Dark Chocolate Chia Pudding with Pistachio

This dark chocolate chia pudding with pistachio is the perfect example of a scrumptious after-dinner treat that will leave you feeling satisfied; plus, it also makes a delicious breakfast. The chia seeds provide protein and fiber, while the cocoa powder and honey contribute antioxidants. And who can resist the sweetness and crunch of pistachios? Prepare this easy pudding for a special occasion or any day when you're in the mood for something sweet. Enjoy!

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

Have this fantastic treat as a healthy vegan breakfast or an easy vegan dessert. Same way as you would have our creamy pumpkin overnight oats or the blueberry version.

Ingredients

• chia seeds
• dark cocoa powder
• pistachio cream
• almond milk
• pure maple syrup
• nutmeg

Optional:

Crushed pistachio

Instructions

To make chocolate chia pudding mix the chia seeds with the almond milk, followed by the cacao powder and the rest of the ingredients but the pistachio cream in a mason jar and let the mixture sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Serve. When ready to eat, you can make a layered chia pudding, simply adding one tablespoon of pistachio cream to each chocolate chia seed pudding and optionally top with crumbled pistachio, unsweetened cocoa powder, cacao nibs, or vegan mini chocolate chips.

We also like using vegan yogurt flavored with vanilla or pistachio.

You can also top the cocoa chia pudding with fresh fruit like fresh berries.

Variations

Pistacchio cream - we love using pistachio-flavored plan-based yogurt on top, which comes with extra protein and fewer calories. You can also use coconut cream.

If you love pistachios, check out our vegan pesto pistachio, de-li-cious!

Flavoring - instead of using pistachio, you could use your favorite nuts and nut butter, such as vegan Nutella chia pudding, peanut butter, or almond butter, then go for the alternative nuts, like crushed hazelnuts, peanuts, or almonds as toppings.

Vanilla and almond extract also pair well with this chocolate chia pudding recipe.

Plant milk - use your favorite non-dairy milk option; we like almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, rice milk, and coconut milk. You can also use vegan chocolate milk and skip the cocoa powder as well.

Chia seeds - you could make a very similar recipe, a tapioca pudding, following exactly the same steps but using tapioca instead of chia seeds, or a combination of the two.

Mocha - make a coffee chia seed pudding, a super yummy treat! Add espresso powder to the chia pudding mix.

Sweet flavor - instead of maple syrup, use agave nectar, stevia, coconut sugar, or brown sugar. Pure maple syrup is our sweetener of choice for making chocolate pudding as it complies with a WFPB diet.

More protein - to make a high-protein chia pudding, you can add a scoop of vanilla-flavored, chocolate-flavored, or unflavored clean protein powder to the chia pudding mix before letting it sit in a mason jar.

Storage

This chocolate chia seed pudding can be stored for 2-3 days in mason jars in the fridge. Always put a lid on it. Otherwise, it will dry up.

Can you freeze chia pudding?

Although a chia seed pudding is much better when fresh or stored only for a couple of days if you make a large batch as meal prep, you can freeze it in portions and thaw it overnight as needed.

Hungry for more chia pudding recipes? Try our oats and chia pudding, and creamy cardamom rice pudding, and soon will be sharing our raspberry chia pudding.

What are the benefits of chia seeds?

When it comes to health benefits, chia seeds are a true powerhouse. They’re an excellent source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are important for maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Chia seeds are also high in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation.

Additionally, these tiny seeds are a good source of protein and calcium, making them ideal for vegetarians and vegans who may be lacking in these nutrients.

So what does all this mean for you? Including chia seeds in your diet can help you lose weight, lower your cholesterol levels, improve your blood sugar control, and reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Calories in chia pudding

An almond chia pudding made with 3 tablespoons of chia seeds plus 1 cup of almond milk has 210 calories, 16 grams of Carbohydrates, 7 grams of protein, and 14 grams of fats, 13 grams of fiber.

An oat milk chia pudding made with 3 tablespoons of chia seeds plus 1 cup of oat milk has 303 calories, 39 grams of Carbohydrates, 10 grams of protein, and 14 grams of fats 14 grams of fiber.

⭐ If you try this recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!

Recipe

🌡️ Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking points to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.

Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I use all of the products listed and recommend them because they are companies that I have found helpful and trustworthy.