This Coffee Mocha Chia Pudding is a fun twist on your morning coffee! It combines rich cocoa and a bold coffee flavor, perfect for a sweet and energizing treat.
If you’re like me, you might find it hard not to sneak a spoonful for breakfast! I love how easy it is to make ahead and enjoy it any time of day. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are packed with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. If you’re in a pinch, flax seeds can be a good substitute, but they won’t provide quite the same texture.
Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk gives a nutty flavor. Feel free to use any milk you like, whether cow’s milk, oat milk, or soy milk, to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Cocoa Powder: I recommend using unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolatey taste. If you’re looking for a sweeter option, you could also use hot chocolate mix.
Instant Coffee: For a quick coffee flavor, instant coffee works well. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, brewed espresso adds a lovely depth. Adjust the amount based on how strong you like it!
Maple Syrup or Honey: You can swap these sweeteners with agave syrup or a sugar alternative like stevia if you prefer. Just remember to adjust the amount to keep it balanced.
How Do I Get the Perfect Pudding Texture?
Achieving the right pudding consistency with chia seeds requires a bit of patience! After mixing all your ingredients, let it sit for a few minutes, and then whisk again. This helps to avoid clumps and ensures that all seeds get coated.
- After refrigerating, stir it again before serving to ensure smoothness. You can add more milk if you’ve made it too thick.
- If you’re going for a layered effect with the coffee mocha mousse, blending it until smooth helps create an appealing texture without any lumps.
How to Make Coffee Mocha Chia Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp instant coffee granules or 1 shot espresso (cooled)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh blueberries and raspberries
- Dark chocolate shavings
Time Needed:
This delicious Coffee Mocha Chia Pudding will take about 15 minutes to prepare. After mixing all the ingredients, it needs a minimum of 4 hours to chill in the fridge, or you can leave it overnight for the best texture. So, you’ve got a quick prep time but a little patience will pay off!
Easy Steps to Follow:
1. Mixing the Base:
Start by combining your chia seeds, almond milk, cocoa powder, instant coffee (or espresso), maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until it is smooth and well-blended. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and thicken, so take your time to mix them thoroughly.
2. Letting It Thicken:
After mixing, let your pudding sit for about 5 minutes. This will help the chia seeds swell. Whisk it again after the sitting time to ensure that there are no clumps of chia seeds sticking together. This is important for a creamy pudding texture!
3. Chill Time:
Now, cover your bowl and pop it in the fridge. You’ll want to let it chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This gives the chia seeds ample time to absorb the liquid and turn into a creamy pudding.
4. Preparing to Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy your pudding, give it a good stir. If you find it’s too thick for your liking, mix in a splash of almond milk until you reach your preferred consistency. If you’d like to add a yummy coffee mocha mousse layer, you can blend together silken tofu, cocoa powder, and instant coffee until smooth and set aside.
5. Plating Your Dessert:
Spoon the thick chia pudding into serving glasses or bowls. If you’re going for that gorgeous layered look, carefully add the coffee mocha mousse on top of the chia pudding like a fluffy cloud!
6. Topping It Off:
Time for the finishing touches! Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top of your pudding. Then, garnish with fresh blueberries and raspberries for a pop of color. Finally, sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings over everything to make it look extra special!
7. Enjoy!
Serve your Coffee Mocha Chia Pudding chilled and enjoy this delightful treat any time of day. It’s a great snack, a breakfast option, or even a fancy dessert!
Can I Use Different Milk for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute almond milk with any milk you prefer, such as soy milk, oat milk, or even cow’s milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor may slightly change depending on your choice!
How Long Will the Pudding Last in the Fridge?
Your Coffee Mocha Chia Pudding will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Just give it a stir before enjoying it again!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly if you use maple syrup instead of honey. Use a non-dairy whipped topping to make it completely plant-based!
Can I Add Other Flavors?
Definitely! You can experiment by adding a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of peppermint extract, or even a little coconut milk for a different twist. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly based on your added flavors!
