Why You’ll Love this Creamy Overnight Chia Pudding
What’s not to love? It’s packed with protein from Greek yogurt, omega-3s from the chia seeds, and takes just minutes to prep.
The vanilla-almond milk base creates the perfect canvas for those juicy strawberries and crunchy toasted almonds.
Perfect for busy mornings when I need something ready to grab and go, or when I’m craving something sweet that won’t leave me hungry an hour later.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Overnight Chia Pudding?
This luscious, protein-packed chia pudding requires just a handful of simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. The beauty of this recipe is how these basic components transform overnight into a creamy, dreamy breakfast or snack. The combination of creamy dairy with nutty chia seeds creates the perfect texture, while the natural sweeteners and fruit add just the right amount of indulgence without going overboard.
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla-flavored almond milk
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (plus 4 extra teaspoons for serving)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of kosher salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
When shopping for ingredients, quality matters for this simple recipe. I recommend using a good Greek yogurt with high protein content for maximum creaminess. The vanilla almond milk adds flavor depth, but you could substitute regular almond milk and increase the vanilla extract if needed. And those chia seeds? They’re nutritional powerhouses that expand overnight, creating that magical pudding-like consistency we’re after. For the freshest flavor, choose in-season strawberries, though frozen (thawed and drained) will work in a pinch when berries aren’t at their peak.
How to Make this Creamy Overnight Chia Pudding
Making this pudding couldn’t be simpler, but the results are absolutely magical. Start by gently whisking 1 cup of vanilla-flavored unsweetened almond milk, 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) of kosher salt in a medium bowl until just blended. You don’t want to over-mix here—just enough to get everything incorporated.
Then, whisk in 1/4 cup of chia seeds until they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Now comes the waiting game, which is actually the secret to perfect chia pudding texture. Let the mixture stand for about 30 minutes at room temperature, then give it another good stir to redistribute any seeds that might’ve settled at the bottom. This middle stir is essential—skip it, and you might end up with a layer of seeds at the bottom rather than the uniform creaminess we’re after.
Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator overnight, where the real magic happens as those tiny chia seeds absorb the liquid and plump up into their signature tapioca-like texture.
The next morning, prepare the topping by tossing 1 pint of hulled and chopped strawberries with the remaining 4 teaspoons of maple syrup in a medium bowl. Gently mix in 1/4 cup of toasted sliced almonds for that perfect crunch factor.
To serve, spoon the thickened pudding into bowls or pretty glasses and crown each portion with a generous mound of the berry-almond mixture. Don’t those vibrant red berries look gorgeous against the creamy white pudding?
This is one of those breakfast recipes that feels like dessert but starts your day with protein, fiber, and omega-3s—talk about having it all!
Creamy Overnight Chia Pudding Substitutions and Variations
While the classic version of this overnight chia pudding is absolutely delicious, you don’t have to stick strictly to the recipe if certain ingredients aren’t available or if you simply want to switch things up.
Try coconut milk or oat milk instead of almond for a different flavor profile. Not a fan of Greek yogurt? Coconut yogurt makes a perfect dairy-free substitute.
For natural sweeteners, honey or agave can replace maple syrup. The fruit topping is endlessly customizable—blueberries, mangoes, or peaches work beautifully.
And those toasted almonds? Swap them for walnuts, pecans, or even a sprinkle of granola for extra crunch.
What to Serve with Creamy Overnight Chia Pudding
Although chia pudding makes a delicious standalone breakfast or snack, pairing it with complementary foods can elevate your eating experience to new heights.
I love serving mine with a side of crunchy whole grain toast spread with almond butter for textural contrast. Fresh fruit beyond the strawberries in the recipe—think sliced bananas, blueberries, or mango chunks—adds vibrant flavor dimensions.
Want something more substantial? A small veggie-packed omelet turns this into a complete breakfast. For dessert vibes, a square of dark chocolate on the side creates that perfect sweet-bitter balance.
The possibilities? Endless, really.
Final Thoughts
After you’ve mastered this simple chia pudding recipe, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along.
It’s truly a game-changer for busy mornings—nutritious, delicious, and ready when you are.
I love how versatile this pudding can be.
Don’t have strawberries? Swap in blueberries, mango, or peaches.
Not a fan of almonds? Try walnuts or pecans instead.
The beauty of chia pudding is in its simplicity and how it welcomes your personal touch.
Rich in omega-3s, fiber, and protein, it’s a breakfast that nourishes your body while delighting your taste buds.
What’s not to love?
