Coconut Chia Pudding Hearty

Creamy coconut chia pudding topped with fresh berries, a healthy breakfast or snack. Pin This
Creamy coconut chia pudding topped with fresh berries, a healthy breakfast or snack. | joyofhealthycooking.com

This dish features creamy coconut milk combined with nutrient-dense chia seeds, lightly sweetened and rested to develop a thick, silky texture. Topped generously with crunchy nuts, fresh berries, banana slices, and pumpkin seeds, it provides a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. Ready in minutes plus chilling time, it's a wholesome choice to power your breakfast or snack moments with vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free ingredients.

Discovering this coconut chia pudding felt like finding a hidden gem on a lazy weekend morning. Its creamy texture and hearty toppings instantly became my go-to comfort breakfast or snack.

I remember the first time I whipped this up when unexpected guests popped by—chilling in the fridge gave me just enough time to prepare without stress, and everyone couldn't stop asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

  • Full-fat coconut milk: I always choose canned for richness and a velvety texture that plant-based milks just can't match
  • Unsweetened almond milk: adds subtle nuttiness without overwhelming the coconut flavor
  • Chia seeds: essential for that pudding consistency and packed with fiber and omega-3s
  • Maple syrup: natural sweetness that complements the coconut and berries perfectly
  • Pure vanilla extract: a small splash to deepen the flavor complexity
  • Sea salt: just a pinch to balance the sweetness
  • Hearty toppings: a mix of coconut flakes, nuts, berries, banana, pumpkin, and hemp seeds create a delightful crunch and burst of freshness

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:
Gather all your ingredients and kitchen tools—it's easier to whisk everything smoothly without interruptions
Whisk It Up:
In a bowl, combine coconut milk, almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Whisk with energy to break up any clumps and enjoy the creamy aroma developing
Pause and Whisk Again:
Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes, then whisk once more to prevent chia seeds from settling or clumping
Chill Out:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, as the pudding thickens into a luscious texture
Ready to Serve:
Give your pudding a good stir to create a uniform creaminess
Top It Off:
Divide the pudding into bowls or jars and pile up those hearty toppings for texture and flavor contrasts
Enjoy or Store:
Serve immediately to appreciate the fresh toppings or cover and store in the fridge for up to 3 days for a quick snack
A close-up of a delightful coconut chia pudding, showcasing a layered parfait with toppings. Pin This
A close-up of a delightful coconut chia pudding, showcasing a layered parfait with toppings. | joyofhealthycooking.com

This dish became more than breakfast when I served it on a rainy afternoon—comforting, wholesome, and just what was needed to lift spirits and warm the soul.

Keeping It Fresh

To keep your pudding fresh and vibrant, always use fresh berries and nuts just before serving. Toast nuts lightly to bring out their aroma, and swap in seasonal fruits to keep things exciting.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Try layering the pudding with granola and fruit compotes for added texture or serve in mason jars for a grab-and-go option that impresses friends.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

When I was under pressure with a tight schedule, this pudding was a lifesaver—make it the night before, and you've got a nourishing meal ready without lifting a finger the next morning.

  • Remember to adjust sweetness before chilling, as flavors mellow overnight
  • Use a clear jar to show off the layers for a festive look
  • Keep an eye on nut allergies when serving to guests
Beautifully prepared coconut chia pudding, with vibrant fruit and crunchy nut garnishes, ready to eat. Pin This
Beautifully prepared coconut chia pudding, with vibrant fruit and crunchy nut garnishes, ready to eat. | joyofhealthycooking.com

Thanks for sharing this cozy moment in the kitchen with me—here's to many delicious spoonfuls ahead!

Recipe FAQs

Chia seeds absorb liquid and swell, forming a gel-like texture that thickens the mixture naturally without cooking.

Yes, it needs at least four hours chilling to set properly and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Almond, oat, soy, or any preferred plant-based milk can substitute to customize creaminess and flavor.

The combination of nuts, seeds, and fresh fruits adds texture, natural sweetness, and extra nutrients to complement the base.

It is free from gluten, dairy, and soy but contains tree nuts like coconut and mixed nuts; caution is advised for allergies.

Coconut Chia Pudding Hearty

A creamy coconut and chia blend topped with mixed nuts and berries, perfect for a filling start or snack.

Prep 10m
0
Total 10m
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Pudding Base

  • 13.5 fl oz full-fat coconut milk (1 can)
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or other plant-based milk
  • 5 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt

Hearty Toppings

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes or chips
  • 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries)
  • 1 small banana, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon hemp seeds (optional)

Instructions

1
Combine liquid ingredients and chia seeds: In a mixing bowl, whisk together coconut milk, almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt until fully integrated.
2
Rest mixture to prevent clumping: Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes, then whisk again to break up any clumps.
3
Chill until set: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until the texture becomes thick and pudding-like.
4
Prepare for serving: Stir the chilled pudding before portioning to ensure consistency.
5
Portion pudding: Divide the pudding evenly into four serving bowls or jars.
6
Add toppings: Top each portion with coconut flakes, chopped mixed nuts, fresh berries, banana slices, pumpkin seeds, and optional hemp seeds.
7
Serve or store: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to three days.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving bowls or jars
  • Knife and cutting board

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 330
Protein 7g
Carbs 23g
Fat 22g

Allergy Information

  • Contains tree nuts including coconut and mixed nuts.
  • Free from gluten, dairy, and soy.
  • Check packaging for cross-contamination risks.
Sarah Mitchell

Home cook sharing simple, flavorful recipes and practical kitchen wisdom for busy families.