• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Fearless Dining
  • New to GF? Start Here
  • GF Resources
    • Safe Gluten Free Dining Tips
  • Recipes
  • GF Cookbooks
    • Pantry
  • About Me
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • New to GF? Start Here!
  • Recipe Index
  • Check Out My Gluten Free Cookbooks!
  • Gluten Free Dining Tips
  • About Fearless Dining
  • Contact Me
  • Follow Along

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Breakfast Recipes

    Vanilla Chia Pudding with Dates and Pecans

    Published: Jan 2, 2019 · Modified: Jan 28, 2021 by Sandi Gaertner · 22 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    a pinterest collage of chia pudding photos

    Are you in the same old breakfast rut and need something new? This super easy vanilla overnight chia pudding is creamy and perfectly sweetened throughout. This recipe is Paleo, vegan, keto, and naturally gluten free!

    Other than the delicious flavor, my favorite thing about this vanilla chia seed pudding recipe is that I can throw the ingredients into a container the night before and when I wake up it is ready to eat.

    A close up view of a glass of chia pudding topped with dates and pecans
    Jump to:
    • Why this chia pudding recipe is great:
    • What you need to make this recipe:
    • Recipe step by step directions:
    • Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ:
    • More easy breakfast and snack ideas:
    • Reader adaptations:
    • Tools:
    • Recipe
    • Community

    You can also enjoy this easy vegan chia seed pudding as a snack or a dessert. If you are like me and always looking for something tasty that is also healthy, then this is a great recipe to add to the mix.

    I kid you not, they think the texture is similar to tapioca pudding...even my "picky one" likes this recipe. This is also a great option to send to school with your kids so they can eat it with their lunch.

    Now, it is one of my favorite things because you can do so much to it to change the flavor and it is so healthy for you. If you have never given it a try, I promise that you will be pleasantly surprised.

    You may also love this Matcha Green Tea Chia Pudding, and it includes an easy video to walk you through every step to make this for yourself at home.

    a glass full of chia pudding. The glass is on a small wooden plate

    Why this chia pudding recipe is great:

    This chia pudding recipe is easy to make with just 4 simple ingredients. It is healthy and it is perfect to make ahead for those busy mornings. It is naturally dairy-free, vegan, paleo, and keto for those looking for a keto chia pudding recipe.

    I love to have my children help me make their own chia pudding breakfast. They can add whatever ingredients they like, and they feel so accomplished when they bite into it the next morning.

    What you need to make this recipe:

    vanilla chia pudding ingredients
    • Chia seeds - You can use the standard black chia seeds or the more pale yellowish white colored chia seeds.
    • Almond milk - I used almond milk but other dairy-free kinds of milk will work but I do not recommend canned coconut milk.
    • Nuts - You can use any type. I love pecans, but walnuts also taste great.
    • Maple syrup - I also like to use honey.

    A gluten free lifestyle is something that should be enjoyed anywhere you go. Take a look at my guide How to Eat Gluten Free Anywhere + Best Gluten Free Diet Tips, for tips and recipe inspiration.

    Recipe step by step directions:

    It is so easy to make this vanilla chia pudding recipe. Grab your ingredients. I really recommend throwing this together before you go to bed. That way you wake up to a ready made breakfast!

    chia seeds in a glass container

    Step 1: Measure out ¼ cup of chia seeds and pour into a glass container. I like to look at the chia seeds just to make sure there isn't anything in them. So far I have yet to find anything but they are so small I like to just look anyway.

    chia seeds soaking in milk

    Step 2: Add one cup of coconut or almond milk, vanilla, and maple syrup. (*You can substitute brown sugar or coconut sugar if you prefer not to have a maple flavor.)

    Step 3: Seal the container and put it into the refrigerator. I like to stir it once later before I go to bed to lessen the number of lumps. In the morning, add chopped dates and pecans. Enjoy!

    Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ:

    Can you use regular milk?

    Absolutely! If your body is okay with dairy, this recipe will taste just as good. I would say you may need a little sweetener if you use regular milk as often almond and coconut milk have sweetener in them.

    It is very crucial to soak your chia seeds before you eat them. As long as you soak them, you can use whichever milk you prefer. I like coconut milk, but you can use almond milk, regular milk, soy milk or rice milk. Change the recipe to fit your dietary preferences and likes.

    Why are chia seeds good for you?

    Did you know that chia seeds are loaded with healthy fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, calcium, and protein? Because of the high fiber content, you will stay full longer when you eat them too. These little seeds of goodness also have antioxidants that help keep you healthy.

    How long does this pudding last?

    You can make this vanilla chia seed pudding ahead of time, and it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you like to meal plan, then you can make them and eat them all week long. Imagine all the time you will have to do other things!

    two glasses of vanilla chia pudding on a table

    More easy breakfast and snack ideas:

    • Easy Grab and Go Gluten Free Breakfast Pockets
    • Irresistible Moist Gluten Free Banana Bars
    • Cinnamon Granola

    Reader adaptations:

    Reader Ale's photo of her finished chia pudding.
    Reader Ale's photo of her chia pudding

    I used agave instead of maple syrup the second time I made it and just as delicious."

    Ale, Pinterest User
    Reader Katy C's photo of chia pudding
    Katy C's photo of the chia pudding

    I use this chia pudding to make breakfast parfaits."

    Katy C.

    Tools:

    1. An air-tight sealable container. We use these rectangular glass containers. Mason jars are also great for this.
    2. Organic chia seeds

    Recipe

    A close up view of a glass of chia pudding topped with dates and pecans

    Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

    Sandi Gaertner
    An easy overnight chia pudding recipe flavored with vanilla, dates, and pecans.
    4.75 from 43 votes
    dairy free allergen icon
    an egg free allergen icon
    gluten free allergy icon
    soy free allergy icon
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections Save RecipeSaved!
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 3 hrs
    Additional Time 3 hrs
    Total Time 6 hrs 10 mins
    Course Gluten Free Breakfast Recipes
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2
    Calories 292 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ cup chia seeds * see note
    • 1 cup almond milk * see note
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup * see note
    • 2 tablespoons dates chopped
    • 2 tablespoons pecans chopped

    Instructions
     

    • Add all of the ingredients to a glass container. 
    • Stir well, cover, and refrigerate.
    • In one hour, stir again. This helps prevent lumps.
    • Enjoy in 3 hours, or the next day.

    Video

    Notes

    1. You can use white or black chia seeds in this vanilla chia seed pudding recipe. They both require the same amount of soaking.
    2. I used almond milk but other dairy-free kinds of milk will work but I do not recommend canned coconut milk.
    3. You can use maple syrup as I did, or use honey or agave nectar.
    4. This chai pudding will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container,.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 292kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 168mgPotassium: 274mgFiber: 10gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 19IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 319mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @FearlessDining or tag #FearlessDining!
    Share by Text

    Nutrition Disclaimer

    Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.

    strawberry e-book image

    If you love the recipes you are finding on my blog, I would love for you to sign up for my newsletter (and get my free gluten free strawberry desserts e-cookbook!)

    « Mini Gluten Free Champagne Cupcakes
    5 Healthy Breakfast Bowls to Start Your New Year Right »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Karen

      June 05, 2022 at 9:12 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious! I love it for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. Trying the overnight vanilla next.

      Reply
      • Sandi Gaertner

        June 06, 2022 at 10:02 am

        I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Karen!! I really appreciate your coming bakc to let me know.

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    A picture of my face standing in front of landscape bushes

    Welcome to my blog! I am so glad you are here. I have created hundreds of delicious family-friendly gluten free recipes with easy step-by-step directions. Many recipes are also dairy-free. A gluten free lifestyle has never been easier!

    More about me →

    Easy Dinner Recipes:

    • Creamy Gluten Free Alfredo Sauce
    • Gluten Free Sausage Meatballs
    • The Best Way to Cook Gluten Free Pasta {No Mushy Pasta!}
    • How to Make Blackened Shrimp Fajitas Tacos
    • Easy Gluten Free Stuffed Peppers
    • Gluten Free Skillet Lasagna

    More Dinner Recipes!

    Trending Gluten Free Recipes:

    • 8 Tasty Ways To Enjoy Shishito Peppers {Easy Recipes}
    • The Best Gluten Free Blueberry Scones
    • Proposition Chicken's Gluten Free Fried Chicken Recipe
    • Quick & Easy Air Fryer Cod
    • Sweet Gluten Free Apple Fritters
    • The Best Flaky Gluten Free Biscuits

    Click for more Trending Recipes.

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Web Stories

    Copyright © 2014-2022 Fearless Dining