Easy Healthy Chocolate Chia Pudding
Healthy chocolate chia pudding with banana chunks, peanut butter swirls, chocolate shavings and a pinch of sea salt flakes.
Friends! It’s been SUCH a rough start to the new year, which is so disappointing because I had such high expectations. I know, I know it’s only January 18th, the year’s not over yet. I’m just going to take it one day at a time from here.
What better way to start than with this chocolate chia pudding recipe? It’s quick and easy to make. Also, did I mention “healthy“?! Healthy may be a relative term but, in my opinion, this is pretty healthy.
What is chia pudding?
I feel like this chia pudding is not a very popular thing, although it should be. Like how did avocado toast make it so far but chia pudding is way backkkkk here?!
Anyway, it is basically chia seeds immersed in some sort of liquid, forming a pudding-like consistency. You can sweeten it, add different flavors and/or top it like a champ.
For this easy chocolate chia pudding, I sweetened it with maple syrup and flavored it with unsweetened cocoa powder. I topped it with melty peanut butter, banana slices, chocolate shavings and a pinch of sea salt flakes.
Getting the perfect chia pudding consistency
Everyone probably has a different “perfect” opinion for the consistency of chia pudding but I like mine thiccccqqqq. Chia pudding is made is by letting it set in the fridge until it thickens to the right consistency. It is generally thick enough to eat within three to four hours, however, overnight would be best.
The general ratio guideline for chia pudding is a 1/4 cup of chia seeds to 1 cup of liquid. I followed this guideline for the chocolate chia pudding recipe, however, I used a nice heaping 1/4 cup of seeds instead.
Now the type of liquid you use may affect it a little as well. For instance, water is much thinner than vitamin-d or cream-line milk. It’s pretty simple to just use your judgement here. If you’re using water but you like the chia pudding thicker, use a just little less water (1-2 tbsp. less) and/or a little more chia pudding (1-2 tsp. more).
The flavors you add can also affect the consistency. Adding a little unsweetened cocoa powder to chocolate chia pudding also thickens up the pudding.
Is chia pudding healthy?
Let’s be real, everyone has a different definition of ‘heatlhy’. Chia seeds have great antioxidant properties and they contain a lot of fiber and healthy fats, such as omega-3-fatty acids. They’re also a great source of iron and calcium.
So does this mean chia pudding is healthy? Well it mostly depends what you add to it. I used 2% milk to make my chocolate chia pudding but you can certainly use, almond milk, coconut milk, water, etc.
Maple syrup is also a healthier sweetener option compared to refined sugar. You could opt for honey or stevia, as well. Basically, up to you to make it as healthy as you want; the seeds themselves are great for you.
Last but not least, toppings! You need a good topping selection but if you’re trying to keep it as healthy as possible, I have some recommendations. Bananas are great, along with peanut butter but opt for a natural peanut butter instead of a super processed sugary one. Also you can substitute chocolate chunks for dark chocolate shavings or even cacao nibs.
How to store pudding?
This easy healthy chocolate chia pudding is best stored refrigerated in an airtight container. It is also best served within 4-5 days of making it. However, I would opt to store the pudding refrigerated in an airtight container without the toppings. It is best to top it fresh before serving, as the bananas will probably get mushy and brown after 1-2 days.
I hope you enjoyed this rare healthy January post, lol. If you do make this easy chocolate chia pudding make sure to tag me @baranbakery on instagram. I’d love to see all of your creations and share them with everyone else. As always, have a blessed day and happy baking my friends!
Love, B
Delicious! Can be easily adapted for flavors, toppings, thickness, etc. Great way to make meals ahead that can be taken on the go.