Strawberry chia seed pudding is a delightful way to enjoy a healthy and tasty treat. This easy recipe comes together quickly and offers a great alternative to traditional desserts, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or breakfast on-the-go.
This recipe addresses texture issues and lack of flavor commonly found in chia seed pudding, providing an easy, nutritious option for breakfast or snacks.
Some days I find myself scrambling for something nutritious that my kids will actually enjoy. Chia seeds can be a bit tricky, but this pudding really wins them over with its fun texture and natural sweetness from the strawberries. The kids love topping it with extra fruit!
What I love about this pudding is that it’s ready in just 15 minutes, making it a versatile option for meal prep. You can whip it up in the morning and let it set in the fridge for a tasty midday snack or even dessert later on.
If you’re looking for other ways to use strawberries, check out my Strawberry Shortcake Cake Roll.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time , With only five minutes of prep work, you can whip this up in no time, making it a hassle-free option for busy mornings or snacks after school.
- Health Benefits , Packed with chia seeds, this pudding is loaded with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein, turning a simple dessert into a nutritious choice for your family.
- Fresh Strawberry Flavor , The use of ripe strawberries adds a natural sweetness and vibrant flavor, while transforming each spoonful into a refreshing treat without any artificial ingredients.
- Meal Prep Friendly , This recipe holds up well in the fridge, allowing you to prepare it the night before. It’s just as delicious and ready to go for an easy breakfast or snack anytime!
Kid Friendly Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cool Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: dessert
- Method: blending and chilling
- Cuisine: vegan
- Diet: vegan
Description
A quick and easy vegan strawberry chia seed pudding recipe that is delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (40 g) chia seeds, organic preferred
- 1 serving vegan vanilla protein powder, clean with no artificial ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened almond milk, or substitute with other plant-based milks like oat or coconut
- 1 cup (150 g) fresh ripe strawberries, vibrant color preferred
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pure maple syrup, adjust sweetness as needed
Instructions
- Step 1: Add chia seeds, vegan vanilla protein powder, almond milk, fresh strawberries, vanilla extract, and maple syrup into a high-powered blender. Using a high-powered blender ensures a smooth texture essential for the pudding.
- Step 2: Blend the mixture for approximately 30 seconds or until silky smooth. This timing helps eliminate clumps from chia seeds, creating a creamy pudding base.
- Step 3: Pour the blended pudding mixture evenly into glass jars or meal prep containers. Adjust the portion sizes according to your preference for easy meal prep and serving control.
- Step 4: Refrigerate the pudding for a minimum of 10 minutes. For best results and a thicker texture, chill it overnight or for at least 2 hours. The cooling time allows chia seeds to absorb liquid and fully thicken.
- Step 5: Just before serving, top the pudding with sliced fresh strawberries and gluten-free sweet thins to maintain their freshness and texture. Adding toppings at the end prevents them from becoming soggy.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and heat for up to 1 day.
- Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving to restore texture.
- Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before consuming.
- To avoid clumping of chia seeds, blend for at least 30 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth.
- For thicker pudding, extend the chill time to 2 hours or overnight. This improves consistency and intensifies flavor.
- If strawberries are tart, add 1 additional teaspoon maple syrup after blending and blend for another 5-10 seconds for extra sweetness.
- For a lighter flavor, replace half the almond milk with an equal amount of coconut milk during blending.
- Use ripe, fresh strawberries with vibrant red color for best freshness and flavor. Slightly muddle the strawberries before blending to release juice and enhance taste.
- Use pure vanilla extract rather than artificial vanilla for a richer, smoother flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredient Notes
- Chia seeds: Choose organic chia seeds for better quality. They absorb liquid and create that delightful pudding texture. Don’t skip soaking them; it’s key for the right consistency.
- Almond milk: Go for unsweetened almond milk for a light flavor that complements the strawberries. If you prefer, any other plant-based milk works just as well, like oat or coconut milk.
- Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup for natural sweetness. It gives a nice flavor depth. You can swap it with honey, but that won’t keep it vegan.
- Strawberries: Opt for ripe, fresh strawberries with vibrant color for the best taste. You can muddle them slightly to release their juices and enhance the flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract for a more pronounced flavor. Artificial vanilla can be harsher, so it’s best to stick with the good stuff.
- Chia seeds: Choose organic chia seeds for better quality. They absorb liquid and create that delightful pudding texture. Don’t skip soaking them; it’s key for the right consistency.
- Almond milk: Go for unsweetened almond milk for a light flavor that complements the strawberries. If you prefer, any other plant-based milk works just as well, like oat or coconut milk.
- Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup for natural sweetness. It gives a nice flavor depth. You can swap it with honey, but that won’t keep it vegan.
- Strawberries: Opt for ripe, fresh strawberries with vibrant color for the best taste. You can muddle them slightly to release their juices and enhance the flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract for a more pronounced flavor. Artificial vanilla can be harsher, so it’s best to stick with the good stuff.
Recipe Tips
- If strawberries are too tart, add 1 extra teaspoon of maple syrup after blending for added sweetness, then blend for another 5-10 seconds until smooth.
- If chia seeds clump together, blend for 30 seconds or until completely smooth; this helps achieve an even texture without any bumps.
- For a thicker pudding, allow it to chill for at least 2 hours instead of 10 minutes, which will improve consistency and flavor infusion substantially.
- If you’re looking for a lighter taste, replace half of the almond milk with an equal amount of coconut milk during blending for a refreshing twist.
- When serving, place chopped fresh strawberries and gluten-free sweet thins on top right before enjoying to maintain their crunch and vibrant color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve strawberry chia seed pudding alongside fresh fruit like blueberries or sliced bananas for added flavor. Pair it with gluten-free granola or toasted coconut for texture and crunch.
Use to make parfaits by layering pudding with yogurt and additional fruit. Add to smoothies for a fiber boost or combine with oatmeal for a nutritious breakfast option.
Top with a drizzle of honey or agave syrup for extra sweetness. Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile before serving.
Recipe variations
- You can use other fresh berries instead of strawberries, such as blueberries or raspberries, to create a mixed berry chia seed pudding with similar texture and natural sweetness.
- Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or ¼ teaspoon of ground cardamom along with the vanilla extract to introduce warm spice notes that complement the strawberry flavor.
- Either unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk can serve as the liquid base; coconut milk adds a creamier texture and subtle tropical taste to the pudding.
- If preparing for more servings, double the chia seeds to ½ cup and almond milk to 2 cups to maintain consistency; refrigerate overnight for best results like my Greek Yogurt Berry Bowl.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your strawberry chia seed pudding fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 day. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.
Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving to restore texture.
Freezing: Use a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before eating.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
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