plus it’s as easy as blend and chill.
Not too long ago, I did a recipe refresh with my Peanut Butter Chocolate Layered Chia Pudding. For some of you, this was a big YAY! and I got lots of replies saying it was on the to do list for the week. And then there is everyone else. And I get it–chia pudding is not for everyone, it just isn’t. The texture is first and foremost hard for some but also, walking around with the little seeds stuck in your teeth can make for some issues as well.
Fear not friends, there is a solution and chia pudding can be as easy as 1, 2, blend–and then you get rid of exactly what was the issue to begin with! Easy peasy, lemon squeezy–sorry, the 2nd grade teacher comes out in me sometimes still.
Chia seeds are such a versatile food
Chia seeds are these little bits of goodness that are so versatile they really are a must in today’s kitchen. While they have some great nutritional benefits, it’s really what they can do that is amazing. Run out of eggs? Oh, yea, chia seeds can cover that. They can help you make some pretty amazing jams like this Simple Strawberry Chia Jam I love.
Chia seeds add lots of crunch to recipes and if not that, they also make a pretty garnish when you sprinkle them over a dish. And you thought they were only good for growing into chia pets!
Since I made this Creamy Chocolate Chia Pudding a while ago, it has bumped its way up to my top chia pudding recipe–that says a lot because I am a big chia pudding kind of girl. And I have tried a lot. But making the creamy version really gave it so much more in my opinion.
Only a handful of ingredients to make this chocolate chia pudding
So you don’t need a lot to make this recipe and there is a very small amount of dishes you will need to dirty so win, win in my book. Chia seeds, obviously, whatever milk you like: almond, whole, goat, whatever!
I used unsweetened coconut which I like best. I also like maple to sweeten because I think a liquid sweetener is best in a chia pudding but honey will work fine and it’s possible a granulated sweetener could work as well. I highly recommend some whipped cream on top along with some toasted coconut to top this with. Adds flavor and fanciness, right?!
Ok then, you are all set I think.
Wait, one last thing, for best results, add the chia seeds just before you start the blender. Other wise they gel up really quickly and it can be harder to break them down. Ok, now you are ready to get to the ch-ch-ch-chia pudding!
Is this Chocolate Chia Pudding Vegan?
You can easily make this chocolate chia pudding vegan by using your favorite plant milk and chocolate chips that are made without dairy. I love using a chocolate almond milk for this recipe as well! Yum!
Are chia seeds gluten free?
Yes! And so is this chocolate chia pudding recipe. All of the ingredients are naturally gluten free so if you have to avoid gluten then this is a perfect treat for you!
How long does this chocolate chia pudding last in the fridge?
I find that chia pudding is best when eaten in the first few days but it should still be good if eaten within 5 days. After 5 days, toss it because it won’t really be very good at that point.
What you need to make this Creamy Chocolate Chia Pudding:
- Chia Seeds: any kind of chia seeds should do!
- Milk: Use your favorite. Dairy free or regular should be great!
- Coconut: I prefer unsweetened. If you have sweetened coconut, cut down on the amount of sweetener you use.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: My go to liquid sweeteners. Maple is my very favorite by far. Use whatever you like best.
- Cocoa Powder: There is cacao and cocoa. Either will work just fine!
- Vanilla: A touch always brings out the goodness in a recipe.
- Chocolate Chips: I used mini chocolate chips in this recipe but regular morsels are great as well. You can also toss in some white chocolate chips for a fun way to switch it up!
For more delicious chia seed recipes, check these out:
-
Blueberry Chia Crumble Bars (These are no bake!)
-
Peanut Butter Banana Protein Overnight Oats
-
Creamy Peanut Butter and Jelly Chia Breakfast Pudding
-
Overnight Maple Cinnamon Chia Rice Pudding
-
Almond Joy Chia Pudding
-
Peanut Butter Chocolate Layered Chia Pudding
-
Strawberry Chia Jam
DID YOU MAKE ONE OF MY RECIPES? LEAVE A COMMENT AND LET ME KNOW! I ALSO LOVE TO SEE YOUR LEMONS + ZEST RECIPES ON SOCIAL MEDIA–TAG ME @LEMONSANDZEST ON INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK!
Ingredients
- 1 c milk of choice
- 1/4 c chia seeds
- 1/3 c shredded coconut, unsweetened
- 2-3 T maple syrup or honey
- 2 heaping T cacao powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 T mini chocolate chips
- dash of sea salt
Instructions
- In a high powered blender, add all ingredients aside from the chia seeds and chocolate chips.
- Just before blending, toss in chia seeds. Blend starting on low to combine for about 30 seconds. Then blend on high until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Pour pudding into a bowl or preferred dish, stir in chocolate chips, and chill for about 4-5 hours or overnight before serving. Enjoy with your favorite garnishes!
So what do you do with the chocolate chips? Are they just a topping?
Oops, totally forgot to add that. Stir them in after pouring out of the blender. Will update the recipe. Thanks!!
What’s the topping, whipped cream? Also, where did you get those cute little jars?
Hi Kim! Sorry I missed this comment! Yes, I just threw some whipped cream on top. And these are Weck tulip jars. I’m in love with them!
I always add chi seeds into any shake I make…but run out of eggs and use them? Who knew?! Thanks for the tip! Another drool worthy recipe!
They really are pretty versatile! Enjoy dear!
I make chia jam all the time, but I’m realizing now how much I’m missing out by never having tried chia pudding! The combination of coconut and chocolate sounds absolutely delicious–bookmarking for a future cooking adventure 🙂
Oh yea, if you like the jam then you will love a chia pudding!
This looks really delicious! I know that Chia seeds are supposed to very good for people, but I’m not sure I’ve tried them yet.
They are certainly different but very versatile!
I love the combination of flavors in this. Coconut and chocolate together are close to heaven in my book!
Amen Bethany! Right there with ya!
Oh my gosh this looks heavenly and super healthy to boot! I was JUST talking with my husband about trying a new sweet treat and this is definitely on the list of things to try. Like, tomorrow, even! We switched to an all-natural, vegan lifestyle so this is perfect! Thank you for sharing!
Oh yes, this is right up your alley then! Enjoy every bite!
This looks so amazing!!! I totally love a good pudding, and being egg and dairy free makes it difficult. Thanks for the solution!
Oh yea, this is for you then. Have you tried a good avocado pudding/mousse? That’s another fave!
Wow!! These have my favorite ingredients. This looks like such a great summer treat.
So good to hear Kayla! Enjoy!
I never tried making chia, this gives me idea!
It’s soooo good! Enjoy!
I love chia seeds and always add it to smoothies but never tried it in a pudding! I will have to try this. Thank you for sharing.
Hope you love it. Thanks!!!
This looks absolutely delicious. I love chia seed pudding — but this creamy chocolate flavor totally ups the game. Can’t wait to try it!
Yay! Enjoy Julie!
I recently had a s chocolate smoothie with chia seeds in it and I loved it, so it stands to reason that I’d love this recipe too! It looks delightfully creamy and the addition of coconut is a nice touch!!
I add chia seeds to most of my smoothies!
This almost looks too decadent to be a possible breakfast! I’d be more than happy to eat this for dessert. The coconut must make the chia super creamy!
Why not both?!
I definitely like them better blended – I think they set up better – and the chocolate sounds good!
Yea, my hubby likes it better that way as well
Can you believe I’ve never had chia seeds? I’ve used flax seeds as egg replacements… guess chocolate pudding is a great way to give them a try!
Ha, yes for sure. I started using them a few years or so ago just by adding them to smoothies.
This recipe looks good, but I love those jars!! They look beautiful in your photos! Where did you find them?
I am obsessed with Weck Jars. I found these at World Market!
I love the texture chia seeds gives to puddings. I’ve been having a bit of a chocolate craving lately, so this will be appearing on my table soon!
Hope you love it!!
I’ve been craving chocolate all week and I can’t wait to eat it for breakfast next! I could eat this all week and never get tired of it! Even better made with coconut!
Yay for chocolate for breakfast!
Such a great combo of flavors, chocolate and coconut have my heart, love this!
Thanks Stacey!
Love coconut and chocolate together! Super tasty, super healthy and looks so easy to make. Great recipe!
One of my favorite combos as well!