Fast Chia Seed Pudding (ready in 5 minutes)

Fast high protein (7 grams per serving) chia seed pudding is a delicious, nourishing snack, breakfast, or dessert, ready to eat in 5 minutes. Made with 4 ingredients, it is vegan, gluten-free, oil-free & so good.

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Chia Seed Pudding in Minutes

Chia seed pudding is such an easy, satisfying option, whether for breakfasts, snacks, or dessert. Simply mix your favorite nondairy milk with chia seeds and sweetener, and then chill overnight until thickened.

But here is a question: what if you want some pudding right now? Or even in, say, an hour or so, after dinner? Or for breakfast after you’ve had a quick shower?

I have the answer! With one simple trick, you can have your pudding and eat it, too. It takes about five minutes to make, from start to finish (really and truly). And, it will be thicker than the traditional overnight version of chia seed pudding. Whoot!!!

Recipe Benefits

Fast chia seed pudding is a nourishing breakfast, snack or treat. It also boasts all of the following features:

• Ready to eat in 5 minutes
• Vegan (no eggs, no dairy)
• Grain-free
• Gluten-free
• Oil-free
• Nut-free
• High in protein (7 grams per serving)
• MEGA fiber (13 grams per serving)
• Easy to make
• Made with 4 ingredients

Ingredients for Fast Chia Sed Pudding

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post. Toggle between US Customary (volume) and Metric (weights) for preferred measurement option.

To make this humble pudding, you will need the following:

• Chia seeds (black chia seeds or white chia seeds)
• Non-dairy milk (e.g., oat milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, soy milk)
• Maple syrup (or the liquid sweetener of your choice)
• Vanilla extract

I recommend adding a pinch of salt to the pudding, too (it enhances the flavors), but it is optional depending on your needs and tastes.

The vanilla extract adds significant flavor, but you are welcome to skip it as you like. I have lots of other flavor suggestions in the FAQ section below.

Chia Seed Nutrition

Tiny, but mighty, chia seeds are packed with fiber (which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied), plant-based protein, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, all in just a couple of spoonfuls.

Chia seeds also deliver an array of minerals, including calcium, iron, and magnesium. Because they soak up liquid and form a gel, chia seeds can help slow digestion and keep blood sugar more steady—plus they make foods feel more satisfying and substantial. In short: small seeds, big nutritional payoff. 

How to Make Fast Chia Seed Pudding

Note that the complete directions are also in the recipe card below.

Step One: Heat a Portion of the Milk

Heat 1/2 cup (118 mL) of the nondairy milk until it is very hot but not quite boiling (do not worry if it begins to boil slightly, it will be fine). You can heat the milk in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the stove.Step Three

Step Two: Combine Hot Milk & Chia Seeds

Combine the hot milk, chia seeds and maple syrup in a glass jar, small bowl, or other heat-proof container (large enough to hold 1 cup (237 mL).

The chia seeds will immediately plump up and gel! Let the mixture stand for 2 minutes longer and then stir to combine. The pudding should be very thick at this point. If not, let it sit for another minute or so to thicken.

Step Three: Stir in Cold Milk & Vanilla

Stir the remaining (cold!) milk and vanilla into the chia mixture until combined. Add the salt at this stage, too, if using.

Step Four: Chill for One or Two Minutes

Place the chia pudding in the freezer for one to two minutes to further cool the pudding. If not eating the pudding immediately, it can be placed in the refrigerator instead.

If leaving in the refrigerator/ fridge for more than 30 minutes, cover the container until ready to serve the pudding.

Serving Ideas

You can eat this fast chia seed pudding for breakfast (a faster, last-minute alternative to overnight oats), dessert, or as a high protein snack.

Enjoy the pudding plain, stir in your favorite flavourings, or top with any and all of your favorite toppings. For example:

• Chopped or sliced fresh fruit (e.g., bananas, apples, peaches, pineapple)
• Berries (e.g., raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, or sliced/chopped strawberries)
• Jam, Preserves or Marmalade (add a dollop of your favorite flavor)
• Chocolate (e.g., a sprinkle of miniature chocolate chips, cacao nibs, shaved chocolate, or a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce)
• Toasted coconut (e.g., coconut flakes, shreds, or desiccated coconut)
• Granola
• Chopped nuts or seeds (e.g., raw or toasted pecans, cashews, almonds, pepitas (green pumpkin seeds), sunflower seeds or hemp hearts)
• Nut butter or seed butter (e.g., almond butter, cashew butter, tahini, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter)
• Additional maple syrup, for some extra sweetness
• Spices (e.g., ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger or a pinch or turmeric)
• Matcha powder or instant espresso powder

FAQ

• How does fast high protein chia seed pudding taste? Chia seed pudding is very much like vanilla tapioca pudding, with an added bit of crunchy texture from the seeds. If you like bobo tea, you will definitely be a fan.
• Is there a way to make the pudding smoother? Yes! You can grind/ blend the seeds in a blender until broken down somewhat, or completely fine. Proceed as directed (the resulting pudding will be smooth). Note: use the same weight as whole chia seeds. Ground chia seeds have a greater volume than whole chia seeds.
• How should I store the chia seed pudding? Store the pudding in the airtight jar or container it was mixed, in the refrigerator, for up to 1 week. I do not recommend freezing the pudding.
• What can I use in place of maple syrup for sweetener? You can use just about any sweetener–liquid or granular–in place of the maple syrup (granular sweeteners dissolve in little time when the hot milk is added). Consider using agave nectar, granulated sugar, brown rice syrup, or honey, if not strictly vegan. Use coconut sugar, date sugar or dark brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor. If following a low-carb or keto diet, use a sugar-free sweetener to taste.

Flavor Variations

Have (delicious) fun varying the flavor of this vanilla pudding. Here are some ideas to get your started

• Spices. I love adding different spices to the pudding, in particular. Use about 1/8 teaspoon and add it to the chia seeds and sweetener before adding the hot milk. The heat allows the spices to bloom, producing a mellow, nuanced side flavor.
• Extracts & Zests. Swap the vanilla for other extracts, such as almond or peppermint (use a much smaller amount for each–they are potent). Citrus zests (e.g., lemon, orange, lime) are equally wonderful swaps for the vanilla . As with the spices, add them before adding the hot milk to release their oils and maximize the flavor.
• Cocoa powder: Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the hot milk mixture, stirring until dissolved.

Happy Cooking!

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• High Protein Chocolate Pumpkin Pudding {vegan, no cook}
• Chocolate Pumpkin Pudding Cups {Vegan, Grain-Free}
• Vanilla Quinoa Pudding {Gluten-Free, Vegan}

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4.95 from 71 votes

Fast Chia Seed Pudding (ready in 5 minutes)

By: Camilla

Fast chia seed pudding is a delicious, nourishing snack, breakfast, or dessert, ready to eat in 5 minutes. Made with 4 ingredients, it is vegan, gluten-free, oil-free & so good.

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 minute minute

Total Time: 6 minutes minutes

Servings: 1

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 3/4 cup plain nondairy milk, (e.g., almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk)
• ▢ 3 tablespoons chia seeds
• ▢ 1.5 tablespoons maple syrup, (more or less to taste)
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ Optional: pinch of salt
• ▢ Optional: assorted topping, see FAQ section in post for ideas

US Customary – Metric

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions 

• Heat 1/2 cup (118 mL) of the nondairy milk until it is very hot but not quite boiling (do not worry if it begins to boil slightly, it will be fine). You can heat the milk in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the stove.
• Stir together the hot milk, chia seeds and maple syrup in a glass jar (with 1 cup (237 mL) capacity). The chia seeds will begin to gel immediately.
• Let the mixture stand for 2 minutes longer. Stir to combine. The pudding should be very thick. If not, let sit for another 1 to 2 minutes.
• Stir in the remaining milk (cold!), vanilla, and optional salt into the chia mixture until combined.
• Place the chia pudding in the freezer for one to two minutes to further cool the pudding. If not eating the pudding immediately, it can be placed in the refrigerator instead.
• If leaving in the refrigerator for more than 30 minutes, cover the container until ready to serve the pudding.

Notes

Storage: Store the pudding in the airtight jar or container it was mixed, in the refrigerator, for up to 1 week. I do not recommend freezing the pudding.

Maple Syrup Alternatives: Use any other sweetener–liquid or granular–in place of the maple syrup (granular sweeteners will dissolve in the hot milk). Examples include agave nectar, granulated sugar, brown rice syrup, or honey, if not strictly vegan. Use coconut sugar, date sugar or dark brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor. If following a low-carb or keto diet, use a sugar-free sweetener to taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 301kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 17mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 24g

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