Chia Seed and Almond Milk Pudding
With their thirst for moisture momentarily slaked by almond milk, chia seeds transform into a fluffy pudding that cradles crunchy nuts, seeds, or a vibrant jumble of berries. It's a vegan dessert with a light, creamy mouthfeel that's easy to whip up and requires no cooking, oven, or stovetop. With just eight ingredients, a few minutes of whisking, and a quick overnight chill, you can have a delightful, nutritious, ready-to-eat treat that's perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
Chia, an ancient seed that was a staple food for the Aztecs and Mayans, gained popularity in the 21st century as a superfood due to its high fiber and omega-3 fatty acid content. While chia seeds can be consumed raw or sprinkled on dishes, they truly shine when combined with liquid. Chia seeds possess a remarkable ability to absorb up to 10 times their weight in liquid, forming a gelatinous pudding. This ability fascinated me, and I embarked on a quest to craft the perfect chia seed pudding. After numerous iterations, I stumbled upon the formula that struck a harmonious balance of creaminess, texture, flavor, and ease of preparation. This recipe is a testament to the culinary alchemy that can occur when a humble seed meets a splash of almond milk.
Chia Seed and Almond Milk Pudding Chia Seed and Almond Milk Pudding Chia Seed and Almond Milk Pudding Chia Seed and Almond Milk Pudding
Prep time: 5 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup chia seeds
  • 2 cups almond milk
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds
  • Optional: 1/4 cup berries
Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chia seeds, almond milk, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
  2. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, or until the chia seeds have absorbed the liquid.
  3. Stir in the nuts or seeds and berries, if desired.
  4. Pour the mixture into a jar or container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  5. Serve chilled.
Why It Works
  • The chia seeds absorb the almond milk, creating a thick, pudding-like texture without requiring any thickening agents or cooking.
  • The honey or maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the nutty flavor of the chia seeds.
  • The vanilla extract and cinnamon enhance the flavor of the pudding, making it more complex and satisfying.
  • The chopped nuts or seeds add a crunchy contrast to the creamy pudding, while the berries provide a burst of freshness and color.
  • Overnight refrigeration allows the pudding to fully set and develop its creamy texture.