Pumpkin spice chia seed pudding is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day or enjoy as a snack. It's made with just a few simple ingredients, including chia seeds, unsweetened almond milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and spices. The chia seeds absorb the liquid and create a thick, pudding-like consistency, while the pumpkin puree and spices add a festive fall flavor. This pudding is a great source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, and it can be topped with your favorite nuts, seeds, or fruit for a complete and satisfying meal.
The history of pumpkin spice chia seed pudding is a long and winding one. It all started in the early 1900s, when chia seeds were a staple food for the Aztecs and Mayans. These tiny seeds were packed with nutrients and energy, and they were often used in ceremonial dishes. In the 1970s, chia seeds were rediscovered by health food enthusiasts, and they quickly became a popular ingredient in vegetarian and vegan recipes. In the early 2000s, pumpkin spice lattes became all the rage, and it wasn't long before someone had the idea to combine the two into a delicious and nutritious pudding. Today, pumpkin spice chia seed pudding is a popular breakfast and snack food, and it can be found in cafes and health food stores all over the world.
Prep time: 5 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 2
Ingredients
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
Pinch of cloves
Optional toppings: chopped nuts, seeds, or fresh fruit
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together chia seeds, almond milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and spices.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.
Once the pudding has thickened to your liking, serve in bowls or jars.
Top with your choice of toppings, such as nuts, seeds, or fruit.
Enjoy as a healthy breakfast or snack!
Why It Works
Chia seeds are a great source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Pumpkin puree is a good source of vitamins A and C, and it also contains beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease.
The spices in this recipe, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, are all known for their health benefits. Cinnamon has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels, while nutmeg has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Ginger is a good source of antioxidants, and cloves have been shown to help improve digestion.
This pudding is a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. The pumpkin puree provides a good source of vitamins and minerals, and the spices add a boost of flavor and antioxidants.