Overnight Apple Cinnamon Chia Pudding Recipe
Apple Cinnamon Chia Pudding is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for your busy mornings! This nutritious chia pudding recipe combines the luscious flavors of maple syrup, creamy coconut milk, and a dash of cinnamon to create a pudding-like consistency that's reminiscent of apple pie.
Check out my YouTube video here on how to make the best chia pudding!
Overnight Apple Cinnamon Chia Pudding Recipe
Chia seeds are packed with benefits like being high in antioxidants, promoting healthy skin, aiding digestion, keeping you full, and reducing inflammation. Plus, in just 10 minutes, you can prepare this chia pudding, which can last up to four days in an airtight container. Whether you're in the mood for a perfect fall breakfast or seeking a healthy dessert, this Apple Cinnamon Chia Pudding has you covered.
Background on the Recipe
Some of us hear chia pudding and think - YUCK. But trust me, I am here to change your mind when you try this recipe! It’s the perfect consistency and turns out really similar to tapioca pudding.
The flavor combo with the coconut milk, sweetener, and vanilla is really delicious. After giving this recipe a try, you'll be craving this pudding every morning!
Benefits of Chia Seeds
High in antioxidants.
Great for our skin.
Promotes digestion.
They help keep you full.
High in omega 3’s.
They help reduce inflammation.
Protein and Fiber in Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are not only tasty but also incredibly nutritious, especially when it comes to their protein and fiber content. In just two tablespoons of chia seeds, you'll find 4 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber, making them a powerhouse of nutrients!
The Neat Thing About Chia Seeds
One of the cool things about chia seeds is their ability to expand and absorb liquid. When you mix chia seeds with any liquid, whether it's water, milk, plant-based milk, or juice, they transform in size! After just 10 minutes of sitting in liquid, the chia seeds absorb the liquid and expand.
How to Prepare Chia Seeds
To prepare the dry chia seeds, you just mix them with any liquid of your choice (this can be water, milk, plant milk, juice etc.). Then mix it really well to remove any clumps.
Let it sit in the fridge for 10 minutes; then you’ll have a really thick pudding consistency!
Chia Pudding Ingredients
1 can (12 oz) canned unsweetened coconut milk
1/2 cup any plant-based milk
1/2 cup chia seeds
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons - 1/4 cup maple syrup, depending on preference (or any other liquid sweetener)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1-2 scoops of any collagen or protein powder on hand
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Chia Pudding
Mix the chia pudding ingredients into a large bowl and whisk. Continue to whisk for about 1 minute until chia seeds slightly thicken. They will continue to thicken in the fridge. We just want to make sure we remove any clumps!
Pour mixture into 3 glass jars or one large jar with a lid, refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight! This lasts about 4 days in the fridge!
To make your cinnamon apples, dice your apples and heat them in a skillet over medium heat with coconut oil. Warm for a few minutes until apples are tender. Add cinnamon and set aside.
Top with the warm apples, granola, walnuts, and raisins for the day of!
Storage
Transfer the prepared chia pudding into an airtight container. This will help keep the pudding fresh and prevent any flavors from seeping in or escaping. Place the airtight container in the refrigerator.
Chia pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It is best to consume it within this timeframe to enjoy its optimal taste and texture.
It's preferable to store the chia pudding and toppings separately if you plan on enjoying it over multiple days. This way, you can add the toppings just before serving to maintain their freshness and prevent any sogginess.
Pudding Flavor Alternatives
Lemon Blueberry: For a burst of tanginess, squeeze fresh lemon juice into the pudding mixture and stir in some fresh or frozen blueberries.
Chocolate Raspberry: Mix in some cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder into your chia pudding base. Top it off with fresh or frozen raspberries for a burst of fruity goodness.
Peanut Butter and Jelly: Stir in some smooth peanut butter into your chia pudding mixture and top it with a dollop of your favorite jelly or jam.
Tropical Pineapple: Add chunks of fresh pineapple to the pudding mixture and sprinkle on some shredded coconut.
Cinnamon Vanilla: Mix in extra cinnamon and a splash of vanilla extract into the chia pudding base.
Matcha Strawberry: Mix matcha powder into the pudding mixture and top it with slices of juicy strawberries.
Topping Choices
More Breakfast Ideas
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for apple cinnamon chia pudding?
To make apple cinnamon chia pudding, you will need canned unsweetened coconut milk, plant-based milk (such as almond milk or oat milk), chia seeds, vanilla extract, maple syrup (depending on your preference for sweetness), cinnamon, apples, coconut oil, granola, walnuts, and raisins.
These ingredients will give you a delicious and nutritious apple cinnamon chia pudding that is perfect for a quick and easy breakfast or snack.
What is the best way to sweeten apple cinnamon chia pudding?
A popular choice to sweeten the chia pudding is using maple syrup, which adds a natural sweetness and complements the flavors of the apples and cinnamon. You can start with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and adjust it according to your taste. If you prefer a different liquid sweetener, such as honey or agave syrup, feel free to use that instead.
Another option is to use brown sugar, which adds a rich caramel-like sweetness to the pudding. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar and adjust to your liking.
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can use apple sauce as a natural sweetener. The sweetness from the apples will enhance the flavor of the chia pudding. Start with 1/4 cup of unsweetened apple sauce and adjust as needed.
Can I make apple cinnamon chia pudding in advance?
Apple cinnamon chia pudding is the perfect healthy breakfast option for mornings on the go. You can easily prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To make the apple cinnamon chia pudding, you'll need ingredients like canned unsweetened coconut milk, chia seeds, plant-based milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. You can also add collagen or protein powder if you prefer. Mix all the chia pudding ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until the chia seeds slightly thicken. Pour the mixture into glass jars or a large jar with a lid and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
For the apple cinnamon topping, dice your apples and sauté them in a skillet with coconut oil and cinnamon until they are tender. Set them aside to cool.
When you're ready to enjoy your apple cinnamon chia pudding, simply top it with the sautéed apples, granola, walnuts, and raisins. The flavors of the coconut milk, sweetener, and vanilla combine perfectly with the cinnamon apples to create a delicious breakfast treat.
Remember to store your chia pudding in an airtight container in the fridge, and add the toppings on the day you plan to eat it to keep the granola from getting soggy. This way, you can have a healthy and satisfying breakfast ready to go whenever you need it.
Overnight Apple Cinnamon Chia Pudding is a game-changer for anyone seeking a quick and easy breakfast or a healthy dessert option. With its perfect consistency and delicious flavor, it can change your opinion about chia pudding! The combination of coconut milk, cinnamon, and diced apples creates a delicious breakfast treat that is both satisfying and nutritious.