Easy Homemade Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seed pudding is a Spring/Summer staple in our family. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable. I love that I can prep up a few basic pudding cups and then allow my small children to have a little control. Except for on school mornings, on school mornings we operate like a machine (i.e., moms choice). In addition to being packed with nutrients, chia seed pudding is a family fave because the boys are convinced it’s a dessert. I’ll take it.

If you’re still on the fence about incorporating chia seeds into your diet, let me help you get right off. Chia seeds are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. They are great additions to smoothies, oatmeal, and on their own like in this pudding. I love that they provide my kiddos with energy for a long morning of play and that they help keep inflammation in check. Jackpot.

Two tablespoons of chia seeds provide 3 grams of plant-based protein as well as manganese, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, and iron.

If you follow me on Instagram you know that I’m a huge fan of “real food, fast!” and this easy homemade chia seed pudding fits the bill perfectly. Enjoy!

Homemade Chia Seed Pudding

Kitchen Tools:

1. FOUR 1/2 pint mason jars (like these)
2. A whisk if you choose to make one big batch & pour it into individual servings.

Gather These:

1. 2 cups almond milk (or any milk) — Recipe Here
2. 6 tablespoons chia seeds (a little more than 1/3cup)
3. 1 tsp organic Vanilla
4. 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for sweetness)
5.  Toppings: raspberries, blueberries, banana slices, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, coconut flakes, etc.

Do this:

1. Line up your jars (4x 8oz jars)
2. Pour 4oz almond milk per jar
3. Add .75 tablespoon of chia seeds per jar — I eyeball it, approx 3/4 of a tablespoon per jar.
4. Add 1/4 tsp vanilla and 1/4 tablespoon maple syrup to each
5. Put the lid on the jars and shake, shake, shake. **This is why I like to use mason jars.**
6. Refrigerate overnight

The next morning:

1. Give the pudding a little shake
2. Remove the lid and add toppings
3. Enjoy

Serving Suggestions:

1. My kids go to preparation is a drizzle of honey + whatever fresh berries we have on hand.
2. Occasionally I’ll pour some of my morning smoothie on top and make a little parfait situation.
3. My kids also like a little salt + sweet contrast, so toasted almonds or hazelnuts on top are a treat.
4. Granola on top is always welcome.

I feel like you really cannot go wrong with chia seed pudding, it is just so damn versatile. Perhaps the only thing you’d benefit from remembering is the basic Chia Pudding Ratio: 3 tablespoons of chia seeds for every 1 cup of liquid. But it truly is fool-proof. If you reach for your pudding the next morning and it seems a bit too thick, just add liquid and give it a vigorous shake. Problem solved.

What’s your favorite chia seed pudding variation?

Xo, Kimberly Fe'Lix