Strawberry Chocolate Chia Pudding

Name: Strawberry Chocolate Chia Pudding
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup chia seeds; 2 cups almond milk (or any milk of choice); 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped; Fresh strawberries for topping

Highlighted under: Fresh Baking Recipes

I absolutely love making Strawberry Chocolate Chia Pudding because it combines two of my favorite flavors in a healthy, guilt-free dessert. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the fresh, vibrant strawberries, creating a delightful balance. I appreciate how easy it is to prepare—just mix, chill, and serve! This pudding not only satisfies sweet cravings but also provides a nutritious boost thanks to the chia seeds. It's become a go-to staple in my kitchen, perfect for breakfast or an after-dinner treat. Trust me, you won't be able to resist this indulgence!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-23T21:53:28.287Z

When I first tried making chia pudding, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could come together to create something so delicious. The combination of strawberries and chocolate was purely accidental, but it turned out to be a match made in heaven. I discovered that letting the pudding sit in the refrigerator allows the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and expand, creating that wonderful creamy texture. This is key to getting the best flavor and consistency!

Another tip I found helpful is to blend some strawberries into the pudding mixture itself. This adds an extra layer of strawberry flavor that really enhances the overall dish. Plus, the vibrant color makes it visually appealing! It's become a favorite dessert in my home, and I'm sure it will be in yours too!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry essence
Creamy texture with a delightful crunch from chia seeds
Easily customizable with different fruits or sweeteners
Perfect for meal prep and healthy snacking

The Role of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are the star ingredient in this pudding. They absorb liquid and swell, creating a unique, gel-like texture that mimics that of traditional pudding. This not only adds a pleasing mouthfeel but also provides a hearty dose of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. When preparing the pudding, it's important to stir the mixture thoroughly to prevent clumping; if you notice clumps forming, whisk or mix again to break them apart.

To achieve the ideal pudding consistency, give the chia seeds at least two hours in the refrigerator. If you’re in a hurry, you can let it sit for just one hour, but I recommend an overnight rest for the best flavor and texture. This allows the chia seeds to fully hydrate and expand, resulting in a creamy pudding that holds its shape nicely when served.

Choosing the Right Milk

While almond milk is a fantastic choice for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other plant-based or dairy options such as coconut milk, soy milk, or even oat milk. Each type of milk brings its own flavor and creaminess to the pudding. For a richer dessert, try using full-fat coconut milk for a tropical twist; the creaminess will enhance the chocolate and strawberry flavors beautifully.

If you're looking to lower the sweetness, consider reducing the maple syrup or honey by a tablespoon and adjusting it to taste after combining all the ingredients. Remember that the ripe strawberries will also add natural sweetness, so you may find you don’t need as much sweetener as initially thought.

Variations and Toppings

This pudding is incredibly versatile! Try incorporating different fruits like bananas, raspberries, or even mango to create unique flavor profiles. Additionally, you could add a tablespoon of nut butter for an extra protein boost or a dash of cinnamon for warmth. I love to create seasonal variations; during summer, consider adding a layer of peaches or blueberries for a fresh burst of flavor.

For serving, I recommend topping your pudding with toasted coconut flakes or crushed nuts to add a crunchy element that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture. You can also drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of cacao nibs to enhance the chocolate experience. Not only does this add visual appeal, but it also enriches every spoonful with varied textures.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make the perfect chia pudding:

Ingredients

1/2 cup chia seeds
2 cups almond milk (or any milk of choice)
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
Fresh strawberries for topping

Once you have all the ingredients, you're ready to whip up your delicious pudding!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Strawberry Chocolate Chia Pudding:

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the chia seeds, almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to ensure there are no clumps.

Add Strawberries

Gently fold in the chopped strawberries into the chia mixture until well incorporated.

Refrigerate

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to individual jars. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to let the chia seeds absorb the liquid.

Serve

Once set, give it a good stir before serving. Top with fresh strawberries for an extra treat.

Enjoy your delicious dessert or snack!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try experimenting with different plant-based milks or adding a scoop of protein powder to the mix. You can also vary the sweetness to your taste by adjusting the maple syrup amount.

Meal Prep Tips

This Strawberry Chocolate Chia Pudding is a fantastic candidate for meal prep. You can easily prepare a batch at the beginning of the week, storing it in individual jars for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks. Make sure to seal the jars tightly to keep the pudding fresh. It will stay good in the refrigerator for up to five days, making it an ideal healthy snack option during busy weekdays.

If you notice that the pudding has thickened too much after a few days, simply stir in a little extra almond milk to regain that creamy consistency. This flexibility makes it great for customizing to suit your cravings throughout the week.

Common Troubleshooting

If your chia pudding ends up being too runny, it likely means the chia seeds didn’t absorb enough liquid. To fix this, mix in an additional tablespoon of chia seeds, let it sit for another 30 minutes, and stir periodically to ensure even absorption. A perfectly set pudding should hold its shape and have a silky consistency, not be overly liquidy.

Conversely, if your pudding is too thick, simply whisk in some more milk until the desired texture is achieved. Remember, each batch can vary based on the chia seeds used and the humidity in the air, so it’s essential to adjust according to your specific conditions.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant dessert presentation, layer the pudding in a parfait glass with additional chopped strawberries, granola, or yogurt. This not only enhances flavor but also creates a stunning visual experience that’s perfect for entertaining guests. I often prepare these for brunches or dinner parties, and they never cease to impress.

Additionally, consider serving this pudding as a smoothie bowl base. Just blend it slightly more with your choice of additional fruits until creamy, and top it with nuts, seeds, and extra fruit slices. This transforms the chia pudding into a refreshing treat that’s perfect for warm days.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of milk?

Absolutely! You can use any milk you prefer, such as coconut milk, oat milk, or regular dairy milk.

→ How long does this pudding last in the fridge?

The chia pudding will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator when properly stored in an airtight container.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it's perfect for meal prep! You can make it a few days in advance and enjoy it throughout the week.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and chop them before adding them to the pudding.