Vanilla Coconut Chia Pudding

This Vanilla Coconut Chia Pudding is creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with nourishing ingredients to keep you energized and satisfied. Made with just a few simple, plant-based staples, it’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast or snack that feels like a treat—without the guilt. 

Servings

4-5 servings 

 

Cooking Time

20 min prep 4 hrs chilled 

 

Vanilla Coconut Chia Pudding 

By: Naysha Rivera

This Vanilla Coconut Chia Pudding is creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with nourishing ingredients to keep you energized and satisfied. Made with just a few simple, plant-based staples, it’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast or snack that feels like a treat—without the guilt.

Ingredients

Pudding:

  • 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk (about 1¾ cups) see note
  • 1 cup plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy, etc.)
  • ½ cup chia seeds
  • 3–4 tbsp maple syrup (adjust to your desired sweetness)
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1-2 cinnamon sticks or 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder (see notes)
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg (see notes)
  • 1-3 cloves (see note) 
  • 1-2 star anise (see notes) 
  • Pinch of sea salt

Optional Toppings:

  • Fresh fruit (berries, mango, banana)
  • Toasted coconut flakes
  • Chopped nuts or granola
  • Nut butter drizzle
  • Cacao nibs or dark chocolate shavings

Notes: 

Customizable Flavor Base – This chia pudding is super versatile! Swap the vanilla and coconut milk for your favorite flavors—think rich cacao for chocolate chia pudding, earthy matcha, or even fruity blends like mango or berry. You can also play with toppings like nuts, seeds, fresh fruit, or granola for added texture and taste.

Steep Milk For FlavorTo add a cozy, spiced twist to your chia pudding, infuse your coconut milk before mixing it with the other ingredients. In a small saucepan, gently heat your coconut milk with a cinnamon stick, 1–2 star anise, a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, and 1–2 whole cloves (optional). Let it simmer on low for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally—do not boil. Once it’s fragrant, remove from heat, strain out the spices, and let the milk cool before combining with the chia seeds. This simple step adds a warm, comforting depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the vanilla and coconut!

Texture Tip – If you prefer a smoother, pudding-like texture, blend the mixture after it sets. This gives it a creamy consistency similar to traditional pudding.

Step by Step Instructions

Coconut Milk: 
To add a cozy, spiced twist to your chia pudding, infuse your coconut milk before mixing it with the other ingredients. In a small saucepan, gently heat your coconut milk with a cinnamon stick, 1–2 star anise, a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, and 1–2 whole cloves (optional). Let it simmer on low for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally—do not boil. Once it’s fragrant, remove from heat, strain out the spices, and let the milk cool before combining with the chia seeds. This simple step adds a warm, comforting depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the vanilla and coconut!

Pudding:
Whisk Together: In a large bowl or jar, combine the coconut milk, plant milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and sea salt. Whisk until smooth.
Add Chia Seeds: Stir in the chia seeds and let sit for 10 minutes. Stir again to prevent clumping.
Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until thick and creamy.
Serve: Stir once more before serving, divide into 4 portions, and top with your favorites!

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