Coffee-Spiced Chocolate Chia Pudding

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich yet healthy dessert or breakfast pudding blending the boldness of coffee with chocolate and chia seeds for a creamy, nutrient-packed treat. This general-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes pairs unsweetened almond milk, chia seeds, unsweetened cocoa powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 3 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp instant coffee granules, 3 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and the coffee granules dissolve.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/3 cup chia seeds thoroughly until evenly distributed.
  3. Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, stirring once after 30 minutes to prevent clumps, until the pudding thickens to a creamy consistency.
  4. Step 4: Before serving, stir the pudding and divide into serving bowls. Top each with 2 tbsp dark chocolate shavings and 1/2 cup fresh berries.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Coffee-Spiced Chocolate Chia Pudding take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Coffee-Spiced Chocolate Chia Pudding?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsweetened almond milk from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coffee-Spiced Chocolate Chia Pudding?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Coffee-Spiced Chocolate Chia Pudding for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Coffee-Spiced Chocolate Chia Pudding vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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