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Home » Recipes » Breakfasts

5th June 2025 by Jamie Raftery 2 Comments

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

A delicious chocolate chia seed pudding with cherries, cacao, pumpkin seeds, raisins, cinnamon, almond, and orange. Full of plant protein, fiber, and omega fats.

Chocolate-Chia-Seed-Pudding-with-cherry

Recipe Index

Jump to:
  • Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
  • Nutritional Content
  • The Magic of Raw Cacao
  • Ingredients for Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
  • Equipment You Will Need
  • Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding: Step-By-Step Guide
  • To Assemble Recipe
  • How to Store the Recipe
  • More Recipes To Try
  • FAQ
  • 📋 Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

This chocolate chia seed pudding combines the rich, earthy depth of raw cacao with the powerful nutritional profile of chia seeds. It’s easy to prepare, requires no cooking, and makes an ideal breakfast, snack, or dessert. The flavors are layered with citrus, natural sweeteners, seeds, and fruits to provide a balanced and satisfying dish that's both energizing and grounding.

Chocolate-Chia-Seed-Pudding-served-in-a-glass

Nutritional Content

  • Chia Seeds: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, plant protein, and soluble fiber.
  • Raw Cacao: A natural source of iron, magnesium, flavonoids, and antioxidants.
  • Pumpkin & Sunflower Seeds: Add vitamin E, zinc, and healthy fats.
  • Raisins: Provide natural sweetness and polyphenols.
  • Orange Juice: Adds vitamin C and bright citrus notes.
  • Cherries: Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory compounds that support heart health, sleep, and recovery.

This recipe is naturally dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and full of mood-boosting and anti-inflammatory compounds.

raw-cacao-bean

The Magic of Raw Cacao

Cacao, indigenous to South America and Africa, is one of the most nutritious and sacred plants on Earth. Ancient Mayan civilizations drank potions of ceremonial cacao to mark significant occasions.

It is now scientifically documented that the minerals in cacao stimulate the 'love' and 'feel-good' hormones - oxytocin and dopamine in our brains. Chocolate is enjoyed worldwide and continues to bring us immense pleasure.

Unfortunately, most commercial chocolate contains additives, chemicals, and refined sugars that can be detrimental to our health.

When sourcing cacao, look for raw, natural cacao - it will be naturally bitter, but you can easily sweeten it yourself using ingredients like coconut syrup, maple, or dates.

Read more about the health benefits of raw cacao here.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Chocolate-Chia-Seed-Pudding-Ingredients-with-text

For the chocolate chia pudding base (mix the night before):

  • Chia seeds
  • Cacao powder
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Cinnamon powder
  • Pink salt
  • Raisins
  • Almond milk (or any other milk)
  • Coconut syrup (or any other sweetener)
  • Orange juice
  • Vanilla essence

Ingredients to garnish

Chocolate-Chia-Pudding-Ingredients-for-garnish-with-text
  • Cherries (or any seasonal fruits)
  • Coconut chips
  • Granola
  • Cacao nibs (toasted and ground)
  • Coconut yogurt
Chia-Seed-Pudding-served-with-cherries

Equipment You Will Need

  • Weighing scales
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spoon
  • Serving bowls or jars
Chocolate-Chia-Pudding

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding: Step-By-Step Guide

Chocolate-Chia-Seed-Pudding-Step-by-step-1-Prepared-mixing-bowl

1: Assemble all the ingredients and equipment.

Chocolate-Chia-Seed-Pudding-Step-by-step-2-Add-chia-seeds

2: Add chia seeds to the bowl.

Chocolate-Chia-Seed-Pudding-Step-by-step-4-Add-sunflower-seed

3: Add the sunflower seeds.

Chocolate-Chia-Seed-Pudding-Step-by-step-3-Add-pumpkin-seed

4: Followed by the pumpkin seeds.

Chocolate-Chia-Seed-Pudding-Step-by-step-5-Add-raisin

5: Add the raisins.

Chocolate-Chia-Seed-Pudding-Step-by-step-6-Add-cinnamon

6: In with the cinnamon powder.

Chocolate-Chia-Seed-Pudding-Step-by-step-7-Add-pink-salt

7: Add a small pinch of salt.

Chocolate-Chia-Seed-Pudding-Step-by-step-8-Add-cacao-powder

8: Followed by the cacao powder.

Chocolate-Chia-Pudding-Step-by-step-9-Mix-well

9: Whisk all the dry ingredients together.

Chocolate-Chia-Pudding-Step-by-step-10-Add-milk

10: Add the plant milk.

Chocolate-Chia-Seed-Pudding-Step-by-step-11-Add-orange-juice

11: Followed by the orange juice.

Chocolate-Chia-Seed-Pudding-Step-by-step-13-Add-vanilla-paste

12: Add the vanilla paste.

Chocolate-Chia-Pudding-Step-by-step-14-Add-syrup

13: Followed by the coconut syrup.

Chocolate-Chia-Pudding-Step-by-step-12-mix-together

14: Whisk well.

Chocolate-Chia-Pudding-Step-by-step-16-Set-aside

15: Allow to rest for at least 3 hours - ideally overnight.

Chocolate-Chia-Pudding-Step-by-step-17-Put-in-the-fridge

16: Cover and refrigerate.

Chocolate-Chia-Seed-Pudding-Step-by-step-18-Take-out-for-garnish

17: After at least 3 hours, the chia seeds will have activated. Whisk well and adjust consistency with a little plant milk if required.

Chocolate-Chia-Seed-Pudding-Step-by-step-19-Checkout-the-texture

18: Chocolate chia seed pudding should be nice and thick, but not too thick!

Chia-Seed-Pudding-in-serving-glasses

To Assemble Recipe

I like layering up the chia seed pudding in a glass with a nice thick coconut yogurt, some granola for texture, cacao nibs, and fresh cherries. You can get creative at this stage and add in some of your favorite fruits and toppings!

Cherry-chocolate-chia-breakfast-bowls

How to Store the Recipe

  • Store in a sealed glass jar or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Great for meal prepping several portions at once.
  • These do not freeze well.
layered-chocolate-chia-glasses-with-toppings

More Recipes To Try

  • Coconut Chia Seed Pudding
  • Black Sesame Chia Seed Pudding
  • Oat & Chia Seed Porridge
  • Blueberry Chia Seed Jam
  • Black Rice Pudding with Mango
  • Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
  • Healthy Plant-Based Desserts
Chocolate-Chia-Seed-Puddings

FAQ

Can I use cocoa powder as a substitute for raw cacao?

Yes, but raw cacao retains more nutrients and a richer flavor.

How long will it last in the fridge?

Up to 4 days, making it ideal for batch prep.

Is this suitable for children?

Yes, just ensure no allergies to seeds or nuts.

Can I make it in a blender?

Yes, for a smooth, mousse-like version.

What other milks can I use?

You can add any liquids you like really. We recommend sugar-free and homemade if possible. Our Hemp Seed, Pumpkin Seed Milk, or Walnut Milk will take this recipe to another level!

Chocolate-Chia-Seed-Puddings

We hope you enjoy this delicious recipe. If you give it a try, let us know in the comments below - we love hearing your feedback and seeing your recreations.

📋 Recipe

Chocolate-Chia-Seed-Pudding-with-cherry
Jamie Raftery

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

5 from 3 votes
Super charged high protein energising breakfast pudding
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Add to CollectionGo to Collections
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Overnight soaking 3 hours hrs
Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Servings: 4 Portions
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: International
Calories: 365
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
 
 

For the chocolate chia pudding base (mix the night before)
Dry Mix:
  • 50 g Chia seeds
  • 20 g Pumpkin seeds
  • 20 g Sunflower seeds
  • 20 g Raisin
  • 30 g Cacao powder
  • 0.5 g Cinnamon
  • 0.5 g Pink salt
Wet Mix:
  • 300 ml Almond milk
  • 50 ml Orange - juice
  • 10 ml REAL Vanilla Paste
  • 10 ml Coconut syrup maple or honey
To Serve
  • 80 g Cherries 20g per portion
  • 80 g Coconut yogurt 20g per portion
  • 80 g Granola 20g per portion
  • 40 g Almonds - whole 10g per portion
  • 8 g Cacao nibs 2g per portion

Equipment

  • Weighing scales
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spoon
  • Serving bowl

Method
 

Prepare the chocolate chia pudding base:
  1. Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the chia seeds, raisins, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, salt, cacao powder - whisk to combine.
  2. Wet Ingredients: Add in the almond milk, maple syrup, orange juice. Whisk well for about 10 seconds to fully incorporate the liquids and distribute the seeds evenly.
Let it settle:
  1. Allow the mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes, then whisk again briefly to prevent clumping.
Chill to activate:
  1. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to set for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight. Stir once or twice during this time to ensure even absorption.
Serve and garnish:
  1. Before serving, give the pudding one final stir.
  2. Spoon into serving bowls and top with fresh cherries, crunchy granola, chopped almonds, caramelised cacao nibs, and coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 21gSodium: 119mgPotassium: 508mgFiber: 11gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 49IUVitamin B1: 0.3mgVitamin B2: 0.3mgVitamin B3: 3mgVitamin B5: 0.3mgVitamin B6: 0.1mgVitamin B12: 0.01µgVitamin C: 11mgVitamin D: 0.3µgVitamin E: 5mgVitamin K: 2µgCalcium: 269mgCopper: 1mgFolate: 39µgIron: 4mgManganese: 2mgMagnesium: 179mgPhosphorus: 374mgSelenium: 15µgZinc: 2mg

Notes

Nut-Free Version:
Swap almonds and almond milk for coconut milk.
Extra Creamy:
Blend the chia pudding mixture after it has set for a few hours to create a smooth, mousse-like texture.
Spice It Up:
Add a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla extract, and cayenne pepper for a warming twist inspired by traditional Mayan cacao drinks.
Sweetener Swap:
You can use maple syrup, honey, agave, or date syrup instead of coconut syrup, depending on your taste and availability.
Protein Boost:
Stir in a spoonful of hemp seeds or a scoop of plant-based protein powder for an extra energy hit - great for breakfast or post-workout recovery.
Fruit Toppings:
Try sliced banana, berries, or other seasonal fruit in place of (or alongside) the cherries.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

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Comments

  1. BREDA says

    June 06, 2025 at 4:06 am

    5 stars
    Delicious and so nutritious. Thank you.😋

    Reply
  2. Thara says

    June 09, 2025 at 2:20 pm

    5 stars
    I love this recipe! it tasted so good!!!

    Reply
5 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

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Hi, we’re Thara & Jamie

We’re a Thai’rish chef duo based between our jungle kitchen studio in Phuket, Thailand, and a new culinary studio and permaculture farm we’re developing in Galway, Ireland.

Together, we run the Holistic Chef Academy - a space for exploring healthy, wholesome, plant-based cuisine.

With our roots in Michelin-star kitchens and a shared passion for food as medicine - we create recipes, courses, and experiences that aim to educate, inspire, and empower.

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