Fall is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a delicious, healthy breakfast or snack. This Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding is incredibly easy to make, packed with nutrients, and tastes just like your favorite autumn treat. It’s perfect for meal prep and a satisfying way to start your day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Chia Seeds: The star! No direct substitute for the pudding texture.
- Milk: Any milk works – dairy, almond, oat, or soy.
- Pumpkin Puree: Not pumpkin pie filling! Make sure it’s 100% pumpkin.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup or honey are great. You can also use agave or a sugar-free alternative.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Essential for that cozy fall flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (or other sweetener, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: a dash of cinnamon, chopped nuts, granola, fresh fruit
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 5 minutes active + 2-4 hours chilling (or overnight)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Servings: 1 generous serving
- Tools Needed: Whisk, jar or container with a lid
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl or a jar, add your milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Whisk well until everything is smooth and fully combined.
2. Add Chia Seeds
Sprinkle the chia seeds into the wet mixture. Stir immediately and thoroughly to prevent clumping. Make sure all the chia seeds are submerged.
3. Chill and Set
Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or ideally overnight. The longer it chills, the thicker and creamier your pumpkin spice chia pudding will become. Give it a quick stir after about 15 minutes of chilling if you notice any seeds settling at the bottom.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Once the pudding is thick and gelatinous, it’s ready to enjoy! Give it a final stir and top with your favorite additions like extra pumpkin pie spice, a sprinkle of granola, or fresh fruit.
Storage Instructions:
This pumpkin spice chia pudding stores wonderfully in the refrigerator. Simply keep it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. It’s perfect for making a batch on Sunday to enjoy throughout the week!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Why isn’t my chia pudding thickening?
A: Make sure you’re using enough chia seeds for the amount of liquid. Also, ensure you stir it thoroughly when you first mix it and allow enough time to chill.
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
A: Yes, if you cook and puree it yourself, that will work perfectly. Just ensure it’s smooth and not too watery.
Q: Is chia pudding good for you?
A: Absolutely! Chia seeds are packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein, making this a very healthy and filling meal.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes, this pumpkin spice chia pudding is naturally vegan as long as you use a plant-based milk and maple syrup or agave as your sweetener.
Q: How can I make it sweeter or less sweet?
A: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your taste preference. Start with less and add more if needed after it’s chilled.
Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
A: Yes, it’s a fantastic make-ahead option! It actually tastes best after chilling overnight.