Chocolate Chia Pudding (paleo, vegan)
This chocolate chia pudding is smooth, creamy and no-cook. It’s sweetened with maple syrup, made with coconut milk and is paleo and vegan. Tastes just like regular pudding!
If you’re looking for something super easy and delicious for Valentine’s Day, this is a great option! You just blend everything together in a blender and chill.
We never really do anything for Valentine’s Day but it is a great excuse to make something chocolaty. These raspberry molten lava cakes and this paleo chocolate cheesecake are also great for the day, but require a bit more time.
Most chia puddings I’ve had are lumpy, slimy, and in my opinion, totally unappetizing. I know lots of people love them, so maybe I just have issues.
The texture is just too unusual for me. If you’ve tried a chia pudding recipe that isn’t like that, please share the link in the comments! I’d love to try it.
In all the other recipes I’ve tried (which really haven’t been that many), you stir in the whole chia seeds after everything else has been combined. In my recipe, the chia seeds get pulverized along with everything else, so the end result is totally smooth and like regular pudding.
This isn’t really one of those super healthy chia puddings. This is more like a traditional pudding that’s thickened with chia seeds instead of cornstarch or arrowroot.
I liked the idea of using dates in this, but it was late when I had my craving. Björn was sleeping, and pureeing dates in the blender isn’t exactly quiet.
So this chocolate chia pudding recipe is maple-sweetened! It’s also made with coconut milk, so it’s still a bit healthier than your average pudding.
I think it’s great on its own, but I added some raspberries (which I always love with pudding) and cream just to make it look prettier. Some chopped nuts or strawberries would also be nice!
Questions about this chocolate chia pudding?
What can I use in place of the canned coconut milk?
Canned coconut milk contains approximately 24% fat, which is significantly higher than almond or any other type of milk. So I don’t think any kind of milk (dairy or non-dairy) would work, unless you don’t mind it being much thinner. For a non-vegan and non-paleo version, you could use whipping cream, which is around 30% fat.
Can I use a different sweetener?
I’ve only tried this pudding recipe with maple syrup. Another liquid sweetener should probably work for a non-vegan version!
Whether or not you can taste the honey depends on the type you use, as well as the cocoa powder you use. So if you use honey, keep in mind that you might be able to taste it a bit.
Can I use X type of cocoa powder?
You can use any kind of unsweetened cocoa powder. I used Dutch-process because I like the dark chocolaty taste, but natural cocoa powder (like Hershey’s) or raw cacao powder will work, too.
Can I make this less rich?
You could use a combination of canned coconut milk and another type of thinner milk. I think you could use all but 1/2 cup of the canned coconut milk and substitute it with almond milk (or another milk of your choice). I haven’t tried it, but that’s my guess!
Can you taste the coconut?
Not at all! At least with the coconut milk and cocoa powder I used.
Do I need a high-speed blender?
I don’t recommend trying this with a regular blender. I don’t believe it’s runny enough. A food processor would work, but only if you don’t mind the lumpiness you’d get from whole seeds. I could be wrong, but I don’t think a food processor would make the pudding totally smooth.
Is pudding gluten-free?
This kind of custard pudding is naturally gluten-free. Homemade and even usually store-bought. You can read more about this in my article here → Is Jello Pudding Gluten-free?
Chocolate Chia Pudding (paleo, vegan)
Ingredients
- 14 ounces (400 ml) canned full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup (55 grams) cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Blend everything together in a high-speed blender at high speed for about 1 minute until totally smooth. There should be no lumps of chia seeds. Pour into serving cups (it yields about 2 1/2 cups pudding) and chill for about 4-6 hours or until thickened. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Notes
- The nutrition information provided is calculated as a courtesy and is only an estimate. I am not a licensed nutritionist or dietitian. For the most accurate nutritional data, consult a professional or use your preferred calculator.
I made this and it was delicious. I forgot to put salt in but it still tasted good to me. Will make again for sure.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it and that you’ll be making it again! Thanks for your feedback and sorry for just now replying to your question. I was on vacation and just got back.
Can hemp heart seeds be used instead of chia?
I’ve never used them so I googled it and it seems like hemp heart seeds don’t thicken like chia. So I guess it wouldn’t work. Sorry about that!
Just made this – it is so good. I didn’t add the chia seeds as my blender doesn’t work that well and I didn’t want crunch. I added 1/2 an avocado and blended it all together (just had one that needed to be used). The pudding thickened up nicely and is so yummy! I think this could be keto using yacon syrup (my son is on keto diet). Thanks so much for the recipe!
You’re welcome! And thank you for sharing your avocado version. Sounds great! And that’s a nice tip with the yacon syrup. I don’t have a clue about low-carb baking so that’s helpful. I’m glad it worked out well for you! Thanks for your comment. :)
This sounds so easy for such a decadent and delicious looking dessert! Yum!
Thanks so much!
Chocolate coconut pudding is one of my favorites, but I never thought to make it a hybrid with chia! Delicious and healthy, so I can have a bigger serving :)
I like how you think! :D
This looks like a great recipe for Valentine’s Day, I love that it’s healthy!
Thank you! :)
A favorite I haven’t made in so long! Making this week for Valentine’s Day, or just because! ;)
Hope you’ll enjoy it!
Love how simple and easy this is to make. Can’t wait to try it.
You should totally do it soon! :D
I love love that pudding.Used Rice Malt Sirup instead
I’m sorry for just now seeing your comment! I’m so happy that you enjoyed the pudding. Thanks for the rice malt syrup tip! :)
This has to happen at my house! Love it!
Do it! :D
I can’t believe this is vegan, it looks so delicious! I can’t wait to try it!
I hope you’ll love it!
I love that this dessert is perfect for every Valentine’s lifestyle.
Thank you! :)
Love this idea! A sweet and yummy, but healthy snack!
Thanks so much!
I am not a big fan of chia, but I used it because it is so healthy. This is the first time I try chia pudding and IT IS SOOO GOOD! This is a keeper. Thanks for the recipe.
Aww, yay! I’m so glad that you enjoyed it and that you’ll be making it again. :) I’m also not a huge chia fan but in this pudding it’s great. Thanks for your comment!
This looks so smooth and delicious. Can’t wait to make a batch and add some raspberries!
I hope you’ll enjoy it!
Anything chocolate is worth a shot in my world! Can’t wait to give this a try!
I agree! :D
I love chocolate ANYTHING, but this looks especially tasty! I love that it’s super healthy too
Thanks! Hope you get to try it. :)
Easiest pudding ever! Love that it’s sweetened with maple syrup instead of an artificial sweetener or regular sugar.
Thank you! I’m happy that you liked it (if you indeed tried it! :))
Doesn’t the maple syrup still make it high carb?
Yes. I never said it was low-carb. :)
I have never thought I would like pudding with little black seeds staring at me. That just doesn’t look tasty at all. Ha!! Funny thing I almost didn’t read your recipe after seeing the name. Ha!!
Haha. Well I’m happy you read it! It looks way more appetizing once they’re all blended, right? :)
I love chia pudding! Looks so delicious ♥
Thank you! Hope you get to try it! :)