This Tiramisu Chia Pudding is a fun twist on the classic dessert! It’s creamy and has a lovely coffee flavor, thanks to the cocoa powder and coffee added to the chia seeds.
The best part? You can enjoy this dessert guilt-free! I love making it in little jars for a cute snack that tastes like a treat. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—just mix, chill, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chia Seeds: These little seeds are key for thickening the pudding. You can substitute flaxseeds if you grind them first, but chia has the best texture for this dish. I’ve found the crunch of chia makes it really pleasant!
Almond Milk: Unsweetened is my choice for this pudding, but you could use any milk like oat, soy, or coconut. Coconut milk adds a rich flavor too! Just make sure it’s unsweetened if you want to control the sweetness.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Maple syrup adds a lovely flavor, but you can also use agave syrup or even stevia for a lower-calorie option. I personally prefer the taste of honey – it adds a nice warmth!
Instant Coffee Granules: If you don’t have instant coffee, a strong brewed coffee or espresso works just fine! Just cool it down before adding, so it doesn’t affect the consistency.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess to the top layer. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut yogurt is great. I also enjoy using a bit of ricotta for a different twist on taste and texture!
How Do I Achieve the Best Chia Pudding Texture?
Getting the right texture for chia pudding is all about the mixing and soaking time. Make sure to stir well right after combining all the ingredients to avoid clumping. Follow these steps:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir thoroughly. This helps the chia seeds absorb liquid evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or better, overnight. This allows the chia to swell properly.
- Before serving, give the pudding a good stir to break up any clumps. It should be smooth and creamy!
By following these steps, you’ll have a delightful pudding that mimics the flavors of traditional tiramisu while being healthy!
How to Make Tiramisu Chia Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp instant coffee granules or 1 shot cooled espresso
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder, divided
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt (for topping)
- Additional sweetener to taste (optional)
- Tiny edible flowers or cocoa powder for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tiramisu Chia Pudding takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. Give it some time to set, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a delightful, guilt-free treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Chia Base:
In a mixing bowl, add the chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, instant coffee granules (or cooled espresso), and 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. Mix everything together really well with a whisk or a spoon, making sure there are no clumps. This part is important to get that smooth texture!
2. Chill and Set:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours or overnight if you can! This waiting time is when the chia seeds soak up the liquid and expand, turning into that tasty pudding consistency.
3. Get Ready to Layer:
Once your chia pudding has set, remove it from the fridge and give it a good stir to break up any clumps that might have formed. It should look thick and delicious!
4. Prepare the Yogurt Layer:
In a separate small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with the remaining 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. If you’d like it sweeter, feel free to add some sweetener to taste. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble Your Dessert:
Now comes the fun part! Start by spooning a layer of the chia pudding into glasses or jars. Next, add a layer of the cocoa-yogurt mixture right on top of the chia layer.
6. Add the Finishing Touch:
Dust the top with some extra cocoa powder for a nice look and garnish with tiny edible flowers if you have them. This step will make your pudding look extra special!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
You can serve it right away, or keep it chilled until you’re ready to eat. Either way, you’ll be diving into a creamy, tasty dessert that combines the delightful flavors of traditional tiramisu with a healthy twist!
Enjoy your Tiramisu Chia Pudding! It’s the perfect dessert or snack, with all the flavors you love and none of the guilt!
Can I Use Different Types of Milk?
Absolutely! While unsweetened almond milk works great, you can substitute it with any plant-based milk like oat, coconut, or soy milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to control the sweetness of your pudding.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey and coconut yogurt for the topping. Simply ensure all your ingredients are plant-based, and you’re good to go!
Can I Prep This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! The chia pudding can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Layer it with yogurt just before serving to keep it fresh!
What Can I Use Instead of Instant Coffee?
If you don’t have instant coffee, you can use strong brewed coffee or espresso. Just make sure it’s cooled before mixing it in to maintain the right texture for the pudding.
