We're big fans of pudding for breakfast here at Hello Glow. These sweet, slightly spicy apple-cinnamon version of chia seed pudding is no exception. It's the perfect vegan breakfast for cold mornings, or eat it as a healthy dessert.
Use your favorite non-dairy milk—coconut, cashew, almond, soy, whatever you like—and feel free to switch up the fruit and spice. For example, try fresh peaches and cardamom, or plums and nutmeg.
Apple Cinnamon Chia Seed Pudding
Apple Cinnamon Chia Seed PuddingMove over, overnight oats—we bet this will be your new go-to healthy breakfast!
And like overnight oats, this chia pudding is a perfect make-ahead breakfast option. Mix together milk and chia the night before then pull it out of the fridge in the morning and just top with fruit, nuts and seeds.
It's creamy, good for your gut, full of healthy fats and protein, and so easy to customize with whatever is in your pantry or fruit basket. Pick low sugar fruit options, and you can make sure it's filled with even more vitamins and nutrients.
And chia is not just for breakfast! Chia pudding is a great make-ahead protein-filled snack that's loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds have about 2.5 grams of protein per tablespoon, so a chia pudding made with three tablespoons of chia seeds would serve up 7.5 grams of protein.
Chia pudding on its own doesn't have a lot of taste so add flavor with fruit, chocolate, nuts and spices. We added anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich cinnamon for its blood sugar regulating benefits. Plus, it adds a warming boost that's perfect for cold mornings, and the spicy fall scent is mood-boosting and stress-relieving.
More Chia Seed Pudding Recipe Ideas
Here are a few more chia seed pudding ideas to add to your morning rotation:
- Berry Chocolate Chia Pudding Breakfast Parfait
- Coconut Chia Pudding: The Ultimate Lazy Girl Breakfast
- Spirulina Breakfast Pudding
- Chocolate Chai Chia Pudding
- Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds - 3 Ways for Summer
Photos by Ana Stanciu
Healthy Apple-Cinnamon Chia Seed Pudding
Equipment
- saucepan
- Medium bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes
- 2 apples cored and chopped
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
- For warm chia seed pudding, place milk and vanilla extract into a saucepan, and warm over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes. The milk does not have to be boiling hot, just warm enough for your taste. Add chia seeds to a cereal bowl.
- When the milk is warm, add the milk to bowl of chia seeds.
- Stir continuously for about 2 minutes while the chia seeds absorb the milk. Allow the mixture to sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Top with coconut flakes, apple slices, and cinnamon.
Notes
Nutrition
Bonus Recipe: Apple Pie Chia Pudding
This apple pie chia pudding recipe is a perfect make-ahead breakfast or healthy snack for those busy mornings. With only a few ingredients, it is a quick and easy recipe that is both delicious and nutritious. The combination of chia seeds and apple pie spice gives this pudding a hearty texture and a comforting taste. It's also gluten-free and refined sugar-free, making it a healthy dessert option. You'll need:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or oat milk
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or store-bought apple sauce
- 2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- ½ cup chopped apples, sautéed or apple compote
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: In a bowl, mix together almond milk, chia seeds, applesauce, pure maple syrup, and apple pie spice. Stir well to combine.
Step 2: If you're using coconut oil, add it to a pan on medium heat. Add in the chopped apples and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until soft. Set aside.
Step 3: Pour the chia pudding mixture into a jar or container with a lid. Stir in the sautéed apples or apple compote. Cover the jar or container with a lid and place it in the fridge overnight, or for at least 3 hours.
In the morning, give the chia pudding a good stir, and top it with more sautéed apples, chopped nuts, or any other toppings you desire. Enjoy your delicious and healthy apple pie chia pudding!
Note: You can use any non-dairy milk of your choice in this recipe, and the pudding will still turn out great. You can also make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Rocky says
How can there only be 350calories when the chia seeds are 150 calories for 3 tablespoons and this is 2/3 of a cup?
Hilari says
This recipe makes a lot! I halved it and still ended up with a big bowl. I made it warm and had to add some stevia to it. It’s kindof blah so next time I make get add some nuts and raisins.
Donna says
I made this for my kids, and they liked it but would have preferred cooked apples. I'm going to cook the apples in some coconut oil next time before adding the milk and vanilla. Thanks for a great recipe!
Alycia says
If you make it warm and don't finish it can you refrigerate what is left?
Emily says
How many calories are in this?
Elisa says
Made it just as the recipe said except for mixing the sautéed apples in the pudding. Delicious!!
ana@cibo4food says
This looks delicious!! I'm always looking for more ways to eat chia seeds. I'll have to give this recipe a try
Nicole says
Made it this morning! Really good!
sandi says
I am allergic to all nuts including coconut so going to try with rice milk.
Can't drink soy. If push comes to shove cows milk. I want to try China seeds.
Melissa says
I made this for breakfast today and it's delicious. I used whole milk because that's what I've got. I also added a little stevia and I love it. I tried it warm but think I will like it cold better.
Jenna says
This was so slimy and goopy and gross. I followed your directions to the letter. Did I do something wrong? We're doing Paleo and I miss oatmeal so much and I thought this would be a good substitute. Help me please.
briella says
Chia seeds when soaked will be a bit goopy. It's pretty normal
C says
Try using a can of full fat coconut milk, makes a much firmer pudding
Renee says
I made this tonight, but with blueberries instead of apples. Loved it!
Indre says
Can I use dairy milk? I really don't understand why every recipe with chia calls on some fancy and expensive milk. Are all the people using chia dairy intolerant/has dietary reason or is it unhealthy to eat chia + dairy or is it just fashion?
ross says
afraid of saturated fat and other things. bottom line-try it with dairy, see if you like it, note any ill effects, if none keep doing it
C says
Saturated fat is good for you, Transfat is the one you should steer clear of.
Dairy is extremely fattening due to the high sugar content. Not to mention pasteurized dairy has been heated to the point where next to no nutrients still exist.
Those who eat chia seeds usually tend to be those who eat clean as well, this is why you will find very few recipes with cows milk. However feel free to enjoy whatever you like.
Beverly Wheeler says
I've used both canned coconut milk and regular dairy. Like it both ways.
Vy says
I've used chia seeds in smoothie but never in a pudding! Will definitely try this! Thanks for the recipe!
Kristen @ Good Habits and Guilty Pleasures says
I LOVE THIS! I just bought chia seeds and have no idea what to do with them haha. Could you make this the night before and let it sit in the fridge? Would it still taste good??
valentina | sweet kabocha says
I love chia pudding and I always forget I have a fat packet of chia seeds in my pantry. I'll make a post-it for this recipe ;)
Alexa de Leon says
Looks so delicious and sooooooo healthy. I wish I could have this now or in weekend <3