How to Make High-Protein Chocolate Chia Pudding: A Delicious and Healthy Treat
Are you looking for a quick, nutritious, and indulgent breakfast or dessert? Whether you’re trying to boost your protein intake or satisfy your chocolate cravings without compromising your health goals, this high-protein chocolate chia pudding recipe is just what you need! The creamy texture, rich cocoa flavor, and plant-based protein punch will make this dish your new favorite, and the best part is it only takes 5 minutes of prep time. This easy recipe is not only beginner-friendly but also customizable to suit various dietary preferences. Let’s dive into how you can create this satisfying and nutritious treat in no time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-bake, Chilled
- Cuisine: American, Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
- ¼ cup chia seeds
Chia seeds are the star of this recipe. They provide the pudding’s thick, creamy texture and are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. They also help with hydration, making them a great choice for a health-conscious treat. - 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
Cocoa powder gives the pudding its rich chocolate flavor, adding a boost of antioxidants and a deep, satisfying taste. Using unsweetened cocoa powder helps keep the sweetness level under control. - 1 scoop plant-based protein powder (your favorite flavor, such as chocolate or vanilla)
The plant-based protein powder is what makes this pudding a high-protein snack. It helps increase the protein content, making it a great choice for post-workout recovery, meal prepping, or just as a filling and nutritious treat. - 1 ½ cups plant-based milk (such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk)
Plant-based milk adds creaminess and helps bind the pudding together. Whether you opt for almond, soy, or oat milk, each variety offers its own unique flavor and consistency. Almond milk is often lighter, while oat milk is creamier. You can even try coconut milk for a richer taste. - 3 tablespoons maple syrup or agave (for sweetness)
Maple syrup or agave adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the bitterness of the cocoa powder. You can also use stevia or honey as alternatives depending on your preferences. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the chocolate and gives it a pleasant, aromatic sweetness. It’s optional, but it definitely adds a layer of depth to the pudding. - Pinch of salt (optional, to balance flavors)
A small pinch of salt can help bring out the flavors and create a well-rounded taste. Salt also helps to balance the sweetness and the bitterness of the cocoa powder.
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ¼ cup chia seeds, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt (if using). Stir to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly mixed. This will help ensure an even flavor throughout the pudding.
- Add Plant-Based Milk: Slowly pour in the 1 ½ cups of your chosen plant-based milk while stirring continuously. This helps ensure that the cocoa powder and chia seeds mix smoothly, avoiding any lumps. You can use a whisk for an even smoother result.
- Sweeten to Taste: Add 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup or agave, depending on how sweet you like your pudding. Stir until the sweetener is fully dissolved and mixed into the pudding base. Feel free to taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Remember, you can always add more sweetener, but it’s harder to take it out once it’s in!
- Add Protein Powder: Incorporate 1 scoop of your plant-based protein powder into the mixture. This step is what makes this pudding a high-protein powerhouse! Stir well to ensure everything is fully blended and smooth. If you find the protein powder clumps together, don’t worry—just stir a little longer or use an electric hand mixer for better results.
- Chill the Pudding: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid, thickening the mixture into a pudding-like consistency. This resting period is essential for the perfect texture. Be patient—it’s worth the wait!
- Stir Before Serving: Once the pudding has set and thickened, give it a good stir to break up any clumps and make it smooth. If you prefer a thinner consistency, simply add a bit more plant-based milk and stir until it reaches your desired texture. At this point, you can taste and adjust sweetness, adding more maple syrup or agave if necessary.
Notes
- Patience with Chia Seeds: The key to a perfect chia pudding is allowing enough time for the chia seeds to absorb the liquid. Don’t skip the chilling step, as it’s essential for the texture! If you’re in a rush, let it chill for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal.
- Stirring Tips: When adding the plant-based milk and sweetener, be sure to stir continuously to prevent clumps from forming. A whisk works well for this process, or you can use a spoon or spatula. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the mixture in a blender after the ingredients have been added.
- Protein Powder: If you’re using protein powder with flavor (such as chocolate), it will enhance the chocolate taste. If using a plain protein powder, you may want to add more cocoa powder or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Consistency: If the pudding is too thick for your liking after chilling, simply add more plant-based milk and stir until it’s as smooth and creamy as you desire. If it’s too thin, add a bit more chia seeds and allow it to sit for a little longer to thicken.
- Troubleshooting: If the pudding doesn’t thicken as expected, it could be due to the chia seeds not absorbing enough liquid. Simply stir the mixture and let it rest a bit longer. You can also add more chia seeds and refrigerate it for another hour to help it set.