Healthy Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Healthy Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding is a wonderful option for breakfast, dessert, or snacking! Made with just six ingredients, this is an easy recipe that requires just 10 minutes to make.

The most delicious healthy chocolate pudding

I will always stand behind this: chocolate desserts are the best. I pretty much always opt for chocolatey over fruity, no matter the situation! There’s just something about chocolate treats that makes me feel happy and cozy.

Recently, I was on the hunt for a new chocolate dessert and racked my brain for something that I hadn’t created before. I looked through my pantry and saw some chia seeds, and the rest is history!

I absolutely love this chocolate chia pudding because it’s so versatile! It can be eaten as a quick morning breakfast, a yummy post-dinner dessert, or a mid-day snack. The options are endless! Plus, you can top it with a wide variety of different goodies, making it a customizable dish that’s perfect for serving crowds.

Ingredients for chia seed pudding

To make healthy chia seed pudding, you only need six different ingredients! The best part about this recipe is that you probably already have all of these ingredients in your refrigerator and pantry!

• Chia seeds
• Cocoa
• Salt
• Almond milk
• Maple syrup
• Vanilla

Kitchen tools used to make healthy chocolate pudding

Only two items are needed to make this pudding recipe: a mixing bowl, and a whisk. Seriously… could this recipe get any easier? I sure don’t think so!

How to make healthy chocolate chia seed pudding

Chocolate chia pudding is ridiculously easy to make. It only requires four different steps! With just a bit of mixing and chilling, you’ll have a large bowl of deliciously chocolate pudding. You should only need 5-10 minutes of prep time.

First, mix the chia seeds, cocoa powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

With a whisk, stir in the almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla. Whisk until well combined.

Place in the refrigerator for one hour, and then stir. Next, let it sit for at least another two hours. Ideally, allow the pudding to form by letting it sit overnight.

When ready to eat, add a splash of almond milk and stir. Optionally, you can add fun toppings, but this isn’t required.

Most importantly, enjoy!

Optional topping ideas

Sometimes it can be fun to mix up your pudding and add some toppings! Here are some of my favorites. From crunchy to fruity and candies to marshmallows, here are some topping ideas for every preference!

Crunchy

• M&Ms (classic or peanut)
• Cereal
• Granola
• Chocolate chips (or white chocolate chips)

Fruity

• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Bananas
• Coconut

Extras

• Sprinkles
• Marshmallows
• Whipped cream

Chia pudding substitution options

Here are some commonly requested substitution options. Feel free to mix and match ingredients as desired. Note: I have not tried all of these so substitute at your own risk. No matter what you do, your pudding will surely taste great!

• Cocoa: If you’re not a fan of cocoa, you can use baking chocolate. Look up the conversion for your specific brand to figure out the correct measurement to use.
  Note: You may have to melt your chocolate beforehand. Follow the directions on your package.
• Almond milk: I always used almond milk in my pudding recipes, but you can use whichever non-dairy milk you prefer! Oat, cashew, soy… the list goes on. Use a 1:1 ratio when swapping this ingredient.
• Maple syrup: If you’d like to use a sweetener other than maple syrup, you can use white or brown sugar, honey, or molasses. You’ll need to look up the exact measurement for your preferred ingredient.

A healthier chocolate dessert option

Though cocoa, almond milk, and maple syrup are the easiest ingredients to swap in this recipe, they also happen to be the ingredients that make this recipe a healthy dessert option!

First and foremost, cocoa powder is an ingredient high in nutrients and antioxidants. It’s the purest form of chocolate and contains protein, fiber, and iron, making it a healthy, nutritious option.

Next up, almond milk is a great alternative to dairy milk and is rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin E. Plus, it adds a bit of delicious flavor to the pudding!

Lastly, maple syrup is used to sweeten this recipe. It’s an all-natural option that is much better than granulated sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Try these chocolatey desserts too!

If you’re like me and can’t get enough of chocolate, check out these healthy dessert ideas to satisfy your next sugar craving!

• Paleo Chocolate Cake
• Gluten Free Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
• Vegan Mint Chocolate Tart
• Dark Chocolate Banana Bread Muffins

Recipe by Erin Morrissey + Photos by The Mindful Hapa.