Warm Chia Pudding

This simple warm chia seed pudding is made using only 5 ingredients, loaded with nutrients and all done under 5 minutes. Makes for a great breakfast chia pudding, but also perfect for snacking or serving as a light healthy + versatile dessert. Vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free.

This quick and easy warm chia seed pudding is delicious, sweet, warm and creamy, plus it is a nutritional powerhouse! And it makes for the best comforting breakfast to enjoy on a cold morning in the winter.

I love enjoying chia for breakfast, such as in vegan overnight oats or to make blueberry chia jam. Chia seeds are high in fiber, plant-based protein and healthy omega-3 fats, so getting started with chia seed recipes for breakfast can help you stay full and satisfied for a while.

You can also use chia seeds to make lemon chia fresca, smoothies, easy gluten-free bread, sweet potato spice granola... and the list goes on. I even use them when making vegan chickpea oat burger patties! These tiny seeds are impressive in nutrients, but also super versatile and so fun to use in the kitchen.

For more chia pudding recipes, check out this flax and chia pudding and this oat milk chia pudding recipe.

Let me know if you give it a try! ❤️

❤️ Warm chia pudding

Chia is a tiny little seed that can swell up to 10-12 times its weight when in contact with any liquid. Chia + liquid turns into a gel-like consistency within a few hours that is similar to a classic pudding, no cooking is required, it is amazing!

Cold chia pudding is well-known and very popular for its health benefits and simplicity, but did you know that you can also warm up chia pudding? Heating chia pudding makes the thickening process much faster, so you can have a pudding ready in minutes. Plus in the fall or winter, you can enjoy a comforting bowl of chia seed pudding that's warm and soothing.

🗒 Ingredient notes (+ substitutions)

• Chia seeds: any kind will work! Black and white chia seeds both act the same. You can find chia seeds in most grocery stores or online.
• Plant-based milk: I used oat milk to make this pudding as it is naturally sweeter than other milk, but you can simply use your favorite kind! Try to use an unsweetened and unflavored kind so you can add your favorite flavoring ingredients yourself.
• Sweetener: I added maple syrup, but agave nectar or brown syrup would work too. I think any granulated sugar would work as well.
• Vanilla extract: adds such an amazing flavor to this creamy pudding, try not to omit it. If you end up using flavored milk, then you might want to taste the pudding before adding vanilla.
• Cinnamon (optional): you don't have to add it, but I love cinnamon when making a warm pudding. It adds so much more warming vibe to my treat! 🙂

⭐️ Full list of ingredients (+ quantities) down below in the recipe card!

✅ Variations

• Warm chocolate chia pudding: Add 1.5 tablespoons of raw cacao powder (or more) and whisk well. You will also have to add a little more sweetener since cacao powder is pretty bitter naturally. Feel free to add a few vegan chocolate chips as well for a delicious dessert.
• Warm banana chia pudding: mash a whole banana on a plate using a fork and stir in the pudding. This will add lots of flavor, but also some natural sweetness. Add a splash of extra sweetener if needed.
• Warm coconut milk chia pudding: swap the regular plant milk for canned coconut milk. This would give you a chia pudding that's more rich in fat and much creamier, but SO flavorful. Pair with diced pineapple and topped with shredded coconut for a nice tropical pudding.
• Matcha chia pudding: Add a small spoonful of matcha powder and whisk well. Adjust the sweetener to your taste.
• Berry chia pudding: add about ½ cup of frozen (or fresh) berries to a medium pot with about ¼ cup of water. Keep uncovered and bring to a simmer to allow the fruit to thaw and soften (you can use the back of a spoon to crush the fruits as they simmer). Then, add the milk and chia seeds, stir and keep simmering for 3 minutes until thick. Taste and add sweetener to your liking.

🍽 How to make warm chia seed pudding

Step 1: In a small saucepan, whisk together the chia seeds and plant milk until combined. You want to break up the clumps of seeds as much as you can. Then, warm up on medium-low heat while whisking often. Keep on a low simmer for 3-5 minutes or until thickened to your liking, then remove from the heat.

Step 2: Add your flavoring ingredients (vanilla extract, cinnamon and sweetener) and whisk well. Taste and adjust the sweetener (+ add more milk if needed to thin it out). Divide the pudding between 2-3 bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as fruits, seeds, granola, etc (see below for more ideas). Serve right away while still warm!

⭐️ Detailed recipe down below in the recipe card!

💡 Helpful tips

• This pudding thickens more as it rests. So, depending on your taste and also how quickly you eat it after it has simmered, then you might need to loosen up the consistency with more milk.
• I like to first simmer the chia + milk and then flavor it. I find it easier to get to the right consistency first before adding more ingredients.
• Don't over-simmer the mixture. Not only will it get super thick, but the milk can also curdle if cooked too much.

➡️ Favorite toppings

• Nut or seed butter: I love it with my homemade pumpkin seed butter, but good ol' peanut butter is great too.
• Fresh fruits: this pudding pairs so well with berries, such as raspberries, strawberries or blueberries. Thawed frozen fruits work as well if you don't have fresh fruits.
• Granola: I love topping this chia pudding with my homemade vanilla granola or my superfood turmeric granola.
• Chocolate: add some vegan chocolate sauce over if serving as a dessert. In that case, top with bananas and chopped hazelnuts.
• Nuts or seeds: for a nice crunch. I used pistachios this time, but try chopped or slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, etc.
• Jam or cherry marmalade: store-bought or chia jams are great to add more sweetness.
• Tahini caramel: for more sweetness, especially if serving as a dessert. This caramel sauce is done without cooking and within 2 minutes!

❗️ Storage tips

This recipe is great for meal prep! You can make a big batch and simply warm up individual portions with the flavoring ingredients of your choice. This way, you can vary the way you serve it throughout the week.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that the pudding will keep thickening while resting, which can easily be adjusted by adding a little extra milk before serving.

🌱 More vegan chia seed pudding recipes

I hope you like this warm chia pudding as much as we do! If you try it, please leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let me know how it was. Your feedback is so helpful!

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