I must admit that before chia pudding was all the hype and new to the scene, I was very skeptical. How can a seed turn into something so delicious? Well, it does and I’m excited to share a few of my favorite chia pudding recipes that will for sure, dazzle your taste buds!
Chia seeds have been around for thousands of years and were consumed by the Aztecs. This ancient grain was perceived to have healing powers which made it an essential staple. Let’s look at some of the benefits:
- rich in omega 3
- high in protein
- high in potassium
- energy producing
- antioxidant
- anti-inflammatory
- potassium
- calcium
- heart health
- iron
- balances blood sugar
- cancer prevention
All of these incredible benefits should encourage anyone to indulge in these mighty seeds and chia pudding is the perfect route.
MAPLE WALNUT BANANA
Confession……my favorite chia pudding recipe by far is the Maple walnut banana. It’s decadent yet not overly filling. It’s loaded with potassium, omega 3 and protein. With just a touch of maple syrup, this recipe keeps it low glycemic. One thing I love about chia pudding is that between the protein and the nuts, this treat will sustain you for hours. It’s important to have that time in between meals so that your body has a chance to break down the nutrients and balance your blood sugar.
INGREDIENTS
- cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 3 tbs organic chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ceylon cinnamon
- 1 tbs pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 banana sliced
INSTRUCTIONS
- Stir together coconut milk, chia seeds, vanilla, maple syrup and cinnamon until thoroughly mixed
- Put in the fridge and stir after 1 hour
- Let sit in the fridge over night
- In glass tulip jar add 1/2 of the walnuts to the bottom
- Add half of the chia pudding
- Add a layer of sliced bananas
- Add the remaining chia pudding
- Add the remaing bananas
- Top with walnuts
- Drizzle with maple syrup
- Dust with cinnamon
- Enjoy!
HAZELNUT CHOCOLATE CHIA PUDDING
This recipe is certain to be a chocolate lover’s dream! The star of this delight is certainly the cacao powder. Besides being a powerful antioxidant, cacao takes this recipe to an entirely different level. Hazelnuts and chocolate go together like peanut butter and jelly! They are best known for boosting the immune system, regulating blood pressure and give a nice boost in energy. I love to roast them myself after soaking them overnight for added benefits.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 3 tbs organic chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ceylon cinnamon
- 1 tsp organic cacao powder
- 1 tbs pure maple syrup can substitute honey
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted hazelnuts
INSTRUCTIONS
- Stir coconut milk, chia seeds, vanilla, maple syrup, cinnamon & cacao powder together until thoroughly mixed.
- Place in the fridge
- After 1 hour, mix again then let sit overnight
- In a glass pudding or tulip jar add half of the hazelnuts
- Top with 1 cup of pudding
- Top with remaing hazelnuts
- Add a drizzle of maple syrup
- Top off with a pinch of cacao powder
- Enjoy!
MATCHA COCONUT CHIA PUDDING
Have you heard about matcha? Otherwise known as green tea, this healing gem is loaded with antioxidants and boosts brain function. Another amazing benefit is it’s cancer-preventing properties, which for me, is a definite plus.I decided to pair matcha with coconut to create a unique flavor that actually works! When does coconut NOT work right?! The almighty coconut serves as an antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal. This, paired with the benefits of matcha make this tasty treat a healing delight!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk or nut milk
- 3 tbs organic chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ceylon cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp organic matcha powder
- 2 tsp unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tbs pure maple syrup
INSTRUCTIONS
- Stir together coconut milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla and matcha until thoroughly mixed
- Put in fridge and stir again after 1 hour
- Let sit in fridge over night
- In glass jar add half of the chia pudding
- Add 1 tsp shredded coconut
- Add remaining chia pudding
- Add remaining coconut
- Dust with matcha powder
- Enjoy!
Whatever you decide to pair with chia seeds, know that you just can’t go wrong. It’s a healthy delight with amazing benefits so can enjoy anytime without any guilt.
Cheers to your best life!
Check out my recipe for Homemade Guilt Free Granola