In just five minutes, you can prepare this berry chia pudding recipe. It turns tiny chia seeds into a creamy pudding-like morning meal with omega-3s, fiber, and antioxidant berries.
I couldn’t believe how much chia pudding tasted like tapioca pudding when I first made it. However, chia pudding is much healthier. The chia seeds really do absorb the liquid, and the pudding develops a creamy texture overnight.
Ingredients
For the Berry Chia Pudding, you will need:
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings
- Fresh berries, sliced almonds or chopped nuts, Granola, Coconut flakes, Dark chocolate chips, Nut butter drizzle, Fresh mint leaves, Hemp hearts.
Instructions
Step 1
Combine the berries, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt in a blender to make the berry mixture. Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds.
For easy pouring, use a medium bowl or a large measuring cup with a spout to transfer the berry milk mixture.
After adding the chia seeds to the berry mixture, whisk for about 30 seconds to evenly incorporate the seeds and avoid clumping.
Step 2
After 5 minutes, whisk to break up the clumps that the chia seeds will form after absorbing the liquid. This will avoid clumpy pudding.
To divide the mixture between containers, pour it into two mason jars, glasses, or airtight containers. Seal the containers with lids or plastic wrap.
Step 3
Let the mixture sit in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight to give the chia seeds time to absorb liquid.
The pudding will thicken with time, and the seeds will expand.
Before serving, stir the pudding to combine ingredients that have separated during chilling.
This will also give you a chance to assess the pudding thickness.
Step 4
Enjoy your pudding cold, straight from the fridge.
Right before eating, add your favorite toppings, like fresh berries, nuts, granola, or any other toppings.
Tips For High-Protein Berry Chia Pudding Success
- Whisk two times to achieve ideal consistency: The key to achieving silky and unclumpy chia pudding is to whisk right after adding the chia seeds and then again after 5 minutes to stop the seeds from settling to the bottom and clumping.
- For more vivid pudding, use frozen berries: More often than not, frozen berries have a more vivid hue than their fresh counterpart, making the pudding more vibrant pink. They also tend to be sweeter and cheaper than out-of-season fresh berries.
- Modify to your go-to thickness: Want it thicker? Add another tablespoon of chia seeds. Want it thinner? Add 1/4 cup more milk. Pudding will also continue to thicken as it sits.
- For a creamier pudding: Blend everything, including the chia seeds, again after the initial whisk for 10-15 seconds; this will break down some of the seeds for a more uniform texture.
- For maximum thickness, let it sit longer: The minimum time is 4 hours; however, for best results pudding should be 8-12 hours. Pudding will continue to thicken for up to 24 hours.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Milk alternatives: For the richest, creamiest texture, go for coconut milk. Almond milk is lighter and has a subtle nuttiness. Oat milk is sweet in nature. For a protein boost, go for soy milk. All milk substitutes will work in this recipe.
- Berry variations: Use only strawberries for classic strawberry pudding, or only blueberries for a deep purple pudding. You can also use a combination of any berries. For a cost-effective and convenient option, use frozen mixed berries.
- Sweetener options: For a substitution of maple syrup, you can use honey, agave nectar, or a few pitted dates thrown in the blender with the berries. If you want something sugar-free, use stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or just rely on the natural sweetness of the fruits.
- Flavor boosts: You can add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for chocolate berry pudding, add a bit of cinnamon for warmth, or add some lemon zest for a bit of brightness. A tablespoon of nut butter blended in will add richness and protein.
- Protein additions: For protein powder, stir in a scoop of any vanilla powder and use Greek yogurt for a topping. You can also use protein-fortified milk for an extra boost.
- Berry alternatives: For tropical pudding, use mango. For summer flavor, use peaches. For fall, pumpkin puree with pumpkin spice or just pumpkin. For a thicker, neutral pudding, banana works too,
Serving Berry Chia Pudding: How To Go About It
Chia pudding is so versatile; you can have it as a meal or a snack.
If you like it for breakfast, combine it with granola, fresh fruits for a nutritious breakfast.
It also makes a great mid-morning or afternoon snack. Chia pudding is a great healthy option when energy levels dip.
For a parfait, layer it with yogurt and fruits.
It will look so good that you can pass it off as a restaurant breakfast.
With whipped coconut cream and dark chocolate shavings, it makes a great light dessert for dinner.
It is a great dessert for kids’ lunchboxes as it is also sweet.
For meal prep, you can spend your Sunday afternoon prepping your chia pudding for the week.
Each night, you grab a portion and you have breakfast ready for the next day.
To control toppings, you can place the toppings in separate containers and let them top it in the morning.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Chia pudding is a great option for a make-ahead breakfast. It will last in your fridge, in an airtight container, for 5 days and only improves each day.
The pudding texture will become creamier, and the flavors will meld nicely after the first 24 hours.
Store breakfast in individual mason jars or containers for grab-and-go convenience throughout the week.
Make a big batch on Sunday evening, and you’ll have breakfast for the entire work week with zero morning effort needed.
Store toppings separately from the pudding base to ensure they keep their texture and freshness.
Nuts, granola, and coconut can be stored in small containers to keep until just before you eat. Fresh berries can be prepped and stored separately for 2-3 days.
The pudding will thicken and become very dense.
If you find it too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk to it, and it will be fine.
This is a totally normal occurrence and a minor issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use white Chia Seeds instead of black?
Yes, white and black chia seeds are the same, and work the same.
White chia seeds will be in your pudding, and it will be a lighter color. Some like it better, especially with lighter fruits.
Why is my Chia Pudding clumpy?
Clumping occurs when the chia seeds are not whisked or if you skip the second whisk after 5 minutes.
Be sure to whisk and break up any clumps that occur in the first few minutes of setting.
How long do you have to wait for Chia Pudding to set?
A minimum of 4 hours is required, though it’s best to let it sit overnight.
This waiting period is necessary for the chia seeds to soak up the required liquid and expand fully to achieve the pudding consistency. 8 to 12 hours is optimal to achieve the thickest, creamiest pudding.
Is it possible to make Chia Pudding without a blender?
Yes, although the consistency may vary.
Simply mash the fruit with a fork, combine it with the milk, and the pudding can have a little berry juice.
While the pudding will be less smooth, it is still a yummy dessert.
Is Chia Pudding sufficiently filling for breakfast?
Chia seeds have a great deal of fiber alongside protein, both of which help to promote the feeling of fullness.
A single serving of pudding will keep the average person satisfied for a duration of 3 to 4 hours.
For an even more filling breakfast, more satiating toppings can be added, such as nuts, nut butter, or granola.
Is it possible to warm Chia Pudding?
Although it is ideally eaten chilled, if you wish, you can heat it in the microwave for around 20 to 30 seconds.
However, the pudding will be thinner and the texture will be changed, which is why you might find it less appealing and choose to eat it cold instead.
Conclusion
This recipe for berry chia pudding contains the right ingredients to ensure maximum nutrition and minimum prep time.
It is simple enough to adapt to any dietary preference, incorporate any fruit, and accommodate any season.
High Protein Berry Chia Pudding
In just five minutes, you can prepare this berry chia pudding recipe. It turns tiny chia seeds into a creamy pudding-like morning meal with omega-3s, fiber, and antioxidant berries.
I couldn’t believe how much chia pudding tasted like tapioca pudding when I first made it. However, chia pudding is much healthier. The chia seeds really do absorb the liquid, and the pudding develops a creamy texture overnight.
Ingredients
- For the Berry Chia Pudding, you will need:
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional Toppings
- Fresh berries, sliced almonds or chopped nuts, Granola, Coconut flakes, Dark chocolate chips, Nut butter drizzle, Fresh mint leaves, Hemp hearts.
Instructions
Step 1
Combine the berries, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt in a blender to make the berry mixture. Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds.
For easy pouring, use a medium bowl or a large measuring cup with a spout to transfer the berry milk mixture.
After adding the chia seeds to the berry mixture, whisk for about 30 seconds to evenly incorporate the seeds and avoid clumping.
Step 2
After 5 minutes, whisk to break up the clumps that the chia seeds will form after absorbing the liquid. This will avoid clumpy pudding.
To divide the mixture between containers, pour it into two mason jars, glasses, or airtight containers. Seal the containers with lids or plastic wrap.
Step 3
Let the mixture sit in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight to give the chia seeds time to absorb liquid.
The pudding will thicken with time, and the seeds will expand.
Before serving, stir the pudding to combine ingredients that have separated during chilling.
This will also give you a chance to assess the pudding thickness.
Step 4
Enjoy your pudding cold, straight from the fridge.
Right before eating, add your favorite toppings, like fresh berries, nuts, granola, or any other toppings.
Notes
Tips For High-Protein Berry Chia Pudding Success
- Whisk two times to achieve ideal consistency: The key to achieving silky and unclumpy chia pudding is to whisk right after adding the chia seeds and then again after 5 minutes to stop the seeds from settling to the bottom and clumping.
- For more vivid pudding, use frozen berries: More often than not, frozen berries have a more vivid hue than their fresh counterpart, making the pudding more vibrant pink. They also tend to be sweeter and cheaper than out-of-season fresh berries.
- Modify to your go-to thickness: Want it thicker? Add another tablespoon of chia seeds. Want it thinner? Add 1/4 cup more milk. Pudding will also continue to thicken as it sits.
- For a creamier pudding: Blend everything, including the chia seeds, again after the initial whisk for 10-15 seconds; this will break down some of the seeds for a more uniform texture.
- For maximum thickness, let it sit longer: The minimum time is 4 hours; however, for best results pudding should be 8-12 hours. Pudding will continue to thicken for up to 24 hours.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 245gTotal Fat: 10ggSodium: 85mgmgCarbohydrates: 32ggSugar: 16ggProtein: 8gg