why make this recipe

High protein chocolate chia seed pudding is an excellent choice for anyone looking to boost their protein intake while enjoying a delicious treat. This recipe is simple, quick, and offers numerous health benefits. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. By combining them with chocolate protein powder, you create a satisfying dessert that not only tastes great but also fuels your body with essential nutrients.

This pudding is perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or dessert. It’s a great alternative to traditional pudding and is suitable for various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free diets. Plus, the chocolate flavor makes it appealing to both kids and adults alike. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delightful pudding and enjoy its benefits without any fuss.

how to make High Protein Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Making high protein chocolate chia seed pudding is straightforward and requires no cooking. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious treat without spending much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup chia seeds
2 cups almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Whisk the Ingredients Together: In a medium-sized bowl, start by adding 2 cups of almond milk. Pour in 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder.
Use a whisk to mix these two ingredients together thoroughly. The goal here is to ensure there are no lumps of protein powder in the mixture.
Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for sweetness and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. Whisk until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Incorporate Chia Seeds: Once your base is smooth, it’s time to add the chia seeds. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of chia seeds into the bowl. Using a spatula or spoon, stir well to combine. The chia seeds should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Refrigerate: Now that everything is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place the bowl in the refrigerator. Allow the pudding to sit for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This step is crucial as it allows the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and expand, thickening the pudding.
Final Stir: After the pudding has set, take it out of the refrigerator. Give it a good stir to break up any clumps and make it creamy.
Serve and Enjoy: Your high protein chocolate chia seed pudding is now ready! Serve it in bowls or jars for a visually appealing presentation. You can enjoy it plain or add toppings like fresh fruits, nuts, or shredded coconut.

how to serve High Protein Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

When it comes to serving high protein chocolate chia seed pudding, the possibilities are endless. Here are some great ways to enjoy it:

Plain: Enjoy the pudding as it is for a quick and nutritious snack.
Topped with Fruit: Add sliced bananas, berries, or mango for a fresh touch.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for added texture and healthy fats.
Coconut Delights: Top with shredded coconut or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a tropical twist.
Granola Sprinkle: Add a layer of granola for a delightful crunch and additional flavor.

You can also layer the pudding with different toppings in small glasses for a cute presentation that is perfect for parties or family gatherings.

how to store High Protein Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Storing your high protein chocolate chia seed pudding is simple:

Refrigeration: Keep the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 5 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving again, as it may thicken or separate slightly.
Avoid Freezing: While you might be tempted to freeze the pudding for longer storage, it’s best not to. Freezing can alter the texture of the chia pudding, leading to a less desirable consistency when thawed.
Serving Size: If you want to enjoy this pudding throughout the week, consider portioning it out into individual containers. This makes it easy to grab and go, perfect for busy mornings or snacks.

tips to make High Protein Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Making high protein chocolate chia seed pudding is easy, but here are some tips to enhance your experience:

Experiment with Sweeteners: If you prefer different levels of sweetness, try different kinds of sweeteners, like agave nectar or stevia. Adjust to your taste.
Creamier Texture: For a creamier pudding, blend all ingredients except the chia seeds in a blender before adding them. This can make for an ultra-smooth texture.
Customize Protein Powder: Feel free to use any flavor of protein powder you enjoy. Vanilla or cinnamon flavors can also work well.
Nutrition Boost: Add in a tablespoon of nut butter or hemp seeds for even more protein and healthy fats.
Chia Seeds Soaking Time: If you’re short on time, you can let the chia seeds soak in the almond milk for just 30 minutes, but overnight is best for the thickest pudding.

variation (if any)

While the classic high protein chocolate chia seed pudding is delicious on its own, here are some variations to keep things interesting:

Peanut Butter Chocolate: Mix in a tablespoon of natural peanut butter for a nutty twist. This adds flavor and extra protein.
Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing mint chocolate version. Perfect for a holiday treat!
Mocha Chia Pudding: For coffee lovers, add a tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the mix. This will give your pudding a rich coffee flavor.
Fruit Blend: Blend in fruits like avocado or banana before chilling for added creaminess and natural sweetness.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of plant-based milk?
Yes, you can use regular dairy milk if you are not following a plant-based diet. The recipe will still turn out great!

2. How do I know when the pudding is ready?
The pudding is ready when it has thickened and the chia seeds have expanded. It should have a pudding-like consistency after refrigeration for at least 4 hours or overnight.

3. Is it ok to eat chia seeds every day?
Yes, chia seeds are very nutritious and safe to eat daily. Just ensure you drink plenty of water, as they absorb liquid and can expand in your stomach.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pudding is great for meal prep. You can make it several days in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for easy access.

5. What if I don’t have chocolate protein powder?
If you don’t have chocolate protein powder, you can skip it and add cocoa powder instead for chocolate flavor. You may want to adjust the sweetness since cocoa powder is unsweetened.

With these simple steps, tips, and variations, you can create a high protein chocolate chia seed pudding that suits your taste and nutritional needs. Enjoy the process of making and serving this delightful pudding, and savor every spoonful!

High Protein Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Print Recipe

A nutritious and delicious high protein chocolate chia seed pudding that’s easy to make and perfect for any time of day.

Author: lila-monroe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 240 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Refrigeration
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale

1/4 cup chia seeds
2 cups almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Whisk the ingredients together: In a medium-sized bowl, start by adding 2 cups of almond milk. Pour in 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder. Use a whisk to mix these two ingredients together thoroughly. Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
Incorporate chia seeds: Once the base is smooth, sprinkle 1/4 cup of chia seeds into the bowl and stir well to combine.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the pudding to sit for at least 240 minutes (ideally overnight) to thicken.
Final stir: After chilling, give it a good stir to break up any clumps and make it creamy.
Serve and enjoy: Serve in bowls or jars with optional toppings like fresh fruits, nuts, or shredded coconut.

Notes

Experiment with different toppings or sweeteners to suit your preference. For a creamier texture, blend ingredients (excluding chia seeds) before combining.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 12g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: chia seed pudding, high protein dessert, vegan pudding, chocolate pudding, healthy snacks