Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding – An easy no-cook vegan recipe for rich, creamy and delicious chocolate pudding with chia seeds. This healthy plant-based treat is dairy-free, gluten-free, and perfect to customize to your tastes!

chocolate chia seed pudding

The Best, Easiest Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

I am a serious sucker for a good pudding recipe. These creamy and delicious desserts are usually super easy to prepare with no baking needed. And there are just so many fantastic variations!

We love our classic Best Homemade Chocolate Pudding and amazing Homemade Strawberry Pudding for decadent but practically effortless dessert recipes.

This Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding is a healthy chocolate treat for those who can’t eat dairy or grains, or are on a plant-based or vegan diet. Or, for anyone who just loves chocolate and is trying to enjoy desserts that are on the healthier side.

This simple chocolate pudding is made with only 5 ingredients and takes only minutes to make. (Plus, chill time.) The flavor is rich and chocolatey, while the texture is similar to tapioca pudding, because the chia seeds create little soft bubbles around each seed. It’s these magical little gel bubbles that thicken the dairy-free pudding.

dairy-free healthy vegan pudding with chia seeds

Ingredients You Need

You’ll love that this dairy-free pudding recipe only includes 5 wholesome ingredients.

To make this deliciously decadent (yet healthier!) vegan-friendly chocolate pudding you need:

  • Unsweetened cocoa powderhigh quality for the best taste
  • Chia seedswhole or ground, depending on texture preference
  • Unsweetened cashew milkor other plant-based milk you like, such as almond milk or macadamia nut milk
  • Maple syrupcan also use agave or honey for a non-vegan version that’s still dairy-free
  • Vanilla extractor other flavored extracts, such as hazelnut or almond

Plus any of your favorite sweet goodies for topping!

chia seeds

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Pudding With Chia Seeds

Whip up this chocolate pudding in just 5 minutes! It then needs a few hands-off hours to chill before it has the right thick and creamy consistency.

I love to make a batch around lunchtime when I’ve got a spare second, and you have a perfectly decadent, dairy-free pudding dessert to enjoy after dinner – no baking or effort needed!

To make this easy and healthy pudding recipe, first set out a medium sized mixing bowl. Add the cocoa powder and chia seeds to the bowl, and whisk well to break up all the cocoa powder clumps.

cocoa powder and plant milk

In a separate measuring pitcher, whisk together the cashew milk (or preferred non-dairy milk), maple syrup, and vanilla. You can add a pinch of salt if you like, too. Pour this dairy-free mixture into the bowl with chia seeds and cocoa powder.

Whisk well, and place the mixture in the fridge to rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the chia seeds to release their thickening properties.

cocoa and plant milk mixture

Then whisk well again. Either cover and refrigerate in the mixing bowl, or pour the pudding into small servings cups and chill. Just be sure your containers have lids if you plan to keep the vegan chocolate pudding in the fridge overnight or longer.

Get the Complete (Printable) Vegan Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding Recipe Below. Enjoy!

pouring vegan pudding into cups

Refrigerate for 4-6 hours to fully thicken the healthy chocolate pudding.

cups of vegan chocolate pudding

Serve chilled as-is, or with your favorite pudding toppings.

easy healthy vegan pudding recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

What extra goodies can you put on top of Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding?

For a super decadent dessert, I love to add chocolate shavings on top of my homemade pudding cups. These are also delicious with fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or whole raspberries. Add a dollop of dairy-free Cashew Cream Whipped Cream for an extra special treat!

How can I make a smooth chia seed pudding, without chia clumps?

You can place the chia seeds in a coffee grinder and grind them until smooth before adding to the cocoa powder. Or you can puree all the ingredients in the blender after it has rested 15-20 minutes.

How long will homemade Chocolate Pudding with Chia Seeds keep well?

Stored in airtight containers in the fridge the pudding will stay good for up to 5 days.

vegan healthy chocolate chia seed dairy-free pudding

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Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding (Vegan!)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding – An easy no-cook vegan recipe for rich, creamy and delicious chocolate pudding with chia seeds. This healthy plant-based treat is dairy-free, gluten-free, and perfect to customize to your tastes!
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Set out a medium sized mixing bowl. Add the cocoa powder and chia seeds. Whisk well to break up all the cocoa powder clumps.
  • In a separate measuring pitcher, mix the cashew milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Add in a pinch of salt if you like. Whisk well.
  • Pour the milk mixture into the cocoa mixture, whisking consistently, until the pudding is smooth. Allow the mixture to rest in the fridge for 15-20 minutes, to allow the chia seeds to release their thickening properties.
  • Then whisk well again. Either cover and chill in the mixing bowl, or pour the pudding into small servings cups and chill. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours to fully thicken.

Video

Notes

Want a smoother chocolate pudding WITHOUT the texture of tapioca pudding? You can place the chia seeds in a coffee grinder and grind them until smooth before adding to the cocoa powder.
Stored in airtight containers in the fridge the pudding will stay good for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup, Calories: 103kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Sodium: 44mg, Potassium: 143mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 5IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 80mg, Iron: 1mg
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American, vegan
Author: Sommer Collier
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