Chocolate Chia Pudding
This creamy vegan chocolate chia pudding is made with 5 simple plant-based ingredients and zero refined sugar. A quick, rich 5-minute prep dessert or breakfast meal prep!
Servings 2
Calories 287kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- ⅓ cup chia seeds (See notes for smooth consistency)
- ½ cup pitted dates
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Topping: 2 teaspoons dairy-free chocolate chips chopped
- Optional: Additional Toppings: Granola, Sliced Almonds, Coconut Slivers and Coconut Whipped Cream
Instructions
- Add cocoa powder, almond milk, chia seeds, pitted Medjool dates, and vanilla extract to a food processor or high-speed blender. (If dates are firm, microwave them in a small bowl with a splash of water for 30 seconds to soften first). Pulse and blend until completely smooth.
- Pour into glass jars or containers, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) until thickened to a pudding consistency.
- Stir before serving, then top with chopped dark chocolate, sliced almonds, berries, or vegan whipped cream.
Video
Notes
Smooth Texture Tip
For a smooth, mousse-like texture, use ground chia seeds! See my full guide on how to grind chia seeds for easy prep. Flavor Variations & Customizations:- Peanut Butter Chocolate: Blend in 2 tablespoons of creamy natural peanut butter or almond butter before chilling.
- Mocha Chia Pudding: Replace ¼ cup of the plant-based milk with chilled espresso or cold brew coffee.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the blender.
- Nut-Free: Ensure you use oat milk, soy milk, or seed milk in place of almond milk.
- No Blender Option: Swap the Medjool dates for 2–3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup and whisk all ingredients together vigorously in a jar until combined.
- Keto Chia Pudding: Use two teaspoons of stevia in place of the dates. This changes the nutrition information to: Calories = 220 Net carbs = 5
Working with Dates
My favorite way to soften dates is to simply put them in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. That usually does the trick. Nutritional estimate does not include optional toppings.Nutrition
Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 169mg | Potassium: 447mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 359mg | Iron: 3.2mg
