Creamy Coconut Chia Dessert (Printable Version)

A creamy blend of coconut milk and chia seeds slow-roasted for rich flavor and texture.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chia Pudding

01 - 13.5 fl oz full-fat coconut milk (1 can)
02 - 8.5 fl oz unsweetened almond milk or other plant-based milk (1 cup)
03 - 1/3 cup chia seeds
04 - 2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup, to taste
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - Pinch of sea salt

→ Toppings (optional)

07 - 1/3 cup toasted coconut flakes
08 - Fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries
09 - 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios or almonds
10 - Additional maple syrup for drizzling

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 265°F (130°C).
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together coconut milk, almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt until fully incorporated.
03 - Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes, then whisk again to prevent clumps.
04 - Pour the mixture into a shallow ovenproof dish made of glass or ceramic.
05 - Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven.
06 - Slow roast for 2 hours, stirring gently every 30 minutes to achieve even texture; pudding is ready when thickened and chia seeds are swollen.
07 - Remove from oven and cool at room temperature. For chilled pudding, refrigerate at least 2 hours.
08 - Spoon pudding into bowls or jars and garnish with toasted coconut flakes, fresh berries, chopped nuts, and an optional drizzle of maple syrup.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The slow roasting transforms ordinary chia pudding into something with depth and a faintly toasted coconut aroma you cant get from the fridge method.
  • Its endlessly adaptable—you can eat it warm on a cold morning or chilled after dinner when you want something sweet but not heavy.
  • The texture is creamy and custard-like, not gelatinous, which makes it feel more like a treat than health food.
02 -
  • Stirring every 30 minutes is non-negotiable—if you skip it, the chia seeds will settle into a dense layer at the bottom and the top will be watery.
  • The pudding thickens dramatically as it cools, so if it looks a little loose in the oven, trust the process and don't add more chia seeds or you'll end up with pudding you can slice.
03 -
  • Use a shallow dish instead of a deep one—it helps the heat distribute evenly and makes stirring easier without disturbing the texture too much.
  • Toast your coconut flakes in a dry pan until they're golden and fragrant before sprinkling them on top, it takes two minutes and makes a huge difference.