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A creamy, lightly sweetened vanilla chia pudding made with just four main ingredients, ready in 5 minutes and chilled to set. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or light dessert, high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: About 3 servings (each approximately 3/4 cup) 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup milk or milk alternative (2% preferred for creaminess)
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds (level measured)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or preferred sweetener
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Dash of sea salt (about 1/8 teaspoon or less, optional)

Instructions

  1. Measure 1 cup milk (or milk alternative), 1/4 cup level chia seeds, 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or sweetener), 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a dash of sea salt.
  2. Pour all ingredients into a 16-ounce or larger jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  3. Seal the jar and shake vigorously for about 1 minute to suspend the chia seeds and prevent clumps.
  4. Refrigerate the sealed jar for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the pudding to set.
  5. For the smoothest texture, shake the jar every 20 minutes during the first hour of chilling.
  6. If making a protein version, mix milk and chia seeds first and shake, then add protein powder, shake again, and chill as usual.
  7. If clumps form after chilling, stir vigorously with a spoon to break them up.
  8. If pudding is too thin, add 1/2 tablespoon extra chia seeds, shake, and chill 15–30 minutes longer.
  9. If pudding is too thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons milk and mix until desired consistency is reached.

Notes

Level measuring chia seeds ensures correct pudding thickness., Shaking periodically during chilling prevents clumps and improves texture., Overnight chilling yields creamier, thicker pudding., Use dairy or plant-based milk but avoid full-fat canned coconut milk to prevent lumps., Adjust sweetness to preference; maple syrup, honey, granulated sweeteners, or liquid stevia all work., Top with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or mix-ins like peanut butter, chocolate chips, or homemade granola., Store in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days; do not freeze as texture changes., Protein versions include 1 1/2 cups milk alternative and 1/4 cup protein powder with chia seeds.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour (minimum chilling time)
  • Category: Dessert

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 3/4 cup per serving
  • Calories: ~150 calories per serving (varies with milk and sweetener chosen)
  • Fat: ~7 grams per serving
  • Carbohydrates: ~15 grams per serving
  • Protein: ~5 grams per serving (without protein powder)