Coconut Milk Chia Pudding
Creamy, dreamy coconut milk chia pudding that sets overnight into a perfectly thick, tapioca-like treat. A naturally sweet, vegan-friendly breakfast or dessert that feels indulgent while being packed with healthy fats and fiber.
For 4 servings
- mix · ~1 min
Combine the base ingredients.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the full-fat coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and the maple syrup is fully dissolved.
- mix · ~2 min
Whisk in the chia seeds.
Pour the chia seeds into the coconut milk mixture slowly while whisking continuously to prevent clumps from forming. Keep whisking for about a minute until the seeds are evenly distributed and begin to suspend.
- rest · ~10 min
Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes.
Allow the bowl to sit on the counter for 10 minutes. Come back and give it one final whisk to break up any clumps or seed clusters that may have formed. This ensures a perfectly smooth final texture.
- assemble
Divide into serving jars and chill overnight.
Spoon the mixture evenly into four jars or glasses. Cover each with a lid or plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, until the pudding is thick and set.
TIPOvernight resting yields the creamiest texture. The pudding will continue to thicken as it sits. - assemble · ~2 min
Whip the light coconut milk topping.
When ready to serve, pour the light coconut milk into a small bowl and whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until it becomes airy and slightly frothy. This creates a lighter, cream-like layer for the top of the pudding.
TIPChill the can of light coconut milk beforehand for a thicker froth. - assemble · ~1 min
Top and serve.
Spoon a layer of the whipped light coconut milk over each set chia pudding. Top generously with fresh diced mango and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Whisk chia seeds slowly into the liquid to prevent clumping for a smooth texture.
- 2Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes then whisk again to break up any seed clusters before chilling.
- 3Chill the can of light coconut milk overnight for a thicker, fluffier whipped topping.
- 4Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the pudding base to achieve a rich, creamy consistency.
- 5Store pudding in airtight jars in the fridge for up to 5 days — the texture stays creamy.
- 6For a faster set, use shallow containers to increase surface area and chill for at least 4 hours.
Adapt it for your goals.
Berry & Mint
Replace the mango and coconut topping with fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries) and a few torn mint leaves for a tangy, refreshing twist.
ChocolateChocolate
Add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the base mixture along with the maple syrup for a rich, chocolatey chia pudding.
High ProteinHigh-Protein
Stir in 2 tablespoons of your favorite plant-based protein powder (vanilla or unflavored) when whisking the base to boost protein content without changing the creamy texture.
Spiced ChaiSpiced Chai
Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, and a pinch of ginger to the base mixture for a warm chai-spiced flavor.
Low SugarLow-Sugar
Omit the maple syrup and sweeten with a few drops of liquid stevia or monk fruit sweetener to taste for a sugar-free version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Chia seeds are one of the best plant sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 that supports heart and brain health.
High in Dietary Fiber
Each serving provides a generous amount of soluble fiber from chia seeds, which aids digestion and helps maintain steady energy levels.
Good Source of Healthy Fats
Full-fat coconut milk supplies medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily metabolized for quick energy and may support weight management.
Naturally Vegan & Dairy-Free
This pudding relies entirely on plant-based ingredients, making it suitable for vegan, dairy-free, and lactose-intolerant diets without sacrificing creaminess.
Antioxidant-Rich Toppings
Fresh mango and toasted coconut provide natural antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols, which help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but the pudding will be thinner and less creamy. For best results, stick with full-fat coconut milk for the base.
