Vanilla Chia Pudding with Fresh Berries (Gluten-Free & Vegan)

Why We Love Chia Seed Pudding

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Looking for a simple yet satisfying gluten-free breakfast or snack? This Chia Seed Pudding recipe is incredibly versatile and endlessly customizable! With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a nutritious and delicious treat that fits perfectly into a healthy, gluten-free lifestyle. If you’re a muffin lover, consider pairing your pudding with our Gluten-Free Banana Nut Muffins for a complete breakfast.

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Chia seeds are packed with fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a fantastic addition to any diet. This pudding is not only gluten-free but also easily made vegan, offering a wealth of possibilities for those with dietary restrictions. You can get creative with toppings and mix-ins, similar to how we approach our Gluten-Free Quinoa Breakfast Bowl. So easy and so delicious!

If you are on the go, prep a batch of Gluten-Free Chia Seed Breakfast Bowl. If you’re new to gluten-free cooking, remember that the key to success is often in the texture. Chia seeds have a unique ability to absorb liquid and create a gel-like consistency, which is perfect for puddings and other desserts. Getting the right ratio of chia seeds to liquid is crucial, so follow our recipe for guaranteed success. For another naturally gluten-free and easy breakfast option, check out our Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pancakes.

Instructions: Crafting Your Perfect Chia Seed Pudding

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and nutritious chia seed pudding that’s entirely gluten-free and vegan!

Combine Chia Seeds and Milk: In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons of chia seeds (we recommend Bob’s Red Mill Chia Seeds for best results) with 1 cup of your favorite milk alternative. Oat milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk are all excellent choices. For a richer flavor, try a combination of oat and coconut milk.
Add Sweetener and Vanilla (Optional): Stir in 1 tablespoon of your preferred liquid sweetener, such as maple syrup, honey, or agave. If desired, add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for enhanced flavor. Skip the sweetener for a sugar-free option.
Chill and Thicken: Place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. To ensure even thickening, give it a quick stir every 5 minutes during the first 15 minutes of chilling.
Refrigerate: Allow to sit in fridge until ready to layer in a glass with the Add-On ingredients.
Layer and Serve: Once the chia seed pudding has thickened to your liking, layer it in mason jars or containers with your favorite add-ins. Fresh berries, sliced almonds, toasted coconut flakes, or a swirl of nut butter are all fantastic choices.

Enjoy your delicious and customizable chia seed pudding! Feel free to experiment with different fruits, nuts, and toppings to create your own unique variations.

Tips for Success:

For a thicker pudding, allow the mixture to chill for a longer period.
Prepare the pudding ahead of time and assemble it with toppings just before serving.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Ingredients

4 Tablespoons Chia Seeds – I recommend Bob’s Red Mill Chia Seeds
1 cup milk of choice – I recommend: oat milk, cashew milk, coconut milk & oat milk combo
Sweetener of choice – I like to use Maple Syrup or Honey in chia pudding for some added sweetness. Feel free to omit if you don’t want to add sugar.
Vanilla Extract – Optional, but recommended. Vanilla extract in chia pudding adds extra depth of flavor.

Optional Add-Ins:

Fruit of choice fresh: berries, kiwi, apricots, mango, and more!
Nut butter of choice: almond butter, peanut butter, sunflower butter, and more!
Topping to sprinkle such as: sliced or chopped almonds, toasted coconut chips/flakes, chopped walnuts, and more!

Gluten-Free Nutrition Spotlight

This Chia Seed Pudding is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional benefits:

Chia Seeds: Packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein, chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse. They are also a great source of antioxidants and minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Milk of Choice: Opting for dairy-free milk like oat, cashew, or coconut milk ensures this pudding remains gluten-free and vegan. These alternatives provide essential vitamins and minerals without the gluten.
Customizable and Healthy: With endless variations, you can tailor this pudding to meet your specific nutritional needs and preferences.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of Chia Seed Pudding:

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Tips and Variations for the Perfect Chia Seed Pudding

Consistency Control: Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency. For a thicker pudding, use slightly less milk.
Sweetness Level: Control the sweetness by adding your preferred amount of maple syrup, honey, or agave. Alternatively, use stevia or monk fruit for a sugar-free option.
Overnight Soak: For the best texture, prepare the chia seed pudding the night before and let it soak in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the chia seeds to fully absorb the liquid and create a creamy consistency.

Dietary Variations

Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan when using plant-based milk and sweeteners like maple syrup or agave.
Nut-Free: If you have nut allergies, use sunflower seed butter or tahini as a substitute for nut butter and top with seeds instead of nuts.
Low-Sugar: Reduce the sugar content by using sugar-free sweeteners or omitting sweeteners altogether. Berries can add natural sweetness.

Creative Add-In Ideas

Tropical Twist: Mix in mango, pineapple, and shredded coconut for a tropical-flavored pudding.
Chocolate Indulgence: Add cocoa powder and a touch of sweetener for a chocolate chia seed pudding.
Spice It Up: Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm and comforting flavor.

Storage Tips

Store your prepared chia seed pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’ve added fresh fruit, it’s best to consume it within 3-4 days.

Essential Equipment for This Recipe

To prepare this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

Mixing Bowls – A set of mixing bowls is crucial for combining wet and dry ingredients.
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Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements are key to baking success.
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Baking Sheets – For baking cookies, roasting vegetables, and more!
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Whisks – Perfect for whipping cream or blending sauces.
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Spatulas – Ideal for folding ingredients and scraping bowls clean.
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Food Processors – Great for chopping, slicing, and pureeing.
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Saucepans – Essential for cooking sauces, soups, and grains.
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Chef’s Knives – A good chef’s knife is the workhorse of the kitchen.
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Cutting Boards – Protect your countertops while you prep.
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