Name: Chia Seed Pudding with Berries Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup chia seeds; 2 cups milk of choice (almond, coconut, oat, or dairy); 2-3 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste); 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; Pinch of sea salt; 2 cups fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries); Optional toppings: extra berries, granola, coconut flakes, nut butter, mint leaves

This dreamy chia seed pudding is the ultimate easy healthy dessert! Silky-smooth, naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey, and topped with juicy mixed berries, it tastes like a treat but packs omega-3s, fiber, and antioxidants. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or a light dessert that feels indulgent without any guilt.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chia seed pudding is pure magic in a jar! It requires zero cooking, comes together in under 5 minutes, and transforms into a thick, creamy, tapioca-like texture while you sleep. It’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, paleo, and keto-friendly (if you skip the sweetener).

The tiny chia seeds expand and create the most satisfying mouthfeel, while the fresh berries add juicy pops of sweetness and gorgeous color. You’ll feel like you’re eating something decadent when it’s actually one of the healthiest desserts you can make. Kids love it, adults crave it, and it’s perfect for meal prep — make a batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week!

Yield: 4 servings

Chia Seed Pudding with Berries Recipe

Creamy, no-cook chia pudding layered with fresh berries – a naturally sweet, guilt-free dessert ready in minutes!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Additional Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients

½ cup chia seeds
2 cups milk of choice (almond, coconut, oat, or dairy)
2-3 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
2 cups fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
Optional toppings: extra berries, granola, coconut flakes, nut butter, mint leaves

Instructions

Grab your favorite jar or bowl — something with a lid works best for easy shaking!
Pour in 2 cups of your chosen milk — coconut milk will make it extra lush and creamy.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey — start with 2 and taste later, you can always add more!
Drop in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of sea salt — trust me, this makes it sing.
Now add the star: ½ cup chia seeds. Sprinkle them in slowly while stirring to avoid clumps.
Whisk or shake like crazy for a good 30-60 seconds — get every little seed coated!
Wait 10 minutes, then come back and stir/shake again — this is the secret to perfectly smooth pudding.
Cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight — it thickens magically while you sleep!
When ready to serve, give it a good stir — if it's too thick, splash in a little extra milk.
Spoon into pretty glasses, top generously with fresh mixed berries, and dig in — breakfast or dessert, you choose!

Notes

This recipe is endlessly customizable — make it your own! The longer it sits, the thicker it gets. Always use a 1:4 ratio of chia seeds to liquid as a golden rule.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 275Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 3gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 10mgSodium 72mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 16gSugar 8gProtein 11g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Shake or stir really well after mixing to prevent clumps — chia seeds love to stick together!
For the creamiest texture, whisk again after 10-15 minutes of resting.
Use a wide-mouth mason jar or a bowl with a lid for easy shaking.
Taste the mixture before chilling — adjust sweetness as needed.
If it gets too thick after chilling, just stir in a splash of milk.
For faster setting, use warm milk (not hot) — it thickens in about 2 hours.

Ingredients Notes

Chia Seeds (½ cup): Use black or white chia seeds — both work perfectly. White ones look prettier with light-colored milk.
Milk (2 cups): Any milk works! Almond, coconut (from carton), oat, cashew, or dairy milk. Coconut milk makes it ultra-creamy and tropical.
Sweetener (2-3 tbsp): Pure maple syrup, honey (not vegan), or monk fruit for sugar-free. You can also use date syrup.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Use pure vanilla for the best flavor — it makes it taste like dessert!
Pinch of salt: Don’t skip this! It enhances sweetness and depth.
Mixed Berries (2 cups): Fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries — whatever is in season. Frozen works too (thaw first).
Optional add-ins: A spoon of Greek yogurt on top for extra protein, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Variations and Substitutions

Chocolate Version: Add 1-2 tbsp cocoa powder + extra sweetener = chocolate heaven.
Mango Coconut: Use coconut milk + top with fresh mango and toasted coconut flakes.
Peanut Butter Banana: Swirl in 2 tbsp peanut butter and top with sliced bananas.
Matcha Chia Pudding: Whisk in 1 tsp matcha powder for an antioxidant boost.
Protein-Packed: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder or collagen peptides.
Berry Compote Layer: Warm frozen berries with a little maple syrup for a jammy layer in the middle.
Nut-Free: Use oat or coconut milk.
Keto/Low-Carb: Use unsweetened almond milk + sugar-free sweetener + extra berries.

Storage Options

Store in airtight jars or containers in the fridge for up to 5-6 days. The texture actually gets better on day 2! Do not freeze the finished pudding (it gets watery), but you can freeze portioned chia pudding base (without berries) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and top with fresh berries before serving.