Chia seeds are the tiny seeds from a plant native to Mexico and Guatemala known as Salvia hispanica . They can expand to 10 times their size when wet! Chia seeds are often used as a binder in baking but they’re also great in chia pudding.

Are chia seeds healthy?

Yes! Besides containing a good amount of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, chia seeds are packed with other micronutrients such as calcium, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids which are great for brain health.

Is chia seed pudding healthy?

Yes, it is as long as you put healthy stuff in it! I prefer to naturally sweeten my chia seed pudding using dates. Other refined-sugar-free options include maple syrup, blackstrap molasses (though this is a pretty strong flavor and may overwhelm the apple pie flavor), and date syrup.

Can I blend the chia seeds with the rest of the ingredients for a smooth texture?

Yes, absolutely. Some people do not like the texture of chia seeds and that’s OK! I do recommend a high speed blender if you want to make sure your chia pudding is super smooth.

Are there other flavors of chia seed pudding?

I do indeed have many different chia seed pudding recipes on the blog and am coming up with more all the time! Have an idea for a flavor you’d like to see? Message me on Instagram @zardyplants and I will add it to my list!

Apple Pie Chia Pudding (vegan)

Name: Apple Pie Chia Pudding
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Health
Ingredients: ¾ cup + 1 tablespoon non-dairy milk of choice (see note 1); ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce (see note 2); 2-3 Medjool Dates, Pitted; 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 6 tablespoons chia seeds (see note 3); Vegan vanilla yogurt; A batch of my caramelized apples

Description

Packed with fall flavor, this Apple Pie Chia Pudding is a delicious and easy healthy breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For chia pudding

3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon non-dairy milk of choice (see note 1)
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (see note 2)
2-3 Medjool Dates, Pitted
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons chia seeds (see note 3)

For serving (optional)

Vegan vanilla yogurt
A batch of my caramelized apples

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Instructions

Note: This recipe makes enough for two servings. Halve or increase the recipe (double, triple, etc.) depending on how many servings you want to make at one time. Chia pudding lasts for 5-6 days in the fridge.
Blend: Add everything except the chia seeds to the blender and blend until smooth. (Note that if you don’t like the texture of expanded chia seeds, you can blend them with everything else.)
TASTE the mixture. If you like it, move on to step 4. If it’s not sweet enough, add another pitted medjool date or more of your chosen sweetener and blend again. You can also adjust the other items, like adding more vanilla or cinnamon as desired. Adjust until you are satisfied with the flavor.
Pour into 1 or 2 jars (I used these jars) or containers that you can cover and mix in the chia seeds thoroughly.
Cover and refrigerate your apple pie chia pudding for at least 1-2 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can check it after 30-60 minutes and it may be gelled enough for your tastes. You can also refrigerate these overnight so they’re ready for you first thing in the morning.
If making caramelized apples: Only make the caramelized apples right before serving for best results.
Serve: If you made two servings, divide the chia pudding between two bowls *unless you already divided it between two jars*. We love our apple pie chia pudding with a little vegan yogurt (we use vanilla flavored almond milk yogurt) and our caramelized apples. But you could also add my coconut cacao granola or another granola, toasted coconut flakes, toasted pecans or walnuts, or fresh chopped apples or pears.
Storage: Store in the airtight containers (separately from caramelized apples) in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

Note 1: It really doesn’t matter which kind you use. Just use something you like. Note that this amount makes a thick chia pudding, so use more if you like yours to be a little more runny. If you purchased vanilla flavored non-dairy milk, use slightly less vanilla extract.
Note 2: You can use less if you like, but I love the apple-y flavor this infuses. If you bought sweetened applesauce, use less sweetener. Likewise if you have cinnamon applesauce, use less cinnamon.
Note 3: White or black chia seeds are both fine.

Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Blender
Cuisine: Health