If you love eggnog, this chia seed pudding recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a simple but deliciously spiced holiday dessert. Only two ingredients for this make-ahead Christmas dessert or breakfast.
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Make a special holiday treat!
Is it time to take a break from cookies? So far this December, I've made about 15 dozen cookies. Seems a bit much, huh? We all love a good cookie around here. I can't keep them around, even in the freezer!
Let's take a break from creaming butter and baking cookies and instead make one of my simplest chia pudding recipes. It doesn't get much simpler than combining two ingredients and then letting it do the work itself in the fridge. Great for breakfast or dessert.
The many reasons I love chia pudding:
Nutrition: Chia seeds are very good for you. They are high in protein, fiber, calcium, and omega 3's.
Flexible: You can make chia pudding by simply combining the seeds with liquid and other flavors, but you can also blend them into more of a pudding like texture.
Easy Make-ahead: Just mix, stir after a few minutes and leave in the fridge until you're ready for it. Absolutely perfect for Christmas morning or an after dinner treat.
Open to Flavors: You can combine any flavors you want with chia seeds. They are like little blank canvases just waiting to be painted with delicious flavors. You can combine the seeds with almond milk or coconut milk for vegetarian and vegan versions of this pudding. I've created chia puddings with mint white chocolate flavors and cherry chocolate, which I'll link below.
Fun texture: Personally I love the texture of chia seeds!
Ingredients you'll need
- Chia seeds and eggnog. That's literally it. I almost feel bad calling this a recipe except for the fact that the right ratio of seeds to liquids is good to know. I also add vanilla extract but you can leave it out if you want to.
Ingredient Substitutions
Chia seeds: I use white chia seeds because they allow me to show the other aspects of the pudding better in photos. You can use the more common black chia seeds, they're the same thing.
Liquid: I use dairy eggnog, if you have a dairy-free one that you like, try that. I'm sure you could use homemade eggnog as well.
Toppings: I top mine with whipped coconut cream and nutmeg. Use regular diary whipped cream and try topping with cinnamon instead of nutmeg. You could add in some fruits like chopped apples, blueberries, or bananas.
How to make chia pudding
- Add ¼ cup chia seeds, plus 1 cup of liquid to a bowl. Add vanilla extract if using.
- Mix together until combined. Let sit for 10 minutes and then stir again.
- Cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight, until thickened.
- Top and serve!
More Chia Seed Pudding Recipes
I love chia pudding and creating new versions and I especially like creating parfaits with them. Here are two other Chia seed puddings I've created:
Tips and Tricks
- When mixing chia seed pudding just be sure to keep the same ratio of seeds to liquid at ¼ cup to 1 cup.
- Let the chia seed pudding sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours to soak up the liquid and gel.
- Stir 10 minutes after mixing so you don't have clumps of chia seeds in the mix. Then refrigerate.
- This recipe makes two servings, you can easily double it.
- You can mix the pudding together in a mixing bowl and then once you've stirred it after the 10-minute mark, transfer each serving into mini mason jars with a lid for storage and cute presentation.
Recipes FAQs
Yes.
Yes, when combined with a healthy liquid chia seed pudding makes a healthy dessert or breakfast, with lots of protein, fiber, calcium and Omega 3 fats. Check the links below for sources.
More from BBC on the benefits of chia seeds and Reader's Digest Canada on more benefits of chia seeds.
Recipe
Eggnog Chia Pudding
Ingredients
For the Pudding
- 1 cup eggnog
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For Topping
- Coconut whipped cream (or dairy whipped cream)
- Sprinkle of nutmeg
Instructions
For the Pudding
- Add ¼ cup chia seeds, plus 1 cup of liquid to a bowl. Add vanilla extract if using.
- Mix together until combined. Let sit for 10 minutes and then stir again.
- Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight, until thickened.
For Topping
- Whip coconut cream or whipped cream. Dollop on top of chia pudding and sprinkle with nutmeg. Serve.
Notes
- Use your favorite eggnog.
- Use black or white chia seeds.
- Vegan? Use a vegan eggnog substitute.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used.
Cindy says
This eggnog chia pudding looks and sounds delicious.
I am making it for desert for tomorrow.
pipercooks says
Yay! Let me know how it turns out Cindy! And don’t forget make it ahead of time so it gels up. But you’ve probably used chia seeds before 🙂
Rose says
5 star all the way ! This pudding was really delicious ! I had no idea you could make a yummy and healthy pudding using chia seeds.
pipercooks says
Thank you so much for the comment Rose. I’m so happy you liked this! 🙂