If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious treat that’s healthy, comforting, and easy to whip up, this Vanilla Chia Pudding with Cinnamon Recipe is about to become your new favorite. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, it transforms into a creamy, dreamy pudding that’s perfectly spiced and naturally sweetened. Whether you’re craving a make-ahead breakfast or a guilt-free dessert, this recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the goodness of chia seeds with warm vanilla and aromatic cinnamon notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a few key ingredients that each play an essential role in creating its signature taste, texture, and inviting color. They’re simple, wholesome, and pantry-friendly.
- Milk of choice (1 1/2 cups): The base that makes the pudding creamy—choose almond, coconut, dairy, or your favorite milk alternative.
- Chia seeds (1/2 cup): These tiny powerhouses thicken the pudding while adding fiber and omega-3s.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 1/2 tsp): Infuses every spoonful with warm, sweet vanilla flavor.
- Maple syrup or honey (1–2 tbsp): A natural sweetener that balances the earthiness of the chia seeds and cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Adds a cozy, spicy aroma that complements the vanilla perfectly.
- Pinch of salt (optional): A little salt enhances the overall flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
How to Make Vanilla Chia Pudding with Cinnamon Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by whisking together your milk of choice, pure vanilla extract, maple syrup (or honey), ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl or jar. The vanilla and cinnamon blend with the sweetness of the syrup to create a wonderfully fragrant base.
Step 2: Incorporate the Chia Seeds
Stir in the chia seeds thoroughly, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the liquid. The thorough mixing helps prevent those pesky clumps and ensures a smooth pudding texture.
Step 3: Let It Rest Briefly and Stir Again
Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes. This pause allows the chia seeds to start swelling up. After 5 minutes, give it another good stir to break up any clumps that may have formed, promoting an even consistency.
Step 4: Chill Until Thickened
Cover your bowl or jar and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This slow chilling process thickens the pudding to the perfect creamy, spoonable consistency that’s satisfyingly luscious.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When ready to enjoy, give the pudding a gentle stir and serve it cold with your favorite toppings or on its own—a naturally sweet, spiced delight.
How to Serve Vanilla Chia Pudding with Cinnamon Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings can transform this humble pudding into something spectacular. Fresh berries, slices of ripe banana, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or a dollop of thick yogurt add texture and brighten the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pudding pairs wonderfully with crunchy granola or toasted nuts to add a bit of bite. On its own, it’s a perfectly balanced snack, but alongside a fruit salad or a warm slice of banana bread, it truly shines.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Vanilla Chia Pudding with Cinnamon Recipe in a clear glass jar with layers of fruit and granola for a stunning parfait. Alternatively, use it as a creamy topping for waffles or pancakes to add a nutritious, flavorful twist to your breakfast plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pudding stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it covered in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.
Freezing
Taste and texture might change if frozen, as chia pudding can become a bit gelatinous or icy. If you want to freeze it, do so in airtight containers and expect a thicker consistency after thawing. Stir well before serving.
Reheating
This pudding is best enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you prefer it warm, gently heat it on low while stirring frequently, then add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use flavored milk in the Vanilla Chia Pudding with Cinnamon Recipe?
Absolutely! Flavored milks like vanilla or chocolate can add extra depth, but keep in mind they might alter the sweetness and balance of flavors.
Is this pudding suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, as long as you choose plant-based milk and a vegan sweetener like maple syrup, this recipe is completely vegan-friendly.
Can I make this pudding without sweetener?
Yes, the recipe works without any added sugar or syrup if you want to keep it unsweetened or prefer to sweeten it with fresh fruit instead.
How thick will the pudding get after refrigeration?
The chia seeds absorb liquid and create a thick, creamy texture within 4 hours. If you like it thicker, leave it overnight or add a little more chia seeds next time.
Can I add other spices or flavors to the Vanilla Chia Pudding with Cinnamon Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, or even citrus zest to customize the flavor and keep things exciting.
Final Thoughts
This Vanilla Chia Pudding with Cinnamon Recipe is a wholesome, comforting delight that’s incredibly easy to make and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re new to chia pudding or a longtime fan, its creamy texture paired with the warm flavors of vanilla and cinnamon is sure to win your heart. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to recipe for breakfast, snack, or dessert!
Print
Vanilla Chia Pudding with Cinnamon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Vanilla Chia Pudding with Cinnamon is a creamy, nutritious, and easy-to-make dessert or breakfast option. Combining chia seeds soaked in your choice of milk with warm vanilla and cinnamon flavors, it’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey and offers a satisfying texture without any cooking required. Perfect for a healthy, make-ahead treat that can be enjoyed cold with fresh fruit or yogurt toppings.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk of choice (almond, coconut, dairy, etc.)
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the liquids: In a bowl or jar, whisk together the milk, pure vanilla extract, maple syrup or honey, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt if using. This mixture will provide the flavorful base for your pudding.
- Add chia seeds: Stir in the chia seeds thoroughly, making sure they’re well dispersed to prevent clumping and allow even absorption of the liquid.
- Initial resting: Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. This hydration period allows the chia seeds to begin thickening, after which you should stir again to break up any formed clumps.
- Refrigerate to thicken: Cover the bowl or jar and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step is key for the pudding to set to the desired creamy consistency.
- Serve: Once thickened, serve the pudding cold. Enhance with optional toppings such as fresh fruit, an extra dusting of cinnamon, or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- Use any type of milk you prefer—almond, coconut, dairy, or oat milk all work well.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey.
- Stirring twice—once after 5 minutes and again before refrigerating—helps prevent chia clumps and ensures a smooth texture.
- For a thicker pudding, increase the chia seed quantity slightly or reduce the milk amount.
- This pudding makes a convenient meal prep; it keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
