Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

Ready for a breakfast or snack that feels like dessert, but is actually nutritious, wholesome, and bursting with summer flavor? Meet Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding—a spoonable, creamy treat loaded with vibrant berries and satisfyingly crunchy chia seeds. It’s a breeze to make, kid-approved, and endlessly customizable, so let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • 5-Minute Prep: No cooking or complicated steps—just blend, stir, and chill!
  • Wholesome & Nourishing: Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins from real fruit, chia seeds, and your favorite yogurt and milk.
  • Naturally Sweet & Creamy: The strawberries and a hint of vanilla make every bite magically sweet and fruity, creating a pudding that feels decadent but is actually good for you.
  • Unbelievably Versatile: Vegan, dairy-free, paleo, or just classic—there’s a version of Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding for everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding is how the ingredient list stays so simple—yet each component brings something special to the party. Every ingredient here adds a flavor note, creaminess, or pop of color that makes the final pudding truly irresistible.

  • Strawberries (12–16 oz): Fresh or frozen makes this pudding shine with bold berry flavor and a gorgeous pink hue.
  • Milk (1 cup): Use any variety—dairy or plant-based like oat or almond—whatever suits your cravings or dietary needs.
  • Yogurt (1 cup): Whole milk yogurt makes it extra creamy, but any kind (including plant-based) works beautifully.
  • Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds a comforting background note that brings out the sweetness of the berries.
  • Maple Syrup or Honey (1/4 cup): Just enough to sweeten things up without overpowering the fresh fruit flavor.
  • Chia Seeds (1/2 cup): These little superstars are what turn the mixture into pudding, gelling up for thick and delightful spoonfuls.
  • Fresh berries, fruit, or whipped cream (optional): For a finishing flourish on top, these bring extra brightness and freshness to every bowl.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The magic of Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding is how easily it can flex to fit your pantry or cravings. You can swap out the fruit, play with flavors, or tweak it for allergies—there are no wrong answers here, just delicious ones!

  • Mango Chia Seed Pudding: Swap in mango (fresh or frozen) for strawberries—its tropical sweetness pairs perfectly with the creamy base.
  • Berry Medley Blend: Try a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a vibrant, antioxidant-rich twist.
  • Vegan & Dairy-Free: Use plant-based yogurt and milk, plus maple syrup instead of honey, for a totally vegan treat.
  • Paleo/Whole30 Friendly: Select a compliant yogurt and almond milk, skipping sweeteners or using a Whole30-approved option.
  • Chocolate Strawberry: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the blend for a chocolate-kissed berry pudding (trust me—it’s dessert heaven!).

How to Make Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding

Step 1: Purée Your Strawberries & Luscious Liquid Base

Add the strawberries, milk, yogurt, vanilla, and maple syrup to a medium bowl. Grab your immersion blender and whiz everything until it’s silky smooth! If you only have a stand blender, just use that, then transfer the mixture back to your bowl—no stress. This quick purée infuses every spoonful with fresh strawberry flavor and helps the chia seeds hydrate evenly in the next step.

Step 2: Stir in Chia Seeds and Mix Well

Sprinkle in the chia seeds and give everything a really good stir, making sure the seeds are distributed throughout. Chia seeds will clump if not properly mixed, so spend an extra minute here—your creamy pudding will thank you later!

Step 3: Chill until Thick and Creamy

Transfer the bowl to the fridge and let the pudding rest for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can. This is when the magic happens: the chia seeds absorb all that strawberry goodness, gelling up until the mixture becomes thick and spoonable. (Patience is a virtue, but it’s so worth it!)

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

When you’re ready to eat, give the pudding a quick stir and scoop it into bowls or jars. Top with more fresh strawberries, other berries, or even a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra fancy. Dive in and savor every luscious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding

  • Best Berries Make the Pudding: The riper and sweeter your strawberries, the more flavorful and vibrant your pudding turns out—don’t be afraid to taste and adjust sweetness if using slightly tart berries!
  • Perfect Chia Seed Stirring: After the initial mix, give your pudding another quick stir 5–10 minutes later to prevent the dreaded chia seed clumps—this tiny step makes a big difference in final texture.
  • Thicker or Thinner—You Decide: If you love a super-thick pudding, reduce the milk and yogurt by 1/4 cup each. For a lighter pudding, add a splash or two extra!
  • Longer Chill for Creaminess: Sometimes chia pudding needs a little extra time to thicken properly—let it rest overnight if you can, especially if your chia seeds are older.

How to Serve Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding

Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A generous handful of freshly chopped strawberries is the go-to, but don’t stop there! Add sliced bananas, blueberries, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or even a swirl of whipped cream for a dessert-like finish. The bright colors and extra flavors make each serving pop—both visually and taste-wise.

Side Dishes

For a breakfast parfait vibe, pair your Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding with a side of crunchy granola or a toasted slice of whole grain bread. If serving as dessert, a bowl of mixed fruit or a cup of herbal tea strikes the perfect balance. It’s a natural fit for brunch spreads, too—just sayin’.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer the pudding into mini mason jars for portable snacks, or alternate it with chopped fruit and granola for picture-perfect parfaits. Want to impress at a party? Spoon it into tiny dessert glasses and top each with a berry and mint leaf for an elegant and irresistible presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding keeps like a dream! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The pudding may thicken slightly as it sits—if it becomes too thick, just stir in a splash of milk before serving.

Freezing

Surprise—chia pudding freezes surprisingly well! Freeze individual portions in small jars (leave extra space for expansion) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, give it a good stir, and enjoy the convenience of make-ahead breakfast any day.

Reheating

Chia seed pudding is best served chilled—but if you’d like it just slightly warm (especially on a cold morning!), gently microwave individual servings for 10–15 seconds at a time, stirring well. Be careful not to overheat, or the texture can change!

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding?

    Absolutely! Just thaw the strawberries first and drain any extra liquid. The flavor and color will still shine, and you’ll get a lovely, vibrant pudding even when fresh berries aren’t in season.

  2. Why isn’t my chia pudding thickening?

    Sometimes older chia seeds take longer to gel. Make sure you mixed thoroughly and gave it enough time (overnight is best for older seeds). If it’s still thin, try increasing the chia seeds slightly or reducing the liquid next time for extra thickness.

  3. Can I make Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding ahead for meal prep?

    Yes! Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding is perfect for meal prep—simply portion it into individual containers, refrigerate, and grab a healthy, sweet treat or breakfast all week long.

  4. What are the best toppings for Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding?

    I love fresh strawberries, but any seasonal fruit, toasted nuts, shredded coconut, or even a handful of granola or a dollop of yogurt work beautifully. Customize it to your taste—the possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding a spot in your weekly lineup—its effortless prep, fresh berry flavor, and dreamy, creamy texture make it a standout any time of day. Grab your spoon and dig in, friend; you’re just hours away from your new favorite treat!

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Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 105 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Blending, Chilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding is a delightful and nutritious treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a light dessert. Made with fresh strawberries, chia seeds, and a blend of milk and yogurt, this pudding is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pudding:

  • 1216 oz. strawberries, fresh + roughly chopped or frozen + thawed
  • 1 cup milk (any kind)
  • 1 cup yogurt (any kind)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1/2 cup chia seeds

For Serving (Optional):

  • Fresh chopped strawberries or other fruit
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Blend Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine strawberries, milk, yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Use an immersion blender to purée until smooth.
  2. Add Chia Seeds: Stir in the chia seeds until well mixed.
  3. Refrigerate: Chill the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
  4. Serve: Garnish with fresh fruit and whipped cream, if desired.

Notes

  • Any fruit can be used, such as mango or berries.
  • For a vegan version, use plant-based milk, yogurt, and maple syrup.
  • For a paleo/whole30 option, use compliant yogurt and milk alternatives.
  • If the pudding doesn’t thicken enough, let it set longer or reduce the milk and yogurt amounts for a thicker consistency.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 0.5 cup
  • Calories: 129 kcal
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 31mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 4mg

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