Chocolate chia pudding is so simple and amazingly delicious. It’s the easiest healthy dessert recipe you can make with no baking. It’s creamy, chocolatey, indulgent and yet, loaded with nutrients. A winner of a dessert recipe that you’ll make again and again.

I almost hesitate at calling this chocolate chia pudding a dessert or labeling it as indulgent, because really, it’s probably healthier than the average breakfast or snack. There’s just one tablespoon of maple syrup per serving. So feel free to enjoy it any time of day!

But want to know why I really love this recipe? It’s so darn easy to make and you probably have all of the ingredients in your kitchen already. Long story short, you really can’t beat chia pudding, whether you’re whipping it up for breakfast or dessert!

What’s in Chocolate Chia Pudding?

There’s only 5 ingredients in this easy recipe and that includes:

• Cacao Powder: Cacao powder is typically less processed than cocoa powder, but either one works in this recipe.
• Maple Syrup: One of my favorite all natural sweeteners. You could also use honey or another liquid sweetener.
• Vanilla Extract: To enhance the sweet flavor.
• Milk: Choose your favorite one, whether dairy or dairy-free, they all work beautifully.
• Chia Seeds: The omega-3 packed seeds that combine everything together into a creamy, dreamy dessert.

How to Make Chocolate Chia Pudding

All you have to do is whisk together the cacao powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, nut milk and chia seeds. Chill it for a few hours (or overnight). And voila – chocolate chia pudding. I’ve topped mine with raspberries and chocolate shavings today, but feel free to get creative.

Are Chia Seeds Healthy?

They sure are! Chia seeds have a ton of health benefits. They’re on my list of 8 anti-inflammatory foods to eat every week since they’re so high in antioxidants and loaded with fiber. In fact, they may be the best source of fiber on the planet.

What Kind of Milk Can I Use in Chia Seed Pudding?

This chocolate chia seed pudding will work with all types of dairy and dairy-free milks. Today, I’m using my cashew milk recipe (my personal favorite). But you could also use almond milk, oat milk, or even banana milk.

If you make this recipe with canned full-fat coconut milk, it will likely be thicker than the previously mentioned options. You could always add more milk or water to thin it down, if desired.

How Long Will the Pudding Last?

Chocolate chia pudding can be left in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days. This makes it an easy treat to make in a large batch and enjoy over the course of a week.

If you have leftovers you can even freeze it! It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Then simply thaw as needed when those chocolate cravings strike. Meal prepped chia pudding for dessert? Oh yes. You’re welcome!

More Delicious Chia Seed Recipes

Here’s more chia seed recipes you’ll love as well:

• PB&J Chia Pudding
• Chia Seed Jam
• Coconut Chia Mango Popsicles
• Blueberry Chia Pudding
• Pomegranate Chia Parfait

Want two more simple chocolate dessert recipes? Make sure to check out my Chocolate Mug Cake and Chocolate Avocado Pudding. They take less than 5 minutes to make!

Recipe originally posted May 2019, but updated to include new information.