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.
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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.
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:
- 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!
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.
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:
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.
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.
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!
More easy breakfast and snack ideas:
- Easy Grab and Go Gluten Free Breakfast Pockets
- Irresistible Moist Gluten Free Banana Bars
- Cinnamon Granola
Reader adaptations:
I used agave instead of maple syrup the second time I made it and just as delicious."
Ale, Pinterest User
I use this chia pudding to make breakfast parfaits."
Katy C.
Tools:
- An air-tight sealable container. We use these rectangular glass containers. Mason jars are also great for this.
- Organic chia seeds
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📖 Recipe
Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding
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
- You can use white or black chia seeds in this vanilla chia seed pudding recipe. They both require the same amount of soaking.
- I used almond milk but other dairy-free kinds of milk will work but I do not recommend canned coconut milk.
- You can use maple syrup as I did, or use honey or agave nectar.
- This chai pudding will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container,.
Nutrition
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Ria
Does it have to be a glass container?
Sandi Gaertner
You can use any container you like Ria. Enjoy 🙂
Susan
I have tried this ratio of seeds to milk several times and my seeds always clump on the bottom and it is liquidy on top. I miss the jars up well before placing in fridge. What else can I do? I’m always bummed cause it never comes out evenly solid.
Sandi Gaertner
Hi Susan, What type of milk are you using? I have seen this happen with coconut milk. Perhaps stirring it up with a whisk after an hour of it sitting in the refrigerator would help?
Marlayna
My husband eats these for breakfast and I've been eating for dessert.....soooo good. I absolutely love how easy these are to make and how divine they are!
Sandi Gaertner
I am so glad you like chia pudding. I truly appreciate your coming back to let me know :-).
Lisa
Do you think substituting the almond or coconut milk with oat milk would work alright?
Sandi Gaertner
You can definitely use oat milk 🙂
Jules Shepard
Why don't I make this every night? It's so easy and so delicious and a hit with a lot of the family.
Sandi Gaertner
It certainly makes breakfast easier!