Chocolate Chia Pudding Recipe – healthy afternoon chocolate fix!
Posted: 02/01/2017
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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 two other versions – maple cinnamon chia pudding recipe, and chai spiced chia seed pudding recipe.
This chocolate chia pudding is a sweet and chocolatey treat without being overly sweet or packed with calories. Chia seeds are full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and are also a good source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants. Pudding made with chia seeds 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 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.
I also love my mom’s more traditional homemade chocolate pudding. If you’re used to canned pudding or pudding made from a boxed mix, you’re in for a real treat if you make homemade pudding. There’s really no comparison. Another good recipe to try is homemade vanilla pudding.
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
- Savory Granola – perfect as a nut-free salad topping, or a snack
- Homemade Pizza Sauce with Chia
- Savory Chia Oats with Salsa, Avocado and Fried Egg by Hummusapien
- Banana Overnight Oats Recipe with Chia Seeds by No Spoon Necessary
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
servings
Pudding with protein and fiber and only 100 calories? It’s true! This chocolate chia pudding is the perfect afternoon chocolate fix!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups skim milk (or any milk you prefer)
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Serve topped with whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
I love this with fruit! Spoon a bit over berries or bananas for a snack that will completely satisfy your chocolate craving.
This pudding 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.
I used skim milk but you could use any kind of milk you prefer: whole milk, almond milk, soy milk, etc.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1of 6, Calories: 124kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 2mg, Sodium: 29mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 10g
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
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.
Mom says
Like mother, like daughter. Gotta have that dark chocolate every afternoon, along with my cup of green tea.
I will have to try the pudding again. Didn’t thicken up for me the first time I made it.