Five-Ingredient Coconut Lime Chia Pudding

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

A refreshing, dairy-free chia pudding with bright lime and creamy coconut flavors, made with just five simple ingredients. This vegan-inspired desserts (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 5 minutes layers chia seeds, full fat coconut milk, maple syrup into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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: 5 min Serves 4 Vegan cuisine 180 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups full-fat coconut milk and 2 tbsp maple syrup until well combined and smooth.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/3 cup chia seeds, 1 tsp lime zest, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice until evenly distributed.
  3. Step 3: Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then whisk again to prevent clumping.
  4. Step 4: Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until the pudding thickens to a creamy consistency.
  5. Step 5: Before serving, stir the pudding once more and divide into 4 serving glasses. Optionally garnish with extra lime zest or toasted coconut flakes.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Small appliances → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Five-Ingredient Coconut Lime Chia Pudding take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Five-Ingredient Coconut Lime Chia Pudding?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Five-Ingredient Coconut Lime 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 Five-Ingredient Coconut Lime Chia Pudding for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Five-Ingredient Coconut Lime Chia Pudding vegan?

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