Tasty Coconut Cream Chia Seed Pudding

Here’s my go-to coconut cream chia seed pudding recipe, with a simple overnight prep, creamy coconut milk base, and naturally sweet flavors that come together while you sleep in the fridge.

This chia pudding has become my morning staple, and I often make a big batch on Sunday nights to last through the week. There’s something so satisfying about waking up to breakfast that’s already made, don’t you think?

What Kind of Chia Seeds Should I Use?

You’ll find two main types of chia seeds at the store – black and white – and either one works perfectly fine for this pudding recipe. While some people think white chia seeds look prettier in light-colored desserts like this coconut pudding, they’re actually identical in taste and nutritional value to the black ones. The most important thing is to check that your chia seeds are fresh – they should be dry and free-flowing, not clumped together or smelling musty. If you’re new to chia pudding, start with whole seeds rather than ground ones, as they’ll give you that classic tapioca-like texture that makes chia pudding so fun to eat.

Options for Substitutions

This creamy pudding recipe is pretty flexible and can work with several substitutions:

• Coconut cream: You can swap coconut cream with full-fat coconut milk, though your pudding might be slightly less thick. Other non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or oat milk work too, but you’ll need to reduce the liquid to about 1¼ cups since they’re thinner.
• Chia seeds: Chia seeds are the star here and can’t be substituted – they’re what creates the pudding-like texture. However, you can use either black or white chia seeds; they work exactly the same way.
• Maple syrup: Feel free to use honey, agave nectar, or your favorite sweetener instead. If using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, start with a small amount and adjust to taste since they’re much sweeter than maple syrup.
• Vanilla essence: Vanilla extract works the same way, or try almond extract for a different flavor. You can even skip it if you don’t have any on hand.
• Shredded coconut: You can leave this out or replace it with chopped nuts, cacao nibs, or even fresh fruit. If using sweetened coconut, you might want to reduce the maple syrup a bit.

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 exact measurements for the perfect spoonable consistency.

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

The timing of adding toppings matters too – adding shredded coconut too early can make it soggy, so it’s best to sprinkle it on just before serving for that perfect crunch.

For the smoothest results, give your pudding at least 4 hours (or overnight) in the fridge to properly set, and don’t skip the initial room temperature rest period of 15 minutes before refrigerating, as this helps the chia seeds begin their gelling process more effectively.

What to Serve With Chia Seed Pudding?

This coconut chia pudding makes a perfect breakfast or snack, and there are so many tasty ways to dress it up! Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a nice pop of color and natural sweetness that works really well with the coconut flavor. For some crunch, try topping your pudding with granola, chopped nuts like almonds or pecans, or even a sprinkle of cacao nibs. If you’re serving this for dessert, a drizzle of extra maple syrup and a dollop of whipped coconut cream on top makes it feel extra special.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Your coconut cream chia pudding will stay good in the fridge for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. I like to make a batch on Sunday night and portion it into small jars for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week.

Make Ahead: This pudding is perfect for meal prep! Mix everything together the night before you want to enjoy it, and let it work its magic in the fridge overnight. The chia seeds need at least 4 hours to plump up and create that perfect pudding texture, but overnight is even better.

Serve: When you’re ready to enjoy your pudding, give it a good stir as the coconut cream might separate a bit. Add your favorite toppings just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy. If the pudding feels too thick after being in the fridge, you can thin it out with a splash of coconut milk.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	180-600 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

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

• Calories: 900-1000
• Protein: 15-20 g
• Fat: 70-80 g
• Carbohydrates: 75-85 g

Ingredients

• 1½ cups coconut cream
• 6-7 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 3 tablespoons shredded coconut, unsweetened

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a bowl, add the coconut cream, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and shredded coconut.

Use a whisk to thoroughly mix the ingredients until everything is fully combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 2: Initial Setting

Place the mixture in the fridge and let it set for a few minutes (5-10 minutes).

This will allow the chia seeds to begin absorbing the liquid, thickening up the mixture slightly.

After this initial set, take the mixture out and give it a second stir to ensure even distribution of seeds and flavor.

Step 3: Chill for Full Setting

Return the mixture to the fridge and let the chia pudding set for at least three hours or preferably overnight.

This extended chilling time allows the chia seeds to fully expand and create a creamy, pudding-like consistency.

Step 4: Final Stir and Add Toppings

Once the pudding has set, give it another stir to refresh its texture.

Serve the chia pudding in bowls, and add your favorite toppings such as yogurt, fresh fruit, nuts, or seeds to enhance the flavor and texture.

Enjoy your creamy, delicious, and healthy chia pudding!