This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.
This naturally sweetened, nutrient-packed chocolate chia seed pudding is thick, creamy and perfect for breakfast, a snack or dessert. Made with rich cocoa powder, chia seeds and your choice of milk, it’s naturally sweetened. Customize with toppings like fresh fruit, nuts or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor!

So good the kids even love it!
- Marie
Who wants to wake up in the morning and have to prepare breakfast? Not me! So why not whip something up the night before so you can have a quick healthy breakfast on the go. The most popular these days is overnight oats, like these mango overnight oats, cinnamon overnight oats or protein overnight oats.
But how about a healthy dessert that tastes great? Well good thing is chia pudding can tackle both. This pudding is creamy, chocolate and indulgent, but also loaded with nutrients. Even better, it is vegan and dairy-free.
But what puts it over the top is some fresh fruit and homemade granola like dark chocolate hazelnut granola or fruit and nut granola. Of if you love bananas, this banana chia pudding should be your go-to.
Jump to:
Why You Will Love This Pudding
- Flavorful - This pudding offers a rich, indulgent taste that satisfies sweet cravings.
- Nutrient powerhouse - Packed with nutrients, it provides a wholesome and healthy option that is suitable for gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo and vegan diets.
- Versatile - Whether as a breakfast treat, a satisfying snack or a guilt-free dessert, it suits any occasion.
Ingredient Notes
- Dairy-free milk - Opt for almond, coconut, or any preferred nut milk for a creamy and dairy-free base.
- Dates - Use Medjool dates for natural sweetness and a caramel-like flavor.
- Vanilla and almond extract - Enhances the overall flavor profile. The almond extract complements the almond milk.
- Cocoa powder - Choose unsweetened for rich chocolate flavor without added sugar.
- Protein powder - Make sure it is a powder where you like the flavor. I use chocolate.
- Coconut oil - Use refined coconut oil to help thicken the pudding without adding coconut flavor.
- Ground cinnamon - Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
- Salt - A small amount of salt enhances the overall flavor of the pudding.
- Chia seeds - Ensure they are fresh and high-quality for the pudding-like texture.
Ingredient Swaps
As with any recipe, you can mix up the ingredients if you prefer. Some variations include:
- You can use whole milk if you don't need or like almond milk.
- Instead of dates, try dried figs, raisins or prunes for natural sweetness and a different fruity flavor.
- Substitute coconut oil with almond butter or peanut butter for richness and a nutty undertone.
- Swap the chia seeds with flaxseeds for a different texture and a boost of omega-3 fatty acids. You could also try hemp seeds for added protein and a nutty flavor.
How to Make Chocolate Chia Pudding
Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.
Step 1: Add all of the ingredients except the chia seeds to a blender and blend until smooth.
Step 2: Transfer to a large bowl and add the chia seeds, stirring with a whisk for 5 minutes. Cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight before eating.
Make Large Batch for Later
You can double or triple the recipe and store it in individual servings for a quick and convenient snack, dessert or breakfast option.
Recipe FAQs
Typically, let it set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best consistency.
If you are dairy-free you can use any type of dairy-free milk, including almond, cashew, oat or coconut milk. If you use coconut milk, it will be thicker so you will have to add some water to thin it out.
You can also use good old-fashioned cow's milk if you aren't vegan.
Top with sliced fruits, granola, chopped nuts, coconut flakes or a dollop of whipped cream for added texture and flavor.
Ensure the chia seeds are fresh and fully submerged in liquid. Stir the mixture thoroughly to prevent clumping. Also it's best to let sit overnight.
Chia seed pudding can be left in the fridge in an airtight container for 4-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw as needed.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- To avoid lumps, you need to stir the chia seeds for 5 minutes which helps distribute the seeds.
- If you have some lumps, just stir with a fork before eating.
- If the chocolate chia pudding is too thick, add a splash of milk and stir.
- If you don’t like the tapioca consistency of this pudding and want a smoother texture, just blend it all together in a blender of food processor until it is smooth.
- Toppings ideas include granola, chocolate chips, fresh fruit and coconut flakes.
Other Recommended Dessert Recipes
If you’ve tried this chocolate chia seed pudding recipe or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups almond milk
- 5 dates, chopped
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 ½ tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup chia seeds
- fruits and granola for topping
Instructions
- Warm milk in the microwave. (this is so the coconut oil doesn't solidify when you mix it in) Place all ingredients except chia seeds in a blender and blend until smooth. You can also use an immersion blender.
- Add chia seeds and stir by hand for 5 minutes. (this is important to do for a full 5 minutes as it gets the chia seeds beginning to gel as well as mix them throughout) Cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight. Top with fruit and granola when eating.
Notes
-
- To avoid lumps, you need to stir the chia seeds for 5 minutes which helps distribute the seeds.
-
- If you have some lumps, just stir with a fork before eating.
-
- If the chocolate chia pudding is too thick, add a splash of milk and stir.
-
- If you don’t like the tapioca consistency of the pudding and want a smoother texture, just blend it all together in a blender of food processor until it is smooth.
-
- Toppings ideas include granola, chocolate chips, fresh fruit and coconut flakes.
Chris says
Never had chia seed pudding! Sounds good!
Marie says
So good the kids even love it!
Ryan says
Awesome to hear!