Delicious Dates and Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

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I never thought much about dates until a few years ago when they were just those wrinkly brown things in the bulk section. Growing up, the only time I saw them was when my mom would make her holiday fruit cake – and let’s be honest, nobody was excited about that.

But then I discovered how dates and chia seeds work together, and it changed my whole breakfast game. The natural sweetness of dates means you don’t need added sugar, and the chia seeds do this cool thing where they plump up overnight. It’s one of those combinations that’s so simple, you wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

What Kind of Dates Should I Use?

Medjool dates are the top choice for this pudding recipe, since they’re naturally softer and have a rich, caramel-like sweetness that works perfectly in creamy desserts. Regular deglet noor dates will also work fine – they’re just a bit smaller and firmer, so you might want to soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them up before blending. When shopping for dates, look for ones that are shiny and plump, avoiding any that seem overly dry or have crystallized sugar on the surface. If your dates have pits, don’t forget to remove them before adding them to your recipe.

Options for Substitutions

This simple pudding recipe is easy to customize with what you have in your pantry:

• Coconut milk: You can swap coconut milk with any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. Regular dairy milk works too! Just note that coconut milk makes the pudding extra creamy, so other milks might give a slightly thinner consistency.
• Dates: If you don’t have dates, try using 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar. Raisins or dried figs can work too – just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first to soften them up.
• Chia seeds: Chia seeds are pretty essential here – they’re what makes the pudding thick! While you technically could use ground flax seeds, they won’t give you the same texture, so I really recommend sticking with chia seeds.
• Cinnamon: Feel free to skip the cinnamon or try other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
• Maple syrup/honey: Any liquid sweetener works here – try agave nectar, date syrup, or even a few drops of stevia if you prefer.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making chia seed pudding is getting the wrong texture – too runny means you haven’t used enough chia seeds, while too thick means you’ve added too many, so stick to the 2-3 tablespoon ratio per cup of coconut milk for the perfect consistency.

A common mistake is not stirring the mixture well enough at the beginning, which can lead to clumpy chia seeds – make sure to stir immediately after combining ingredients, then again after 10 minutes to break up any clusters that have formed.

For the best results, give your pudding at least 4 hours in the fridge (preferably overnight), and don’t rush the date-softening process – if your dates aren’t soft enough to blend smoothly, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes first.

Remember to taste and adjust the sweetness only after the pudding has set, as the dates will release more natural sweetness over time.

What to Serve With Chia Seed Pudding?

This creamy chia pudding makes a perfect breakfast or snack, and there are so many tasty ways to dress it up! Fresh berries or sliced bananas are my go-to toppings, but you can also add a sprinkle of granola or toasted nuts for some crunch. For a more filling breakfast, serve your chia pudding alongside some whole grain toast with almond butter, or pair it with a small smoothie. If you’re serving this as dessert, a dollop of whipped coconut cream and some dark chocolate shavings turns it into something really special.

Storage Instructions

Chill: Once you’ve mixed up your chia seed pudding, pop it in the fridge in an airtight container. It needs at least 4 hours to set properly, but I usually let mine sit overnight – this gives the chia seeds plenty of time to work their magic and create that perfect pudding texture.

Keep: Your dates and chia pudding will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. I like to make a batch on Sunday and portion it out into small jars for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week. Just give it a quick stir before eating if you notice any separation.

Prep Ahead: Want to meal prep? Make a double batch and divide it into individual portions. Add your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0-0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 6-8 g
• Fat: 20-25 g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50 g

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 3 dates
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 to 3 tablespoons chia seeds
• Maple syrup or honey, adjust to taste (optional)

Step 1: Blend Milk and Dates

Place the milk and dates in a blender.

Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth and well-combined.

This will form the base of your chia pudding.

Step 2: Combine with Chia Seeds and Spices

Transfer the milk and date mixture to a small bowl or jar.

Whisk in the chia seeds and a sprinkle of cinnamon powder.

Ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 3: Chill Overnight

Cover the bowl or jar and place it in the refrigerator.

Allow it to chill overnight.

This helps the chia seeds expand and create a pudding-like consistency.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency and Sweetness

In the morning, give the chia pudding a good stir to smooth out any clumps.

If you find the pudding too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust for sweetness if necessary, adding a bit of natural sweetener if desired.

Step 5: Serve with Toppings

Serve the chilled chia pudding topped with your choice of fruits and nuts.

Popular choices include fresh berries, sliced bananas, almonds, or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

Enjoy your healthy and delicious breakfast or snack!