Creamy, luscious, and incredibly simple, this coconut milk chia pudding is a dream for breakfast, dessert, or a wholesome snack. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it’s packed with fiber, healthy fats, and a subtly sweet coconut flavor that makes every spoonful delightful. Plus, it’s naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and can be customized with your favorite toppings! If you’re a fan of healthy protein desserts, this chia pudding is a fantastic alternative to options like protein pudding or a protein mug cake.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy – Just mix, chill, and enjoy!
- Nutritious – Full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
- Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free – Perfect for a variety of diets.
- Customizable – Top with fruit, nuts, or chocolate to make it your own.
- Great Protein Boost – Can be enhanced with protein powder for extra nourishment.
Ingredients
- Chia seeds – The magical ingredient that thickens the pudding and provides a protein boost.
- Coconut milk – Provides rich, creamy texture and coconut flavor.
- Maple syrup or honey – A touch of natural sweetness.
- Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Pinch of salt – Enhances the overall taste.
- Toppings – Fresh fruit, shredded coconut, nuts, or granola for extra texture and flavor.
- Optional: Whey protein powder – Mix in a scoop for extra protein, similar to whey protein brownies recipe.
Find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In a bowl or jar, whisk together the chia seeds, coconut milk, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined. If adding protein powder, mix it in at this step.
Step 2: Let It Set
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Stir once after 30 minutes to prevent clumping.
Step 3: Stir and Serve
Once set, give it a good stir. If the pudding is too thick, add a splash of coconut milk to loosen it up. Top with your favorite fruits, nuts, or granola, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture.
- Stir after 30 minutes to prevent the chia seeds from clumping together.
- Adjust sweetness to taste – add more or less sweetener as needed.
- Make it chocolatey by stirring in a teaspoon of cocoa powder, similar to a protein chocolate brownie recipe.
- Boost the protein by adding a scoop of whey protein powder for an extra-nutritious snack.
How to Serve
- Enjoy it as a healthy breakfast with fresh berries and nuts.
- Serve as a dessert topped with coconut flakes and dark chocolate.
- Layer with granola and yogurt for a parfait-style treat.
- Pair with protein mug cake or whey protein brownies for a protein-packed dessert combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store chia pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions in small containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before eating.
Reheating
No need to reheat! Enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat?
Yes, but the pudding will be less creamy and slightly thinner. You may need to add more chia seeds for thickness.
What’s the best ratio of chia seeds to liquid?
A good rule of thumb is 3 tablespoons of chia seeds per 1 cup of liquid for the perfect pudding consistency.
How can I make it sweeter without using syrup or honey?
Try blending in mashed banana or pureed dates for natural sweetness.
Why is my chia pudding too runny?
You may need to let it sit longer or add a little more chia seeds to thicken it up.
Coconut Milk Chia Pudding
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
- Total Time: 5 minutes + chilling time
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Healthy, Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
This creamy and nutritious Coconut Milk Chia Pudding is the perfect healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Whether you enjoy it plain or topped with fruits, nuts, or granola, this pudding is an easy and delicious way to fuel your day!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds – The key ingredient that thickens the pudding.
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk – Provides a rich, creamy texture.
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey – Adds natural sweetness (adjust to taste).
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a warm aroma.
- Pinch of salt – Balances and enhances the sweetness.
- Optional: 1 scoop (about 20g) whey or plant-based protein powder – For a protein boost.
- Toppings: Fresh fruit, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, granola, or dark chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl or jar, whisk together chia seeds, coconut milk, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Let It Set: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until thickened. Stir after 30 minutes to prevent clumping.
- Stir and Serve: Once set, give it a good stir. If too thick, add a splash of coconut milk. Top with fruit, nuts, or granola. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture.
- Stir after 30 minutes to prevent lumps.
- Sweeten to taste or use mashed banana for natural sweetness.
- Add cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
- Mix in a scoop of protein powder for an extra protein boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 5g (or more if adding protein powder)
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chia pudding, coconut milk chia pudding, healthy breakfast, healthy snack, high protein dessert, easy meal prep, gluten-free pudding, vegan pudding
Conclusion
This coconut milk chia pudding is an easy, nutritious, and delicious recipe that you’ll want to make on repeat. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, it’s endlessly customizable and packed with good-for-you ingredients. If you’re a fan of healthy protein desserts, try mixing in whey protein powder or pairing it with a protein chocolate brownie recipe for a satisfying treat. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and flavors!