Chocolate Chia Puddings

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A decadent and tasty Chocolate Chia Pudding made from cocoa powder, maple syrup, coconut milk and chia seeds. Top with yoghurt and grated chocolate.

A spoonful of chocolate chia pudding with whipped topping held above a glass jar, with another jar of pudding in the background on a marble surface.

If you haven't been introduced to the world of chia puddings yet, you are in for a treat. They are kind of like a cross between a mousse and a rice pudding, but they are made from the superfood - chia seeds! This Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding is gluten free and dairy free being made with coconut milk.

For another make-ahead dessert, be sure to try one of my mousses or my Chocolate Coffee Parfait.

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Ingredient notes:
Step by step instructions:
Recipe FAQs:
Storage:
Top tips:
Related Recipes:
Chocolate Chia Pudding

Ingredient notes:

Five ingredients on a countertop: maple syrup, coconut milk, black chia seeds, cocoa powder in a measuring cup, and ground cinnamon.

Coconut milk: I use canned coconut milk (the creamy kind you put in a curry) to make this a dairy free and super creamy pudding. Plus I love the coconut flavour with the chocolate, it goes really well together. You could substitute for coconut cream ½ c and use water for the rest of the liquid. If you prefer almond or soy milk you can use these in place of the water and coconut milk, it just won't be quite as smooth and creamy.
Chia seeds: These tiny black seeds are highly nutritious, a great source of fibre, protein and omega 3s. They swell up over 10 times their original size and have a slightly jelly type texture on the outside when hydrated, a little of these seeds goes a long way!
Maple syrup: This is used as the sweetener for these puddings and brings a subtle flavour. However you could also use some runny honey.

Note: Scroll to the recipe card for the ingredients, quantities and the full method.

Step by step instructions:

Place the cocoa, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Mix until well combined. Add ¼ cup of the water. Whisk until it becomes a smooth paste with no lumps.

A white bowl containing cocoa powder, a small amount of salt, and a pool of liquid sweetener on a light countertop.

A mixing bowl with cocoa powder and a whisk, next to a yellow measuring cup containing oil on a light speckled countertop.

Add the remaining water and coconut milk. Whisk again before finally adding the chia seeds and mixing until incorporated.

A white bowl containing chocolate cake batter, some unblended liquid, and a metal whisk on a light-colored countertop.

A bowl of chocolate mixture with chia seeds on top and a metal whisk resting inside.

Leave the mixture for a few minutes so that the chia seeds start to swell up, then whisk to break them up. Leave to sit for another 5 minutes and whisk again, breaking up the seeds, so that you have a smooth mixture.

A bowl of chocolate cake batter with a metal whisk resting inside, set on a light countertop.

A hand spoons chocolate mousse mixture into small glass jars, with a bowl of the mixture and two jars on a countertop.

Spoon into 6 small serving containers. Cover and place in the fridge to set for at least 3 hours.

Two glass jars filled with chocolate chia pudding sit on a marble surface, each with a spoon beside them and cacao nibs scattered nearby.

Two glass jars with chocolate chia pudding topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, next to two metal spoons on a marble surface.

Enjoy chilled with toppings of your choice.

Recipe FAQs:

What are the best toppings to add to these puddings?

Any choice of toppings you like! Some ideas are dairy or coconut yoghurt, fresh berries, nuts, cacao nibs, chocolate shavings, toasted muesli - the list goes on!

Why is my chia pudding lumpy?

The chia seeds swell up as they get wet and can stick together in clumps. To get an even consistency whisk the mix well to break up any lumps before you leave it to set.

Storage:

These delicious puddings will keep well for a week if stored covered in the fridge.

Top tips:

The pudding looks very cute in individual portions however if it's just for you to eat over the week you can set your pudding mix in one bowl or Tupperware container. This way you can take a few scoops as you like, a great way to save room in the fridge and less dishes too.

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Chocolate Chia Pudding

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

A decadent and tasty Chocolate Chia Pudding made from cocoa powder, maple syrup, coconut milk and chia seeds. Top with yoghurt and grated chocolate.

Ingredients

⅓ cocoa powder
⅓ cup maple syrup
1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
½ tsp sea salt
1 ¼ cup water
1 cup coconut milk
¾ cup chia seeds

To serve

Yoghurt of your choice
Grated chocolate or cacao nibs

Instructions

Place the cocoa, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
Add ¼ cup of the water. Whisk until it becomes a smooth paste with no lumps.
Add the remaining water and coconut milk. Whisk again before finally adding the chia seeds and mixing until incorporated.
Leave the mixture for a few minutes so that the chia seeds start to swell up, then whisk to break them up. Leave to sit for another 5 minutes and whisk again, breaking up the seeds, so that you have a smooth mixture.
Spoon into 6 small serving containers. Cover and place in the fridge to set for at least 3 hours.
Enjoy chilled with toppings of your choice.

Notes

The chia seeds swell up as they get wet and can stick together in clumps. To get an even consistency whisk the mix well to break up any lumps before you leave it to set.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 267Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 228mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 9gSugar: 13gProtein: 6g

Nutritional values are approximate. Please use your own calculations if you require a special diet.

Thank you for checking out this recipe. I hope you enjoy making and eating it! If you have any questions, queries or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.
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Vanya