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Chia seeds are the star of this dish. They are tiny but mighty! They soak up liquid and turn creamy. For this recipe, you need 1/2 cup of chia seeds. They are rich in fiber and omega-3s. You can choose any milk you like. I often use 2 cups of almond milk. Other good options are oat milk or coconut milk. Pick one that you enjoy. Each milk adds its own flavor to the mix. Sweetness is key in this pudding. I add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. You can use honey or agave syrup instead. For flavor, use 1 vanilla bean. Split it and scrape out the seeds. If you don't have a vanilla bean, use 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Top your pudding to make it fun! Fresh fruit is perfect. I love using berries, mango, or banana. You can also add toasted coconut flakes for a crunchy touch. Nuts or seeds add even more texture and flavor. Choose your favorites to make each bowl unique. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of chia seeds to the bowl. Next, pour in 2 cups of almond milk or your favorite plant-based milk. Now, let’s add the flavor! Take 1 vanilla bean, split it, and scrape out the seeds. Mix the seeds into the bowl. If you don’t have a vanilla bean, you can use 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract instead. Next, add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for sweetness, and a pinch of sea salt for flavor balance. Using a whisk, stir everything together well. Make sure the chia seeds blend into the milk. This step helps prevent clumping. After mixing, let the bowl sit for about 10 minutes. Whisk it again to ensure the chia seeds are spread evenly. Now it’s time to chill your mixture! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 3 hours. For the best texture, overnight is best. Once set, check the pudding. Give it a gentle stir to break up any lumps. You can taste it now! If you like it sweeter, feel free to add more maple syrup. When you’re ready to serve, use individual bowls or jars. Ladle the pudding into each one. Top it off with fresh fruits like berries, mango, or banana. For some extra fun, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top. You can also add a handful of nuts or seeds for crunch. Enjoy your delicious and healthy vanilla bean chia pudding! To make smooth chia pudding, start with the right ratios. Use 1/4 cup of chia seeds for every cup of liquid. This mix gives you a creamy texture. After whisking, let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. Stir it again to avoid clumps. Refrigerate it for at least 3 hours, but overnight works best. This waiting time helps the seeds absorb liquid fully. Maple syrup adds a nice touch of sweetness. Start with 2 tablespoons, then taste. If you want it sweeter, add more syrup. You can also try honey or agave syrup. Remember, sweetness varies with toppings. Fresh fruits can add natural sugars, so adjust the base sweetness accordingly. Vanilla bean is the star of this pudding, but you can get creative. Use almond extract for a nutty twist. Or try adding cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor. For a tropical vibe, mix in coconut milk. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings too! Fresh berries, mango, or nuts add both flavor and texture. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, always opt for fresh vanilla beans and quality almond milk. Fresh ingredients elevate the overall taste of the pudding. Adjust Sweetness: The sweetness of this pudding can be customized. Start with the recommended amount of maple syrup, and taste before serving to adjust it according to your preference. Chill Overnight: For a creamier texture, allow the pudding to chill overnight. This gives the chia seeds ample time to absorb the liquid and swell, resulting in a perfect pudding. Explore Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, and even a drizzle of honey or additional maple syrup can enhance the flavor and presentation of your pudding. {{image_4}} You can make your chia pudding even more fun by adding different flavors. For chocolate lovers, stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. You can even use a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty twist. If you want something fruity, blend in pureed mango or berries. These flavors add depth and keep your taste buds excited. If you need a nut-free version, use oat milk or soy milk instead of almond milk. For a sugar-free option, you can skip the maple syrup. Instead, use a few drops of stevia or monk fruit sweetener. These swaps make the pudding friendly for many diets while keeping it delicious. Toppings can change the game for your chia pudding. Fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas add color and taste. You can also sprinkle on granola for crunch or a dollop of yogurt for creaminess. Try adding seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for extra nutrition. Toasted coconut flakes give a nice tropical touch, making every bite exciting. To store your vanilla bean chia pudding, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Make sure to cover it tightly. You can store it in the fridge for easy access. Always remember to label the container with the date you made it. Your chia pudding will last for about 5 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Pour the pudding into ice cube trays or small containers. It stays good in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before serving. When you are ready to eat your pudding, stir it gently. This helps to smooth out the texture. If it seems too thick, add a splash of almond milk or water. You can freshen it up with new toppings, like fresh fruit or nuts. This makes it look and taste great again! Chia seeds pack a punch of nutrition. They are rich in fiber, which helps digestion. They also have omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health. Plus, they are a great source of protein. This makes them ideal for those who want to eat healthy. Chia seeds can absorb water, forming a gel-like texture. This helps you feel full longer, which can aid in weight loss. Yes, you can use different types of milk. Almond milk is my favorite choice, but you can try oat, soy, or coconut milk. Each type adds a unique flavor to your chia pudding. If you prefer dairy, whole milk or low-fat milk work well too. Just remember that the taste and texture may vary slightly with each milk type. Chia pudding can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you want to enjoy it later, try freezing it. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before serving. The texture may change slightly, but it will still taste great! Chia pudding is simple and fun to make. We explored the core ingredients, from chia seeds to tasty toppings. I shared step-by-step instructions, making the process easy for anyone. Tips helped perfect texture and flavor. Variations allow for creativity, catering to different diets. Lastly, proper storage keeps your pudding fresh. Enjoy making this healthy treat, and let your creativity shine!

Vanilla Bean Chia Pudding

A creamy and delicious chia pudding infused with vanilla flavor, perfect for a healthy dessert or breakfast.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 0.5 cup chia seeds
  • 2 cups almond milk
  • 1 unit vanilla bean
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • to taste unit fresh fruit for topping
  • to taste unit toasted coconut flakes
  • to taste unit nuts or seeds

Instructions
 

  • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the chia seeds. Pour in the almond milk, then sprinkle in the vanilla bean seeds—don’t forget to include the split vanilla pod for an extra depth of flavor. Add the maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt.
  • Using a whisk, mix the ingredients thoroughly until the chia seeds are well incorporated into the liquid and evenly distributed.
  • Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. After this pause, whisk it again to ensure the chia seeds do not clump together.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill and set for at least 3 hours, though overnight is recommended for the best texture.
  • Once the pudding has set, give it a gentle stir to break up any lumps that may have formed. Taste the pudding and adjust the sweetness with more maple syrup if desired.
  • To serve, ladle the pudding into individual bowls or jars. Top each serving with an array of fresh fruits, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes if you like, and add a handful of nuts or seeds for an appealing crunch.

Notes

For best texture, let it chill overnight.
Keyword chia pudding, healthy breakfast, vegan dessert