If you love chia pudding but can’t wait hours for it to thicken, you’ve got to try warm chia pudding! It makes thick and creamy pudding in minutes. Packed with fiber, flavor, and naturally sweetened, it’s the perfect healthy breakfast or snack!
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Chia seeds are commonly referred to as a superfood, and for good reason. They’re full of fiber, plant-based protein, ALAs (omega-3s), and more! I love adding them to overnight oats, agua frescas, smoothies, and jams.
Another common way to enjoy chia seeds is a chia seed pudding. Usually the chia seeds are soaked for several hours in the refrigerator until they thicken. This is great for meal prep and creates a delicious chilled treat.
However, if you don’t have hours to wait, or you just want something warm and cozy, akin to oatmeal, warm chia seed pudding is the answer. It’s perfect for the winter months and is just as easy to make! It makes a comforting breakfast, easy snack, or healthy dessert! Is there anything chia seeds can’t do?
Ingredients Needed
These ingredients come together to create a wholesome and easy warm chia pudding that’s perfect for breakfast or even as a satisfying dessert! You only need three ingredients, but I highly recommend the optional ingredients for the best flavor.
- Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are the star ingredient of this pudding, providing a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. They’ll absorb the liquid and create a pudding-like consistency when left to sit.
- Plain Non-Dairy Milk: Opt for your favorite plant milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. For something lighter, go with almond milk. For something a little more filling and creamy, use soy or oat. If you want it ultra-creamy, try coconut milk.
- Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is a great natural sweetener! Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste preference. Alternatively, you can use other liquid sweeteners like agave syrup.
- Pure Vanilla Extract (optional): Vanilla extract adds a warm and comforting aroma. If you enjoy the classic combination of vanilla and cinnamon, don’t skip this ingredient.
- Ground Cinnamon (optional): A dash of ground cinnamon adds to the warming effect of this pudding. Pumpkin pie spice would also be delicious!
How to Make Warm Chia Pudding
Step 1: Begin by heating the milk in a small pot over medium heat. Stir in the chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon if desired, whisking until well combined.
Step 2: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking continuously to prevent sticking. Allow it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 3: Once the mixture has thickened to a pudding-like consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat. Spoon the warm chia pudding into serving bowls.
Garnish the chia pudding with your favorite toppings of your choice, such as sliced fruits, nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of nut butter, before serving.
Tips
- Continuously whisk while heating the chia seed pudding to prevent the chia seeds from clumping together.
Topping Ideas
Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your own personalized warm chia pudding:
- Fresh Fruit – Sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, sliced bananas, or diced mango.
- Nut Butter Drizzle – Add a drizzle of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter. For a nut-free option, try this incredible salted tahini caramel!
- Nuts and Seeds – Add crunch and extra protein with chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or hemp seeds.
- Chocolate chips – Sprinkle over some dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
- Yogurt – I love a dollop of dairy-free yogurt on top.
Flavor Variations and Serving Ideas
- Matcha Chia Pudding – Add a couple of teaspoons of matcha powder to the milk mixture before heating.
- Warm Chocolate Chia Pudding – Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to mixture and stir well before heating. Add a little more sweetener as needed since cocoa powder can be a little bitter. Top with chocolate shavings or chocolate chips.
- Coconut Chia Pudding – Use canned coconut milk for the liquid and garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
- Smoothie Bowls Topping – Ok, this isn’t a true variation but it’s a fun way to use this hot chia pudding! Like warm fudge on ice cream, warm chia pudding on a smoothie bowl is the perfect mix of hot and cold!
How to Store Warm Chia Pudding
Much like regular classic chia pudding, warm chia pudding stores great in the refrigerator! Allow it to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
When ready to eat, simply reheat the desired portion in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Chia pudding tends to thicken as it sits so you may need to stir in a little extra milk when reheating to achieve the same consistency.
FAQ’s
Chia seeds have a unique ability to absorb liquid and develop a gel-like consistency when mixed with a liquid such as water or milk. When chia seeds are combined with a liquid and left to sit for a while, they absorb the liquid and swell up, forming a pudding-like texture. Heating speeds up the thickening process. Warm chia pudding is the same as chilled chia pudding, but made in a fraction of the time. Simply heat the chia seeds with liquid on the stovetop until it has thickened into a pudding consistency.
Yes, chia pudding can be a healthy choice. Chia seeds are rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and antioxidants. They can aid in digestion, help regulate blood sugar levels, and contribute to feelings of fullness. Chia pudding is versatile, vegan-friendly, and customizable to suit different dietary preferences. However, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and added sugars for optimal health benefits.
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Warm Chia Pudding (3-Ingredients)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 ¼ cup plain non-dairy milk
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- dash of ground cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Add the milk to a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon (if using).¼ cup chia seeds, 1 ¼ cup plain non-dairy milk, 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, dash of ground cinnamon
- Bring to a low simmer and whisk continuously to prevent sticking to the bottom. Heat the mixture until it starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Once warmed, remove the saucepan from heat. The chia pudding should have a thick, pudding-like consistency. Spoon the warm chia pudding into serving bowls.
Delicious and so fast – I’m so glad I learned this hack so that I don’t have to wait for chia seeds to set. Eating them warm was new to me but I really liked it and am wondering why I never thought to do this sooner haha