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    Home » Recipes » Desserts & Sweet Treats

    Overnight Chocolate Chia Pudding

    Published: Aug 3, 2022 by Jenn Sebestyen

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    Spoonful of chocolate chia pudding being lifted from a glass.
    2 photo collage of ingredients to make chocolate chia pudding and the finished dish.
    Three bowls of chia pudding with fresh berries on top.
    Metal spoon in pudding in a glass parfait bowl

    This easy Chocolate Chia Pudding makes a delicious, nutritious breakfast, snack or no-bake dessert! It’s filling and packed with nutrients, including a good dose of plant protein, fiber, carbs, and good-for-you fats. Vegan and gluten-free!

    Fresh strawberries and blueberries on top of a bowl of chocolate chia pudding.

    Just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of hands-on time is needed.

    The hardest part is waiting for the pudding to set. It’s best left overnight, but if you just can’t wait, it should be nice and thick after 4 hours.

    Prep individual portions in small mason jars for a grab-n-go portable treat.

    Table of Contents hide
    1 Ingredients you need
    2 How to make the recipe
    3 Storage and freezing
    4 Pro tips and tricks
    5 FAQs
    6 More vegan chocolate recipes
    7 Overnight Chocolate Chia Pudding

    Ingredients you need

    Chocolate Chia Pudding ingredients: non-dairy milk, cocoa powder, carob powder, pure maple syrup, salt, chia seeds, raisins, fresh berries for topping (optional).

    Ingredient notes and substitutions

    Chia seeds ~ It wouldn’t be chocolate chia pudding without the chia seeds. You can use black or white chia seeds, but do not substitute for any other seed!

    Chia seeds are small, but mighty. They’re high in calcium, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. [source]

    They are almost flavorless, so all you’ll taste in this recipe is rich, decadent chocolate!

    If you can’t have chia seeds, try my Vegan Vanilla Pudding or this S’mores Pudding Bowl instead!

    Milk ~ Almond milk, rice milk, oat milk, coconut milk, etc. will all work. Use your favorite unsweetened, non-dairy variety.

    Cocoa powder ~ This is what makes the chia pudding chocolaty.

    Cacao powder can be used instead if you prefer.

    Carob powder ~ Carob has a similar flavor profile to cocoa, but is sweeter with a roasted nutty taste. It offers several nutrients, like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and fiber, along with being gluten-free and caffeine-free. [source]

    The carob powder can be omitted if you don’t have it.

    Sweetener ~ Pure maple syrup is my go-to liquid sweetener. Do not use pancake syrup. Agave may be used as a substitute.

    Salt ~ A pinch of salt makes the chocolate flavor taste richer.

    Raisins ~ Raisins add extra sweetness and texture. They can be substituted with any other dried fruit, such as cranberries, cherries, or chopped figs or dates. Or you can omit them.

    Toppings ~ I opted to top this chocolate chia pudding with fresh berries. You could also add some non-dairy whipped topping. Other great choices: chocolate chips, coconut flakes, sliced bananas, etc. It’s great all on its own, too – no toppings needed!

    How to make the recipe

    4 photo collage of whisking the cocoa powder, milk, and maple syrup.

    Whisk the cocoa powder, carob powder (if using), maple syrup (1), and a little bit of milk (2) until smooth (3). Add the remaining milk (4).

    4 photo collage of adding the chia seeds and raisins and whisking to combine.

    Once silky smooth (5), add the chia seeds and raisins (6) and whisk (7) until the seeds are evenly distributed throughout (8).

    Bowl of chocolate pudding.

    Let sit in the fridge overnight (or at least 4 hours) until thickened.

    Prefer a warm breakfast instead? Try this Warm Chia Pudding that’s ready in just about 5 minutes!

    Storage and freezing

    Fridge: Store this chia seed pudding in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    Freezer: You can freeze this recipe for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Store toppings separately.

    Pro tips and tricks

    ~ Be sure to use whole chia seeds. No other seed will work.

    ~ Use fresh chia seeds. Sometimes older chia seeds won’t gel properly.

    ~ Mix very well to evenly distribute the chia seeds throughout the liquid. Mix again once or twice during the first 10 minutes to ensure they don’t clump.

    ~ The consistency should be on the thick side. If it’s too liquidy, add more chia seeds and return to the fridge for about half an hour. If it’s too thick, add more milk.

    ~ I love the texture of the chia seeds in this chocolate chia pudding…it’s kind of like tapioca. But if you prefer a smooth pudding, you can transfer the pudding once it’s set to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.

    Three bowls of pudding in a vertical line.

    FAQs

    Is chia pudding good for you?

    Chia pudding is high in healthy plant protein, fiber, good fats, and many vitamins and minerals.

    How long do chia seeds need to soak?

    This chocolate chia pudding will have the best consistency if it sits for at least 4 hours. I find making it in the evening and letting it sit overnight to be the easiest way.

    Why is my chia seed pudding crunchy?

    If the chia seeds clump together, they won’t soak up the liquid properly and can remain crunchy. Be sure the chia seeds are evenly distributed after whisking and then stir again once or twice during the first 10 minutes to ensure they don’t start to clump.

    Why is my chia pudding still liquid?

    If the chia pudding is still too loose, add more chia seeds, mix well, and place back in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

    Spoonful of chocolate chia pudding being lifted from a glass.

    More vegan chocolate recipes

    • Vegan Chocolate Donuts
    • Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes
    • Spiced Chocolate Covered Cashews
    • Cherry Chocolate Walnut Truffles
    • Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream

    And don’t miss this collection of Vegan Chocolate Recipes!

    I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you tried it, please use the rating system in the recipe card and leave a comment below with your feedback.

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    For even more easy family recipes, be sure to check out my cookbook, The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook!

    Fresh strawberries and blueberries on top of a bowl of chocolate chia pudding.

    Overnight Chocolate Chia Pudding

    This easy Chocolate Chia Pudding make a delicious, nutritious breakfast, snack or no-bake dessert! Prep individual portions in small mason jars for a grab-n-go portable treat. Vegan and gluten-free!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Desserts & Sweet Treats
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Inactive Time: 8 hours
    Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 181kcal
    Author: Jenn Sebestyen

    Ingredients

    For the Chocolate Chia Pudding

    • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder or cacao powder
    • 1 tablespoon carob powder optional
    • pinch sea salt
    • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
    • 2 cups non-dairy milk divided
    • ½ cup chia seeds
    • 2 tablespoons raisins optional

    For the Toppings

    • assorted fresh berries optional (or toppings of choice)

    Instructions

    • Add cocoa powder, carob powder, salt, maple syrup and ¼ cup of milk into a mixing bowl. Whisk until thoroughly combined. Add the remaining milk and whisk again to combine.
    • Add the chia seeds and raisins and whisk until fully incorporated into the liquid.
    • Keep on the counter for the next 10 minutes and stir occasionally to ensure the chia seeds don’t clump or sink to the bottom.
    • Cover the bowl, refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours), until the chia seeds have soaked up the liquid and the pudding has a thick consistency.
    • Stir again before serving individual portions with toppings of your choice.

    Notes

    ~ Be sure to use whole chia seeds. No other seed will work.
    ~ Use fresh chia seeds. Sometimes older chia seeds won’t gel properly.
    ~ Mix very well to evenly distribute the chia seeds throughout the liquid. Mix again once or twice during the first 10 minutes to ensure they don’t clump.
    ~ If it’s too liquidy, add more chia seeds and return to the fridge for about half an hour.
    ~ If it’s too thick, add more milk.

    Nutrition facts calculated without toppings. Serving size is approximately ½ cup.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 265mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 5g

    Nutrition values are calculated using online calculators and are estimates only. Please verify using your own data.

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    Jenn Sebestyen of Veggie Inspired

    Hi, I'm Jenn! This is where I share delicious plant based recipes for the whole family. I love to cook; I can read cookbooks like novels; and I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen by making standard American favorites healthier.

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