Chocolate Chia Pudding Recipe – healthy afternoon chocolate fix!

Pudding with protein and fiber and only 100 calories? It’s true! This chocolate chia pudding is the perfect afternoon chocolate fix!

Have you guys tried chia pudding yet? It’s a magical thing, really, when hard little chia seeds turn into a soft, creamy pudding similar in texture to tapioca. I’ve posted one other version – this maple cinnamon chia pudding recipe, and I have another recipe on deck to share with you in the next few weeks. This chocolate chia pudding is a sweet and chocolatey treat without being overly sweet or overly packed with calories. Chia seeds are full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and are also a good source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants so this pudding is really a great way to get that afternoon chocolate fix (am I the only one that craves chocolate every afternoon?). It’s filling and good for you but tastes sweet and indulgent.

I love enjoying this pudding with some fresh berries or sliced bananas…or a bit of whipped cream. Like I mentioned, it isn’t super sweet, so if you like things on the sweeter side, I’d recommend adding more maple syrup to this chocolate chia pudding or eating it with sweet fresh fruit.

The best part of this chocolate chia pudding recipe is that it is so ridiculously easy to make. You just whisk all the ingredients together and then let it set overnight in your fridge. I recommend giving it a stir a few times to avoid clumping and to help it thicken. No need to set an alarm in the middle of the night to stir, but one time before you go to bed and maybe once again in the morning will help it thicken into a pudding texture. I use skim milk for this recipe but whole milk, almond milk, or any milk substitute you like would also work.

PS: I just read that if you have a sesame seed allergy (like my son) or a mustard seed allergy, you are more prone to chia seed allergies. Good to know!

Looking for more uses of chia? Try:

• Tropical Smoothie Bowl
• Popcorn Snack Mix
• Yogurt Popsicles with Berries and Chia
• Breakfast Quinoa with Chia and Cinnamon

Chocolate Chia Pudding Recipe

Yield: 6 servings

Total Time: 24 hours 5 minutes

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Pudding with protein and fiber and only 100 calories? It’s true! This chocolate chia pudding is the perfect afternoon chocolate fix!

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Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups skim milk
• 1/3 cup chia seeds
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
• Optional toppings: whipped cream, fruit

Directions:

1. Whisk all ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Cover and place in refrigerator for 24 hours or until thickened and pudding-like, stirring 2-3 times.
2. Serve topped with whipped cream if desired.

Note: I love this with fruit! Spoon a bit over berries or bananas for a snack that will completely satisfy your chocolate craving.

Note: This isn’t very sweet, which I’m used to and like, but if you find that it’s not sweet enough, add an additional tablespoon of maple syrup. Or eat it with fruit — that adds a lot of great natural sweetness.

All images and text ©Rachel Cooks.

Verdict: I love this – it’s the perfect afternoon chocolate fix.
Husband’s take: He loves this! My kids were not fans, I don’t think they could get past the texture.
Changes I would make: None are necessary!
Difficulty: So easy! It pretty much makes itself.

Actual nutrition may vary depending on how recipe is prepared. Nutrition info does not include whipped cream or any other toppings.