Strawberry Chia Pudding with Coconut Milk
*This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.*A recipe that’s sweet, healthy, and easy? Yes, please! This Strawberry Chia Pudding with Coconut Milk checks all the boxes we look for in a recipe and more! Super simple to make, it’s creamy, loaded with fruity flavors, and packed with nutrients. Completely refined sugar-free, it’s the ultimate warm-weather breakfast or dessert!
Why You Need This Strawberry Chia Pudding
Our original 3-ingredient pudding seriously changed our lives. We aren’t kidding! It’s the fastest, most delicious breakfast recipe we’ve ever made. However, with strawberry season coming up quickly, we knew we wanted to put our favorite summer fruit to good use, starting with this brand-new strawberry chia pudding!
Featuring all the same thick texture and sweet flavor of classic chia pudding, it’s made even better with the addition of a vibrant strawberry puree. If that wasn’t enough to have you convinced and running to your kitchen, this recipe is also:
- Made with just 7 simple ingredients.
- Completely gluten and dairy-free.
- Literally made in minutes.
- Great to prep ahead of time for a quick breakfast, snack, or even dessert throughout the week!
What Are Chia Seeds?
Super popular over the last several years, chia seeds come from a desert plant known as Salvia hispanica which is actually a member of the mint family. Now found all over the world, chia seeds are believed to have originally grown in Central America and were even a staple in ancient Aztec cuisine!
However, in recent years chia seeds have become popular due to their immense health benefits. Recognized as being an excellent source of omega fatty acids (That’s the good kind of fat!), they’re also super high in fiber and contain lots of minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc along with a good dose of plant-based protein.
Is Chia Pudding Healthy?
Yes! With its sweet flavor and creamy texture you’d never guess it, but this strawberry chia pudding is super good for you. In addition to the benefits of chia seeds listed above, it’s also packed with vitamins, nutrients, and fiber thanks to the use of strawberries.
Made without any refined sugars, added preservatives, chemicals, or junk, it’s a recipe you can definitely feel good about.
Ingredients You Need
This strawberry chia pudding proves that recipes don’t have to be complicated to be tasty! Here’s everything you need:
- Strawberries – These are used to make the strawberry puree as well as sliced up and included whole for extra texture.
- Water – Helps blend the ingredients for the puree without affecting their flavor.
- Strawberry Preserves – This can easily be found in the jam and jelly section of nearly any grocery store! Unlike jam, strawberry preserves contain strawberry pieces that are left in medium to large chunks, making it extra satisfying when combined with the seedy texture of chia pudding.
- Chia Seeds – You can’t make strawberry chia pudding without chia seeds! We use black varieties, but white would work just as well.
- Coconut Milk – This combines with the chia seeds to create a gel while adding a subtly sweet taste.
- Maple Syrup – Use as little or as much as you’d like to enhance the flavor of the chia pudding base.
How to Make Easy Strawberry Chia Pudding
If you’ve never made strawberry chia pudding, prepare to be amazed! Not only is it unbelievably easy, but it’s actually pretty fun to do.
- Make the Basic Chia Pudding. Combine the chia seeds and coconut milk in a large cup, stirring well to combine. Set the mixture aside.
- Prepare the Strawberry Purée. Combine the strawberries, water, and preserves in a blender, and pulse until smooth.
- Layer. Divide the chia mixture into two jars, and spoon half the strawberry purée on top.
- Chill. Place the chia cups in the fridge to thicken and set. Then, garnish with extra sliced strawberries, and enjoy! Told ya, this recipe was easy, didn’t we?
Tips and Tricks
- Use High-Quality Ingredients. Since there are just a handful of ingredients, it’s really important to make sure they’re high-quality. For the best results look for the freshest strawberries you can find, use coconut milk without any added ingredients, and opt for pure maple syrup. Trust us, you can taste the difference!
- Adjust the Consistency. Feel free to alter the ratio of chia seeds to coconut milk until your desired consistency is reached. For example, if you prefer your strawberry chia pudding on the thicker side, add an extra scoop of chia seeds, and set them aside to gel. Or, for a thinner pudding stir in more coconut milk.
- Double the Recipe. We love this strawberry chia pudding for
meal prep ! Double or triple the recipe, and divide it into containers or jars for grab-n-go meals throughout the week.
Flavor Variations & Toppings
You know what they say, variety is the spice of life! So, feel free to mix and match your favorite ingredients to switch up the flavor and make this strawberry chia pudding your own. For instance, some of our favorite variations and toppings include:
- Protein Powder – Stir in your favorite flavor, adding more coconut milk as needed for a boost of complete protein.
- Different Fruit – Swap out the strawberries completely. Or, add to them with different fruit like raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, or bananas.
- Toppings – Turn your chia pudding into a parfait with toppings like granola, shredded coconut flakes, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even whipped cream if you’re feeling extra fancy!
Common Questions About Strawberry Chia Pudding
Depending on how old your chia seeds are and how much liquid you use, they may take longer to gel. Just leave them in the fridge a bit longer, and your pudding should turn out fine! Or, for a thicker texture, stir in an extra dash of chia seeds, and chill the mixture in the fridge until it thickens.
Placed in an airtight container, this recipe will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Just be sure to give it a good store if it starts to separate.
Yes! If you want to be super prepared, prepare your pudding, store it in freezer-safe containers, and keep it frozen for up to 2 months. To eat, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
More Easy Breakfast Recipes
Looking for more easy, nutritious breakfast recipes? Try out some of the options below. After you make this strawberry chia pudding, of course!
- Healthy Baked Banana Bread Oatmeal
- Protein Packed Egg Muffin Sandwiches
- Peanut Butter Energy Balls
- Baked Scrambled Eggs
Strawberry Chia Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chia Pudding:
- ½ cup chia seeds (divided)
- 2 cups coconut milk (divided)
- Maple syrup to taste
- ½ cup fresh strawberries (sliced for garnish)
For the Strawberry Purée:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 1 Tablespoon strawberry preserves
Instructions
- In two separate 10-12 ounce containers, add ¼ cup chia seeds, 1 cup coconut milk, and maple syrup to taste. Whisk to combine.
- In a blender, add the strawberries, water, and strawberry preserves. Pulse until smooth.
- Pour half the strawberry mixture over each cup.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to overnight.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries, and enjoy!
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.