Description
This Lemon Cream Chia Pudding is a bright, creamy, and healthy dessert or breakfast option that combines the tangy freshness of lemon with the rich texture of chia seeds soaked in your choice of milk. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey and enhanced with vanilla extract, it’s perfect for a nutritious, make-ahead treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups milk (unsweetened coconut, almond, oat, or dairy milk all work)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (zest the lemons before juicing)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup chia seeds
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Toppings
- Extra lemon zest curls
- Coconut flakes
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream or coconut yogurt
Instructions
- Mix liquids and flavorings: In a medium mixing bowl or large jar with a lid, whisk together the milk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add chia seeds: Stir in the chia seeds thoroughly into the liquid mixture. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to break up any clumps and ensure even distribution of the seeds.
- Refrigerate to set: Cover the bowl or jar and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken into a pudding consistency.
- Serve with toppings: Once set, stir the pudding well to redistribute any settled seeds, then spoon into serving dishes. Garnish with optional toppings such as lemon zest curls, coconut flakes, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream or coconut yogurt for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use any plant-based or dairy milk according to preference or dietary needs.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey.
- For a thicker pudding, increase chia seeds to ⅔ cup.
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for best texture and flavor.
- Optional toppings add texture and enhance flavor but can be omitted for a simpler pudding.
